The ECOWAS Commission has launched a five-day ECOTOUR 19-29 training on regional tourism policy at Bakadaji Hotel, bringing together tourism officials, private sector stakeholders, immigration experts, and development partners. The initiative aims to strengthen intra-regional tourism and economic integration among ECOWAS member states.
Dr. Tony Luka Elumelu, Director of Private Sector, highlighted the importance of tourism in regional integration, emphasizing The Gambia’s significant role in Africa’s tourism sector. He noted that ECOWAS has adopted legal instruments to support tourism activities and ensure harmonized processes across the region.
ECOWAS Tourism Consultant Sheikh Tijan Nyang recalled efforts to build capacity in hotel classification, a key component of tourism development. He emphasized that many member states were previously unfamiliar with the policy but have been engaged through extensive outreach.
Nyang, who chairs the Tourism and Hospitality Classification (THC) project, stressed the importance of setting standards and familiarizing countries with the ECOWAS tourism policy. He encouraged participants to engage openly in discussions to maximize the workshop’s benefits.
Ellen T. Johnson, Country Director of Commonwealth Business Women, expressed optimism that the training would foster stronger intercontinental trade relations.
