Gambia: A choice destination

For the benefit of tourists, visitors, investors, holidaymakers and corporate institutions and among other seeking for heaven on earth, Adama Njie, Director of Marketing, Gambia Tourism Board has stated that the Gambia Tourism Board under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, has concluded plans to “implement a comprehensive multifaceted campaign in Nigeria to launch The Gambia as a year round destination of choice to all categories of Nigerians” to enjoy the available facilities and opportunity in destination.

From this season onward the destination Gambia has no off-season in the sector but year round tourism season. This is an opportunity for everyone as “all classes of Nigerian visitors can now have access to comprehensive round-the-year travel and tour packages to enjoy the world renowned hospitality, the spontaneous smile and the warmth and hospitality of the people of The Gambia.” 

Very well, The Gambia is an oasis of peace in the sub-region with sound free market and international financial principles together with an attractive incentive regime that created numerous opportunities for investment which Nigerians and other visitors to the country can as well enjoy.

Benjamin A Roberts, the director general of The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), disclosed that “for years, The Gambia has been the region’s most formidable destination for people from all over the world’, adding that there are lots that visitors can enjoy in this destination especially the hardworking Nigerians seeking for a better and perfect place to spend their holiday as “the country offers special attractions which are yet to be discovered by them.” 

However, the geographical location of The Gambia and its low tariff regime have made the capital, Banjul, an important transit trade centre, with many businesses importing cheap foodstuff and manufactured goods from Asia to the neighboring countries.  This geographical location of the country, according to DG Roberts is “the unique geographical position at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean, which enables The Gambia to remain an attractive tourism destination with natural waterways that extend the entire length of the country; lagoons, islands and islets for water sporting, fishing and inland cruise activities.”

For hardworking visitors and Nigerians that are willing to invest, there are six sectors considered to make value added contributions to the economy as well as have significant foreign exchange and employment creation potentials. These involved horticulture, agro-processing, fisheries, livestock, manufacturing and tourism.

GTBoard DG continues; “The Gambia has an astounding ecosystem which has placed the brand in the ecotourism forefront in Africa, with a blend of nature, communities; fauna and flora interacting in a responsible and suitable manner. The Gambia ecosystem is sanctuary for over 500 species of birds which crisscross the country through migration activities, making the destination a bird-watching haven. The Smiling Coast of Africa is home to world renowned and African inspired cultural patrimony, some of which are now listed by UNESCO as world heritage sites.”

For Nigerians who will like a blend of business and pleasure, The Gambia also offers virgin investment opportunities waiting to be explored, particularly in the areas of eco-tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and services, with the added advantage of market access to over 300 million consumers in West Africa, given the Gambia’s gateway advantage.

However, tourism is undoubtedly the fastest growing sector in The Gambia and it is the biggest foreign exchange earner and a major source of employment. 

Looking back at the history of tourism in The Gambia, which dates back in the mid 60s mainly as a winter destination offering sun, sea and sand to European tourists. Now tourists come from many other countries to the Smiling Coast of Africa this is especially from Europe and some other parts of Asia and beyond. The number of quality and standard hotels in the country has increased tremendously over the years. So also, air access has enormously improves in without any hindrance and this has enhance the growth of tourism in the destination. 

Presenting destination Gambia

What makes Gambia different and unique in Africa is nothing comparable to their hospitality, culture, the nature, openness of the people and tolerant and acceptability which are the exceptional asset of Gambians in general.

The Gambia is known for its tolerance and acceptance and the people are always ready to accept and integrate you into their families.  This chosen destination in Africa is a good example of religion tolerance, though it is a Muslim dominated country but it is still a secular country where the three religions Islam, Christianity and traditional worshipers are observed and respected as far as individual choices are concerned.

The country is a well attracted and fascinated destination and what made it to be attractive and fascinated are their heritages, conservative nature, the river and the islands which are yet to be utilized to the fullest neither by the citizen nor the foreign investors.

There are a lot of heritages site that are visible and accessible to tourists and guests in the Gambia. Among this are the sacred areas where you can be healed from different problems and all proved efficacy when it comes to fertility and curing of some other problems. Other sites to name but a few are  the remains of slave market in Janjanbureh, Juffureh-Albreda the birth place of the heroic Kunta Kinteh, the Kanilai Festival town which is origin of His Excellency President Yahya Jammeh and some other places. 

However, the country also boost over 200 Islands including James, Solomon, Baboon, Dog, Charles islands among other available islands. The river Gambia which attracts many and different animals is still under utilization and the water is salty like some other rivers but very fresh and clean. For birdwatchers, Gambia is a place where you can watch or find more than five hundred distinctive birds species. This is another way you will enjoy the country. 

If you are set for shopping, craft markets are circulated throughout the TDA for visitors to have some selections of local art and craft works. The Gambia is home of festivities, be it religious, traditional or cultural festivals. Among these traditional festivals are the Root Home Coming International Festival; Kanilai International Cultural Festival; Genieri Traditional and Cultural Festival; Kartong Singing, Dancing and Drumming Festival; Food and Beverages Festival; Sanyang and Janjanbureh Cultural festivals among a host of others.. Religious festival include Eid-il-Fitr and Adha; Christmas and Easter and among other notable religious feast.

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SOURCE: http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/gambia-a-choice-destination