The second batch of tourists for the 2010-2011 winter tourist season arrived in the country on Wednesday at 4a.m. local time.
The tourists numbering two hundred and twenty-eight (228) were brought by the Condor flight directly from Germany to The Gambia.
The acting-director of Tourism accompanied by senior officials from her department as well as journalists was at the foot of the aircraft to receive the holidaymakers.
Speaking to journalists, Fatou Biyai, director of Tourism, thanked all those who companied her to the airport to receive the second flight of tourists into the country.
She said the coming of the Condor flight has really increased the number of expected tourists for this year’s tourist season.
The senior tourism official noted that the Ministry of Tourism is looking at how to increase the number of tourist arrivals annually.
Madam Biyai said that over the years they have been having what they call the ‘back parkers’ coming to the country but they have also been encouraging more newcomers as well.
“Since we had the tour with the Minister, we have seen that most of the hotels have improved in their qualities,” she explained.
The director went further to reveal that the industry has 4 to 5 star hotels and many other hotels offer high quality services.
“The Condor flight which has been absent in The Gambia for the past four years is now coming to The Gambia four times per week. “We are hoping to increase the number of flights that are coming to the country,” the tourism director said.
According to her, the Ministry of Tourism has started working on a lot of things to encourage other airlines to come to the country.
“Hopefully for next year we are expecting other two airlines to join Condor,” she said.
