I think the main factor affecting tourism is the change in the political climate. Tourists came to the Gambia for one overlying reason: The peace and serenity that the country offered. I am sure some of us can recall the period of the late 70's and 80's when there was no army. The Field Force was present but their presence was rarely felt on the beaches and most areas of the country. There was the occasional police man walking unarmed perhaps with a truncheon for unruly elements. No guns, and no menacing or threatening attitude. Our faithful tourists would come to the country year after year to enjoy this peace and serenity. Now the situation is different. Like it or not, The Gambia is a military state and the presence of men with little education and much less regard for basic human rights carrying AK 47s and M16s cannot be avoided. Most of the repeat visitors, of which there were many, have most likely noticed the change in political climate. And, except for the few brave faithful, the majority have decided to stay away. I understand that there are other underlying factors that are killing this trade. the country's multitude of attractions have not been adequately developed to cater to tourists nor is their a good campaign to get these people to visit beautiful Gambia. But I can bet my last Dollar that if the Gambian returns to civility and once again becomes the civil, relaxed, beautiful place it once was, the old faithful will return in record numbers. Until then, the tourist industry will continue to die slowly. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------