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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 50538, member: 636"]
Tourism boss Sheikh Tejan Nyang fired up Caribbean leaders during a major summit in Jamaica. The Gambian expert told government chiefs that Africa and the Caribbean must team up through travel partnerships. He delivered his powerful speech at the CARICOM meeting that ran from July 6 to 8 in Montego Bay. The head of Gambia's tourism institute called for stronger ties between both regions. His presentation focused on jobs, education and cultural heritage projects.

Nyang revealed that African tourism pumps out 168 billion dollars yearly and creates work for over 18 million people. Gambia alone employs 42,000 workers in hotels and resorts who support nearly 300,000 family members. The tourism expert pushed for direct flights between West Africa and Caribbean islands to boost visitor numbers. He claimed the journey takes just five or six hours but lacks proper air connections. Airlines could easily bridge the gap with better route planning.

The Gambian leader highlighted two major cultural events that bring people together across continents. The Roots Festival celebrates shared African heritage while the NinkiNanka Trail offers village tourism experiences. He wants both regions to copy successful programs and share tourism training methods. Nyang believes slavery and colonialism split families apart but travel can reunite communities. Caribbean and African governments should work together rather than compete for tourists and investment dollars.
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