The Youth Responsible Tourism Association (YoRTA), The Gambia, in collaboration with Leeds Metropolitan University from the UK, recently held a one-day symposium on ecotourism and sustainable tourism at the African Village Hotel, Bakau.

YoRTA is an association which comprises youths seeking to complement the efforts of government through the department of state for Tourism and Culture, Gambia Tourism Authority and some other responsible tourism partnership with a view to promote responsible tourism in The Gambia.

The students from the Leeds Metropolitan University headed by Wendy Mayfield, principal lecturer, comprised a seven group of design students studying at the Leeds School of Architecture, Landscape and Design Faculty of Arts and Society. Sustainable tourism in a  sense, is an industry which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment and the conservation of local ecosystems.

Prior to the symposium, the Leeds Metropolitan University students familiarised themselves with The Gambian culture, design and handicraft works. This has made the discussion lively and memorable. During the session, the visiting students and YoRTA, left no stone unturned, as they delt with important subjects as associated with ecotourism and sustainable tourism. The discussion was centred on education and study tourism; balancing authentic Gambia experience with western tourism expectation; tourist products and activities; gift and craft products; ecotourism and voluntary tourism among others.

Wendy Mayfield who was very happy with the students and the YoRTA members, confirmed that the Leeds Metropolitan University students were in the country to experience The Gambia and learn about its culture and people. She said their main reason of visiting The Gambia is to work with Solar Project Gambia, who produced very effective ovens, powered purely by the energy from the sun. According to her, solar energy has more benefits over wood fuelled cooking. “These benefits from solar energy include cost savings, health benefit through the lack of smoke and address the problem of deforestation,” she said.

Phoday S Touray and Seedy Lamin S. Bah, chairman and vice chairman of YoRTA, respectively, expressed delight in the response of the foreign students and members of YoRTA at the symposium. Other speakers at the symposium included Rupert Bozeat, group leader.