Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Over 40 tourist flights will land at the Banjul International Airport weekly throughout the 2013/2014 winter tourism season that started since late October, The Gambia’s minister of Tourism and Culture has disclosed. Minister Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie made the disclosure Friday at the Airport during an interview with journalists.

Her comments came as officials of her Ministry led by herself recently concluded an aggressive promotional and marketing campaign in the Europe and the Americas, during which they showcased what Destination Gambia has to offer in terms of tourism products and services as well as sell the 2014 International Roots Festival. “For this season, the country will witness an in flux of tourists  as over 40 flights will regularly land on the shores of The Gambia every week from different tour operators,” she affirmed.

The minister further disclosed that Thomas Cook alone will make over 12 flights to the destination every week since they have increased their capacity and number of tourists to Banjul. She indicated that they are expecting more maiden flights from different countries including Russia, whose tourism stakeholders, she said, have expressed their utmost interest in The Gambia during their last month familiarisation trip to the destination. 

In an attempt to make the sector an all-year-round business, she affirmed that their focus is still on tapping the sub-regional markets given the challenges faced during green season. “This can only be overcome if we perhaps look at the Russian markets and the sub-region in particular to achieve the all-year-round objectives,” she stated.

Hotel capacity

Commenting on issues of capacity in relation to accommodation at Gambian hotels, the Tourism minister admitted that, “most of the hotels are already having overbooking situation in this particular 2013/2014 winter season.” She hastened to commend President Jammeh for his continued concern over this situation, informing that he is currently doing something to tackle the problem.

 "Whilst there are good developments ongoing at Fajara Hotel and Wadner Beach Hotel, Sunbeach and Ocean Bay Hotels are currently being leased out,” Minister Jobe-Njie indicated.

Private sector investment

The minister used the opportunity to encourage the private sector to invest in the hotel and hospitality industry, observing that a number of facilities within the sector needed upgrading.

Given that tourism is one of the most important sectors and the second highest earner of foreign exchange in The Gambia after agriculture, the minister urged all and sundry to contribute to its development and ensure that tourists are well treated.

Recalling that last year they attained 16 per cent in terms of arrivals, Jobe-Njie expressed hope that they can jump to 20 percent this year given that more people have shown interest to visit the destination. ``But this cannot be done if there is hassle and harassment of tourists,`` she added.

The minister concluded by commending all the partners and members of the Cabinet under the guidance of President Jammeh for the ceaseless support and cooperation being rendered to advance the industry.

Author: Yunus S Saliu