It could be recalled that the Tourism Ministry with support from World Bank’s Board of Executive secured a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the diversification and climate resilience of the tourism sector of The Gambia.
The project is aimed at improving the Diversification and Resilience of The Gambia’s Tourism Sector by Strengthening Institutional and Police Framework; Improving Capabilities and Access to Finance for Tourism related Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and Building Resilience through Strengthening Sustainable Coastal Infrastructure and Rehabilitation of existing tourism sites.
The five-year project, would take a targeted approach to integrate gender actions across components and leverage significant global knowledge and experience in tourism recovery and SMEs upgrading initiatives, particularly related to building back better in post COVID-19 institution.
In his launching statement, Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Tourism and Culture, explained that the biggest share of the grant portfolio amounting to $50 million will be spent on infrastructure works.
“This design is to ensure that the tourism sector’s physical assets are protected from further damages as a result of climate change.”
The project, Minister Bah added, shall support the tourism sector to diversify the products on offer through sight and destination enhancement.
“The project shall improve the marketing and branding of Destination Gambia through capacity building of key institutions to take informed policy, decision-based on timely and update data. The project improves tourism related micro and small enterprises and provide funding to help them grow.”
"Last but not the least, the project will build the resilience of the tourism sector in The Gambia by financing coastal infrastructure work in Tourism Development Area (TDA) and rehabilitating important tourism sights to ensure the sector is better positioned to recover from any future shocks.” he added.
Abdoulie Jallow, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economics Affairs, described the grant as critical to the development of the country's economy.
