In a move to better prepare ahead of the annual Banjul New Year Cultural Festival events, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture on Wednesday 3rd July 2024 held its first inaugural stakeholders meeting at the conference room of the Ministry in Banjul.
The Banjul New Year Festival is one of the most popular events organized yearly in December up to the new year, attracting thousands of Gambians and non-Gambians locally and internationally.
The meeting was held to chart a way forward to better organize the event including how to handle the crowd, the traffic, and the hunting groups.
Speaking at the event, Honorable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture reminded the stakeholders of the importance of culture, saying that no society can develop without culture.
Minister Jobe further stated that the Gambia is a tourism destination and it is during this time of the year that most tourists would want to come for holidays including Gambians in the diaspora.
“Therefore, it is important that we prepare, plan, and meet monthly ahead of December so that the event can be well-staged and free from troubles,” he said.
The Minister also informed the gathering that his Ministry will continue to support the event to make it the best while commending the organizers of the previous events for their support and determination in ensuring that it was held yearly in Banjul.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism and Culture