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Momodou
Denmark
11829 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Sep 2007 : 01:55:37
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PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Dakar – Senegal
31st October – 4th November 2007
The "Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism" ( ASSET ) in The Gambia and the "National Organisation for Tourism Integration in Senegal" ( ONITS ) in Senegal are creating this unique opportunity to showcase and promote the SeneGambian Tourism Industry to an international audience by organising the first ever Sub-regional Tourism Fair this year.
Be responsible – be part of it
Responsible business practice is good business and it pays. It is a way of making business not “just for the money” bottom line but also for taking responsibility for the positive social and environmental development of countries we operate in. This is why ASSET (of The Gambia) and ONITS (of Senegal) signed an MOU in November 2006 to promote Responsible Tourism Development in Senegal and The Gambia. The two associations pledged to realise this by addressing the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental responsibility and by engaging in product development and marketing. Almost one year after signing the MOU in Dakar, Mboka 2007 is to help make this pledge a reality by promoting and showcasing the Senegambian tourism industry to an international audience in the form of a first-ever sub-regional tourism fair.
Supported by tourism stakeholders and the governments of The Gambia and Senegal, Mboka 2007 is to take place at place de l’independence, in Dakar from 31st. October to 4th. November 2007 and its organisers are planning to make it an annual affair.
The maiden fair will be officially opened by His Excellency the President of The Republic of Senegal, Maitre Abdoulaye Wade and a high-powered delegation from the government and private sector of The Gambia. By an extensive marketing and advertising campaign, using all available media (banners, brochures, invitations, TV, radio and the internet) organisers hope to ensure that this event will be an international and sub-regional focal point for the world of tourism trade fairs.
The objectives of the occasion include showcasing a more developed and diverse product in order to continue to attract people from our established markets and from new ones. We are aware that tourists seek a variety of experiences and that the traditional sun, sand and sea holiday market is increasingly competitive and in decline. The SeneGambian region and its people have much to offer international visitors and the organisers of this fair want to grow the industry in ways, which maximise the benefits (economic, social and environmental) to the peoples of SeneGambia.
It also involves displaying the cultural diversity of both countries. It is important that along with our colleagues in the originating markets we develop tourism products which enable our visitors to enjoy the cultural diversity and to have positive interactions with our communities, sharing something of our local living culture.
Thirdly the natural environment of The Gambia and Senegal is an important resource for the tourism industry; it is in the interest of the industry that it is conserved. The tourism industry is also a major consumer of natural resources and its environmental impacts need to be managed, particularly where its impacts adversely affect other stakeholders. This fair will be used to showcase environmental sustainability.
Participants:
Top priority will be given to small-scale tourism enterprises operating in both countries, community based tourism enterprises and other indigenous producers who would like to establish links with the tourism industry for the marketing of their products. Considerations will also be given to other tourism enterprises that are owned and run by indigenes of African countries.
Partners and Sponsors
Partners and sponsors are all advocates and practitioners of Sustainable/Responsible business development in The Gambia and Senegal in particular and Africa as a whole. Sponsoring such an event is a way of putting your mark in the development of a better Africa and also affirming our belief that the destiny of a prosperous Africa lies in our own hands.
Activities Before and During the Fair
In The Gambia there will be two pre-fair activities in the form of a Craft competition organised by the Product Development Committee of ASSET to help raise the profile of innovative craft for the Dakar fair and a workshop on Responsible Tourism targeting all participants t0 the Dakar Tourism fair.
During the fair the following side activities will take place: • Cultural performances
• SeneGambia Fashion Show and Miss SeneGambia.
• A Cultural Night at Daniel Sorano
• A wrestling match
• An Investment Forum on “Responsible Tourism Investment in Africa”
WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM?
Responsible Tourism:
- minimises negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances;
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world's diversity;
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
- provides access for physically challenged people; and
- is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.
Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destinations 2002
Partners and sponsors to MBOKA 2007 can contact the following:
Mr. George Riegg, Fair Co-ordinator on 770 7090
Mr. Sheikh Tijan Nyang, Chair of Fair Committee on 770 1330
Mr. Adama Bah, Chair of ASSET on 991 7343
Mrs. Olivia Gillen, Treasurer of ASSET on 991 8727
ASSET OFFICE: Daouda or Sarah on 9900545, 9858942, 4497675
GTA OFFICE: Fatou Beyai Raji or Aida Jeng Njie on 4462490
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