Gambia: Gambia Tourism Profile
2015/03/21
![BANJUL THE GAMBIA The ferry across the River Gambia where concepts such as full are unknown.](/sites/default/files/BANJUL THE GAMBIA The ferry across the River Gambia where concepts such as full are unknown..jpg)
Stable economy provides funds for travel and tourism
Despite possessing an underdeveloped economy at the same time as compared to other African nations, which take chance of the rich natural resources available, Gambia has been capable of presenting interesting economic increase indicators. The high impact of agriculture and the exportation of agriculture products have been enabling the country’s GDP to grow and an increasing level of funds has been provided in order to develop travel and tourism-related infrastructures and services.
Gambia Tourism Authority holds a decisive role within travel and tourism
The Gambian Government has by presently recognised that travel and tourism has huge potential to help grow the country’s economy; as a result, it has been making efforts to offer funding to the official Gambia Tourism Authority. Under the slogan, “Go discover... the smiling coast of Africa”, the Gambia Tourism Authority has been making its presence known in significant international promotional fairs and events and has been forming partnerships with international embassies. Its good results are evident and its major goal is to turn travel and tourism into a major industry within Gambia.
Travel and tourism diversity makes Gambia an international draw
Although some of the major travel and tourism infrastructures remain at underdeveloped, the extraordinary diversity of that travel and tourism opportunities that Gambia has to offer has been attracting a lot of tourists. European tourists, particularly British, Dutch and Swedish ones, are attracted to the exceptional weather conditions and luxury resorts available. In parallel, ecotourism, bird watching, fishing and boat trips as well attract tourists to visit the Gambian territory.
Commonwealth expulsion and sex tourism have negative impact
Glamorous and luxury resorts conceal local misery, human rights violations and other social problems. There are recurring reports of political opponents being executed and abuses of power by the Government. Political and monetary power is available only to a small group of citizens close to the Government and this scenario creates social unrest. In addition, Gambia’s travel and tourism industry is as well known for the worst reasons. Child sex tourism is still widespread in the country and this led to Gambia’s expulsion from the Commonwealth, which has created a fear that there will be a social and economic setback.
Marketing efforts expected to boost travel and tourism
Due to the fear created by Gambia’s expulsion from the Commonwealth in October 2013, its Government is working to address all of the accusations under the penalty of additional international sanctions. In parallel, supported by the Gambia Tourism Authority, the Government is expected to reinforce its marketing and promotional activities in order to boost the travel and tourism industry over the estimate period, with all categories anticipated to grow.
Travel and tourism industry grows amidst the world recession
Diversification of tourism products
Cultural heritage tourism potential
Sex tourism remains a major cause for concern
Optimism despite slow recovery of the world economy
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