The origins of Sheraton date back to 1937 when the company’s founders, Ernest Henderson and Robert Moore, acquired their first hotel in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference yesterday, the General Manager of Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort and Spa, Jennifer Buhr, said Sheraton is the first 5 star internationally branded hotels to operate in The Gambia.

She added that during the hunt by the owner for a location to build the hotel, his search teams’ attention was drawn to a cluster of trees they could see from a helicopter. “The exotic baobab and palm trees were seen fringing the Atlantic coastline on a carpet of green and yellow, creeping plants next to an untouched part of the golden sandy beach. This is one of the best that I have ever seen in my life. We are delighted to be in The Gambia to improve the tourism industry in the country. The hotel opens its door to the customers and we also do catering for outsiders,” she said.

GM Buhr added that their is no doubt that The Gambia is capable of making more gains on the branded hotel like Sheraton, adding that there is need to encourage tourists to come as the country is stable, has good sunlight, friendly people and good environment. She noted that the hotel has well trained staff but was quick to reveal that they will not reveal the value of the hotel.

Ms Buhr pointed out that the all inclusive is not yet permitted as the directive has to come from the President. She said the hotel has signed with all tour operators and all the major markets like Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal and other countries.

On his part Ebou Waggeh, Director of Public Relations for Sheraton, who took the media practitioners on a tour of the hotel, said the design for Sheraton Gambia is uniquely African, blending northern, western and southern African design styles. He said three years of meticulous crafting have succeeded in creating one of Africa’s finest hospitality service providers on the continents’ smallest country.

The Sheraton Gambia’s edifice, he said, is fitted with the latest cutting edge technologies in the hospitality industry. He added that Sheraton Gambia has 195 plush rooms, each offering guests a clear panoramic sunset ocean view as well as internet and international telephone service and pay-preview TV.

Mr. Waggeh, a seasoned journalist, told media practitioners that the modular fitting of the meeting rooms allows flexibility to meet all business expectations. He said the Grand Kunta Kinteh hall has wireless internet and the walls are sound proof with a capacity of 800 to 1000 people.