Travel and tourism industry grows amidst the global recession
Popularly known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa”, the travel and tourism industry in Gambia continued to grow in the review period amidst the global recession. Tourist numbers are increasing and as a result, are providing strong income revenue for the country. Gambia is capitalising on its reputation as one of the safest and cheapest travel destinations in Africa. The Gambian government has recognised the importance of the travel and tourism industry in the country and is fully committed to its development so as to increase its contribution to the economy. It has embarked on a number of measures to boost the industry’s development, such as running tourism campaigns on major platforms such as CNN to encourage foreign tourists to see what the country has to offer.
Diversification of tourism products
The travel and tourism industry in Gambia is currently reliant on charter flights with the vast majority of tourists visiting the country on travel packages. Aware of increasing competition from emerging tourist destinations, as well as the changing trends in global tourism, the Gambian government is looking for ways to craft new tourism products and also improve existing ones in a bid to meet the ever changing tastes of discerning tourists who are craving new high quality experiences. Efforts are being made to enhance the development of cultural heritage and eco-tourism so as to compete and position Gambia firmly in the vibrant international travel and tourism industry. A new multi-million dalasi beach craft market has been commissioned and will create a favourable environment for domestic tourism players to showcase their products to tourists visiting the country.
Cultural heritage tourism potential
Culture plays an important role in the daily lives of many Gambians. One of the fastest growing niches within Gambia’s travel and tourism industry is cultural heritage tourism. The country’s greatest asset is its rich blend of ethnic groups, beliefs and deeply-rooted traditions. Also representing its cultural past are important historic buildings and heritage sites associated with slavery, European settlement and colonisation of the country. Gambia is in a great position to capitalise on cultural heritage tourism as the government is committed to attracting additional visitors including heritage tourists, culture seekers, ethnic travellers and other special interest groups who are keen to discover their roots. Some of the major festivals that will contribute to the development of cultural heritage tourism in Gambia include the Banjul Demba Cultural Festival and the International Homecoming Roots Festival, as well as the Kanilai International Cultural Festival.
Sex tourism remains a major cause for concern
The travel and tourism industry’s growth not only represents an economic boom for Gambia, but it is also having a negative socioeconomic and cultural impact in the case of sex tourism. Sexual exploitation is a growing problem which concerns many countries and while travel and tourism is not directly to blame for sex tourism in Gambia, the industry makes it possible. In order to address this threat, Gambia introduced the Tourism Offences Act in 2003 and has also set up a national task force to address child sex tourism. A national plan of action has also been developed. The government is also a member of the Task Force to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation in Tourism, a multi-agency group set up by the World Tourism Organization.
Optimism despite slow recovery of the global economy
Despite the slow recovery of the global economy, the travel and tourism industry in Gambia is poised for a bright future. Government efforts to expand and diversify the industry will have a significantly positive impact on the economy over the forecast period. The country’s great tourism potential, combined with the fact that Gambia is regarded as a cheap and friendly holiday destination, will make the country stand out amongst the best travel destinations in West Africa. Nevertheless, like other travel destinations, tourism in Gambia has continued to impose a lot of challenges. Major potential forecast threats to growth that need to be addressed include prostitution, drug peddling, human rights violations and the increasing number of “bumsters”local people who hassle tourists for cash.
1 comment:
visit the gambia tourism authority department at the Gambian embassy in Kensington, they'll have a lot of information for you. Ask for Ida Jeng Njie, she's my cousin's wife, she's really very lovely approachable and knowledgeable she'll be helpful. good luck
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