ECOWAS Wraps Up Landmark Regional Tourism Training in The Gambia, Envision 10 Million Tourists by 2029.
By Raymond Enoch
n a landmark initiative to boost regional tourism, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) successfully concluded a high-level five-day training workshop in Banjul, aimed at enhancing responsible tourism and the free movement of people across West Africa.
The training, which brought together policymakers, tourism professionals, and stakeholders from across the ECOWAS Member States, was focused on strengthening tourism integration, supporting economic growth, and fostering cross-border cooperation.
Delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, Director for Private Sector, Dr. Anthony Elumelu, underscored the region’s ambitious goal of attracting 10 million intra-community tourist movements annually by 2029. This aligns with the implementation of the ECOTOUR Regional Policy (2021-2030), which emphasizes sustainable tourism development and the critical role of tourism in driving regional integration.
As part of the closing ceremony, participants were awarded certificates, marking a significant step toward ensuring that tourism becomes a key contributor to the region’s economic development. The tourism sector currently contributes around USD 85 million annually to West Africa’s GDP, creating approximately 42,000 direct jobs and 40,000 indirect jobs. ECOWAS is committed to raising this figure by ensuring tourism contributes at least 12% to the GDP of Member States.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration and the decentralization of training initiatives to reach rural and border communities. These regions are pivotal in realizing the full potential of regional tourism integration. Participants emphasized the need for stronger collaboration with immigration and border management authorities, calling for harmonized policies to dismantle existing barriers to mobility, enterprise growth, and professional development.
In her address, Mrs. Ndeye Tabara Touray, Director of the ECOWAS National Office in The Gambia, commended the spirit of partnership displayed throughout the training. She stressed the need for coherent policy implementation to ensure that tourism serves as a lever for job creation, social cohesion, and economic development across the region.
The strategic importance of The Gambia as a tourism hub within the ECOWAS region was underscored, with stakeholders recognizing its role in enhancing cultural understanding and regional prosperity. The Gambia’s vibrant tourism sector, supported by initiatives like this workshop, continues to be a vital component in achieving West Africa’s long-term development goals.
The ECOWAS Commission remains committed to advancing inclusive tourism that benefits local communities, particularly women and youth, through a people-centered approach to regional integration.
