By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia government, through the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, has announced 13 licensed Hajj tour operators for 2024. These operators are authorized to transport pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia for the 2024 pilgrimage.
“The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs is pleased to announce that official preparations for the 2024 hajj season have begun in earnest. The Gambia International Airlines, GIA, and private operators which were licensed by the National Hajj Commission for the 2023 hajj will be retained for the same services for the 2024 hajj.
“In view of the limited country quota and other important requirements that have to be met, the following operators have been authorized to transport pilgrims to and from Mecca and provide hajj services for the 2024 hajj.
1. Gambia International Airlines
2. Banjul Travel Agency
3. Tivaouane Travel & Tours
4. Orbit Travel Agency
5. Travel Express Agency
6. Continental Travels Ltd
7. Amana Travel & Tours
8. Maya Global Travel Agency
9. Algasimou Travel Agency
10. Crossbreed Travels Ltd
11. Group Soninkara Travel Agency
12. Al – Huda Travel Agency
13. Alfaz Travel Agency,”
The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs announced that the National Hajj Commission will continue to strictly regulate the Hajj 2024 to ensure its success. The ministry also advised intending pilgrims and those acting on their behalf to engage with only the travel agencies licensed by the ministry.
“Engagements with individual agents representing agencies other than the approved ones are strictly discouraged.
“Pilgrims and persons acting on their behalf who do otherwise are warned that they are doing so at their own risk. The government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, and the National Hajj Commission working with the Hajj Travel Operators is dedicated to ensure that Gambian pilgrims receive reliable and quality services for a fulfilling Hajj,” they concluded.