Ex- Gambian leader urges intra-Africa tourism

Former Gambian leader, Sir Dauda Kairaba Jawara, has called for closer cooperation among African countries in the interest of Tourism development. Jawara was addressing the 5th Akwaaba Africa Travel Market (AFTM) in the Nigerian Commercial capital of Lagos, where he was presented with the Africa Legend Award. This is an annual fair that brings together people involved in the travel and tourism sector from across the region. According to its organizers, investors have the potential to reach over 250 million people in the region through it.

The former Gambian president, according to the Vanguard Newspaper in Nigeria, told the gathering that tourism, as an important factor for economic growth and poverty reduction, is essential for sustenance of peace and development on the continent.

The population of the continent and its diverse cultural heritage, according to Jawara, serve as a prestigious attraction and will be especially beneficial for intra-Africa travel and tourism. This, he added, would enable Africans to know each other better, promote peace, and unity among the various African countries.

“There are more than 50 countries in Africa with various attractions and culture that Africa should really not look outside for tourists but inward for tourism development. I emphasize intra-Africa travel and tourism to all Africans. We have to know each other better for a good foundation of closer cooperation and integration on the continent,” Jawara said.

At the same occasion was former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who, while officially declaring the fair open, described tourism as one of the major foreign exchange earners for countries on the African continent. Chief Anyaoku argued that it will not be out of place if tourism becomes the catalyst for a country’s economic development and urged the governments to give it adequate attention.

The Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Chief Segun Runsewe, in his statement, pointed to the attendance of this year’s fair by the former Gambian leader as an endorsement of the moment and the seriousness of Nigerian tourism. He expressed optimism that Akwaaba would in future compete with the leading world travel markets and other international travel events.