#Headlines

Miami-Banjul direct flights in pipeline

Oct 16, 2023, 2:01 PM

Authorities are working diligently to get direct flights from Miami to Banjul (8 hours direct flight) with onward connections to Freetown & Monrovia as well as sea connectivity from Miami to Banjul (sailing time of 8 days).

Miami is the Gateway of South America and the Carribbean Islands-combined they have the largest African population outside the continent.

The US$68 million Tourism Resilience and Diversification Project financed by the World Bank under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture and The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is about to kick-start with huge impact expected on the country’s tourism sector.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved on June 9, a $68 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the diversification and climate resilience of the tourism sector in The Gambia.

The Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia project aims to assist the country by strengthening the institutional and policy framework, improve capabilities and access to funds for tourism related Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) suppliers, and enhance the attractiveness of selected existing but underdeveloped destinations. The project will also strengthen the sustainability of the coastal areas.

“The Gambia’s tourism sector is a key contributor to GDP and employment generation, but it is prone to both endogenous and exogenous risks that limit the sector’s potential for inclusive and resilient growth,” said Feyi Boroffice, World Bank Resident Representative for The Gambia.

“The project takes a holistic approach to tourism development by focusing on tourism infrastructure, enablers, attractors and promoters to support the tourism ecosystem, provide opportunities for women and build climate resilience,” said Rafael Pardo, Financial Sector Specialist and Project Task Team Leader.