The annual Tourist Stakeholders Meeting on burning issues affecting the industry was yesterday held at the Kairaba Hotel. The confab brought together all the stakeholders in the industry, ranging from ground tour operators to beach bar owners.

Susan Waffa-Ogoo, the Secretary of State for Tourism and Culture, who opened the meeting said the meeting is crucial as they are preparing for a new tourism season, with lots of brighter prospects for the country.

According to her, the Department of State for Tourism and Culture and the GTA have achieved a lot and will continue to promote The Gambia as a good tourist destination. She then noted to achieve the much- talked about quality tourism and safety, security is of paramount importance.

Speaking earlier, a member of the GTA Board of Directors, Alieu Momarr Njie, on behalf of his Chairman, said the annual meeting is meant to thrash out ways of developing the industry. “Feel free to air your views for us to know,” he said.

After the official opening, the meeting proceeded on a brainstorming session, opened by Mr Charbel Hobeika, a ground tour operator who stressed the need for the Live Savers at the TDA.

This point was supported by the GTA boss, Kaliba Senghore, who stressed the need for the Life Savers to form an association in order to have more support.

On the issue of hassling at Albreda and Juffureh, Mr Hobeika said despite appeals made to the relevant authorities, the menace continued to be a major problem, and then noted that if something is not done operators could boycott the two villages.

But, SoS Waffa-Ogoo asked for time to thrash out the issue before any punitive measure is taken as the areas are included in the World Heritage Sites list. According to her, GTA and the community would meet and discuss before any action is taken. “Let’s give them the opportunity by engaging them in a dialogue”.

The head of the Tourist Security Unit, Lt Gomez said all they need is support from the stakeholders to extend their services to the Juffureh area. He suggested that the GTA should liaise with the Chief of Defence Staff on that issue.

The occasion was chaired by Isatou Sallah, Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Tourism and Culture.