Africa-Press – Gambia. A high-level delegation from the Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has commended The Gambia for its management and promotion of cultural heritage, describing the country as a model for heritage branding and community engagement in Africa.
The five-member team, led by Ambassador Dr. Noella Myonga, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner of the Tanzania National Parks, conducted an official study tour hosted by the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC). Other members included Miriam Mkonya, Erick Jordan, Emeltha Prudence, and Zuhura Mohamed.
In an interview, Ambassador Myonga said the visit aimed to study best practices in branding, conservation, and tourism development of cultural heritage sites.
“We came as a delegation specifically working with World Heritage Sites under Tanzania National Parks,” she said. “Tanzania has been a leader in wildlife conservation and tourism management since 1959. About eight years ago, five cultural heritage sites were placed under our management, and we sought to strengthen their conservation, development, and tourism promotion.”
Tanzania, which manages 21 national parks and is home to 124 ethnic groups, has increasingly focused on leveraging cultural heritage for tourism revenue. “Tourism numbers at our cultural sites have grown over the past two to three years, but we want more. We came to The Gambia to learn how to brand and develop these sites to make them more attractive and sustainable,” Ambassador Myonga added.
The delegation visited key cultural and historical landmarks, including the Arch 22 (Never Again Memorial Centre), National Museum, Katchikally Crocodile Sacred Pool, Abuko Nature Reserve, Fort Bullen, Kunta Kinteh Island, and other NCAC-managed facilities. They also toured the International Trade Centre to discuss institutional support for heritage development.
Ambassador Myonga praised the organization of The Gambia’s national archives and museums, describing both the physical and digital systems as impressive. She also highlighted the warm hospitality extended to the delegation. “The kindness from the moment we communicated with your officials to our arrival at the airport has been exceptional. We truly felt among brothers and sisters,” she said.
NCAC Director General Hassoum Ceesay described the visit as a demonstration of African solidarity and cooperation. “We are proud of this engagement. Their tourism app is a well-designed platform for heritage promotion, something we can replicate here in The Gambia,” he said. He also noted Tanzania’s approach to integrating natural and cultural heritage management as a valuable lesson.
Mamat Sallah, NCAC Director of Cultural Heritage, emphasized community involvement in heritage management. “Your visit boosts our morale and shows that our work is recognized beyond The Gambia. Communities are central to the success of any heritage site,” he said.
Assistant Director for Museums and Monuments Ebrima Jammeh described the visit as the start of a long-term partnership. “A family bond has been created. There is much more we can learn from each other, especially in wildlife conservation and cultural preservation,” he said.
On behalf of Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, and Conservation Commissioner Alhaji Juma Kuji, Ambassador Myonga thanked the Government and people of The Gambia for their hospitality. She extended an invitation to Gambia’s officials to visit Tanzania to continue strengthening collaboration.
The visit represents a significant step in fostering South-South cooperation between The Gambia and Tanzania in heritage conservation, tourism development, and cultural exchange.
