(Thursday 24th October 2019 Issue)
As
the collapse of Thomas Cook Group continues to be a hot topic among
stakeholders in different spheres, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of African
Adventure Tours has stressed the need to find a good balance to deal with
scheduled and charter flights to avoid strong impact in future.
Commenting
on the recent start of the 2019 winter tourism season and the effect of the
collapsed of Thomas Cook Group on Gambia tourism, Liane Sallah disclosed that
destination Gambia is still feeling the impact of the collapse of the UK based
carrier, as there was no balance contingency plan in the beginning.
She
explained that had it been there was a better balance in dealing with charter
and scheduled flights, the impact would have been minimised.“If one charter
flight of a tour operator collapses, the country will feel it less hard than
the country is feeling it now.”
She
described the coming of TAP Portugal, a Portuguese airline to the destination
as “a good move”, further expressing optimism that the airline will have a
wonderful start.
CEO
Sallah, who is also the grand handler of Corendon Airlines, encouraged
passengers to stay very positive and acknowledged the strength of The Gambia.
She
maintained that it might be difficult at beginning of the season compared to
previous seasons, because of the absence of Thomas Cook, but assured passengers
that flights from other European destinations are coming to Banjul.
She
recalled that last year The Gambia had no scheduled flight, but now Turkish
airlines, FTI among others are here. “So it is not going to be that bad.”
However,
she observed that British tourists coming to the destination might be less, but
assured that as British people love The Gambia, they will find a way to come,”
especially that The Gambia Experience has increased its frequency with three additional
flights to Smiling Coast.