COVID-19: Gambia plans to cushion economic effects on hospitality industry

The Gambian Tourism Minister Hamat Bah, has disclosed plan by the government to address the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic on hospitality industry.

According to the minister, the plan is a response to the request of the stakeholders in the hospitality industry.

The stakeholders had requested financial and practical support to both the travel and hospitality sectors in a bid to save the industry from the coronavirus pandemic.

They complained bitterly that the pandemic had heavily impacted the industry and could wipe out the entire sector if government fails to act in bailing them out.

Reacting to the request, Hamat Bah stated that government was aware of the effects of the coronavirus on the hospitality industry and as such.

Minister Bah disclosed that a stakeholder meeting had already been convened between the government and the industrial stakeholders at which possible areas of intervention as well as clear measures to support the hospitality sectors were discussed.

“Government is responsible and we are very concerned especially when it comes to the hospitality industry,” he said.

“We have made this known to them during our discussions and plans are in advance stages. We know what we are doing and we are going to act in the most responsible manner,” Bah added.