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Momodou
Denmark
11767 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Aug 2007 : 22:01:58
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ASSET Sets Up Information Centre
By Isatou Bittaye
The Association of Small Scale Entreprises in Tourism (ASSET), in collaboration with The Gambia Tourism Authority, has set up a tourism information centre, called "Cultural Encounters" at Timbooktoo bookshop along the Bakau New Town highway.
Speaking at a press briefing at the centre on Friday, the development manager of ASSET, Mr. Daouda Niang, disclosed that the information centre aims to expose the cultural diversity of The Gambia through arts and craft, community tourism as well as to promote cultural encounters between hosts and guests. Mr. Niang added that the centre also aims to showcase the cultural diversity of The Gambia, noting that ASSET wants tourists to learn and know more about Gambian culture. He indicated that ASSET aims to assist and support small-scale enterprises in tourism to trade fairly and pursue sustainable development, which will contribute to the conservation of the physical environment and the social and economic welfare of The Gambian community.
Mr. Niang said ASSET's role in the community is to contribute in improving the tourism product in The Gambia, provide assistance to members with product development, marketing, training, quality control and access to finance, promote networking and joint activities amongst members. He further said that ASSET also contributes to sustainable development within The Gambian tourism industry by using principles and practices of Fair Trade in tourism, identify appropriate quality standards for members and the protection of Small-Scale business interests in the mass market tourist industry.
Also speaking at the briefing, ASSET's Marketing Manager, Mr. Seedy Conteh said the centre is here not only for tourists but also for The Gambian community, noting that it can provide correct information for people. Mr. Conteh added that it can also serve as a place for private meetings, and students coming to buy books can also sit and glance through the books.
He said that ASSET has decided to name the centre "Cultural Encounters" because they are encouraging our community to interact and socialise within our culture. Seedy noted that the centre also has a 'Mango Cage' which provides snacks and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere and it opens between the hours of 10am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday. Mr. Conteh urged the people, NGOs, students and everybody to utilise the centre as it is there for them.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 94/2007, 13 - 14 August 2007
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