#Editorial

Tourism: Welcome to the Smiling Coast!

Oct 11, 2024, 9:53 AM | Article By: EDITORIAL

The tourism industry is one of the world’s largest industries, representing 10% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and accounting for 25% of new jobs pre-pandemic. As a key driver of the global economy, the industry has a long history of contributing to global sustainable development.

In The Gambia, aside from agriculture, tourism is the main contributor to the country’s GDP thus providing employment to a countless number of youth in the sector. From the Roots Village of Juffureh, James Island, Fort Bullen, Janjanbureh and other parts of the country, there are in fact countless interesting sites to explore.

Also, with over 650 bird species and vibrant nightlife, Destination Gambia assures visitors of abundant sunlight throughout the year.

With a vibrant cultural history amid friendly people, Destination Gambia is one spot where guests are welcome in all communities.

In this pursuit, tourism officials in their quest to attract more arrivals over the past have embarked on numerous initiatives, aimed at rebuilding and modernising tourism infrastructures throughout the country. 

On Thursday, we ran a story in which The Gambia Tourism official has disclosed that The Gambia is expecting about 232,000 tourist arrivals in 2024-2025 season. 

Abubacarr S. Camara, the director general of Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), made this disclosure as he updated the press on GTBoard’s mandate and ongoing projects at the Ministry of Information’s monthly.

DG Camara also pointed out that GTBoard has long been working hard to regain their position in the German market after FTI's departure by convincing TUI to bring tourists from Germany.

However, it is important to note that around the globe, countries invest a huge sum of money in promoting their tourism sector and it is for a good reason.

As a leader when it comes to attracting both new arrivals and repeaters, the Smiling Coast has pride itself with excellence services amid its unlimited potential.  

This reminds us about the need to promote sustainable tourism strategies and innovation to ensure value for money.

Destination Gambia has already carved a niche for itself as a preferred destination to explore. This is even indicated in the growing number of new arrivals that are eager to visit, thanks to its lovely and welcoming people.

People travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape them. Therefore, the travel and hospitality sector plays an integral part of human life and contributes greatly to national economies. 

Around the globe, new structures are being put up every day as countries move to market their cultural heritage sites to attract arrival numbers. It is a significant player not only in global growth, but also provides a number of employment benefits.

Thus, let’s welcome our guests as they arrive from different locations around the globe. The Gambia is widely referred to as the Smiling Coast of Africa and it is uttered for a good reason.