The Gambia remains in orange list on few of its source market due to public health situation in the country which needs improvement not just only from the government, but from all and sundry.
Some of the European grand tour operators still warn their clients when holiday travel is possible as the risks remain, even though the country registers steady decline in the number of new coronavirus cases in the country. However, despite that there is still need to maintain strict preventive measures as put in place by Ministry of Health for future purposes and safety of the destination and visitors to The Gambia.
Abubacarr S. Camara, acting Director General of Gambia Tourism Board, in a brief interview emphasized that adhering to the laid down health regulations is crucial, as it will also boost confidence among tourists to visit the country.
“Everything depends on situation on ground as tourists might propose to come but could cancel at the last minute if there is no improvement on health situation.”
He challenged every Gambian and people living in The Gambia to adhere to health regulations of the WHO and the Ministry of health.
“As we speak, we are still on the orange list of Netherlands because intended tourists that might want to come here will do so at their own risk because Insurance companies would not like to insure them.”
He noted further that in the UK “Destination Gambia still not in the travel corridor list even travelers from The Gambia to UK are required to go on self-isolation or quarantine, this is not encouraging at all.”
The GTBoard boss assured that all these will change depending on situation on ground, adding that “if we can all adhere to the health regulations while the cases number continue to reduce without further surge.”
According to him, GTBoard is expecting about 22 flights in the country, yet cannot confirm, subject to the situation in the country.
“In our efforts to make the season realistic, we have done some mandatory requirements for all players in the tourism industry starting from the airport, transport, accommodation up to the juice presser and tourist taxis especially on what they should be doing as covid-19 persists but waiting for the approval to implement it.”
“But we will continue to reinforce the guidelines in place such as use of facemask, washing and hand sanitization, respect of social distancing, regular fumigation among others,” he pointed out.
