Many years ago, we were taught in college that; Tourism is the sum total of phenomena arising from the travel and stay of non-residents to a particular destination, in so far as their activities do not lead to permanent residency and are not connected to any earning activities. Based on the above definition, it's then clear that tourism constitutes more than just a place to stay. There are other activities, infrastructures and superstructures that can attract visitors to a particular destination.
upon hearing a statement from the Qatari ambassador to The Gambia that the two countries have agreed to build two five star hotels in the Gambia makes me ponder, is this what the struggling Gambia Tourism Industry really needs. And prior to this statement, an MoU between the Gambia government and Katara Hospitality was signed in 2012 to build a 200 bedroom property due for completion in 2016. The Access Gambia website has a directory of more than 150 accommodation service providers in the form of hotels, lodges and guest houses many of which struggle to fill up even during high season.
Tourism in the Gambia is mainly seasonal operating between the months of October and April with January to April considered as peak season. Almost 90% of accommodation providers are forced to shut down during off-season and those who manage to continue their operation will have to lay off most of their employees. This is therefore a clear manifestation that what the industry need right now is a clear and robust marketing strategy to attract visitors all year round, and not additional ghost structures that will remain close for the best part of six months in a year.
Surely, there are a lots of areas that needs investment which can complement tourism growth and development in The Gambia. Coming back to the issue of 'travel and stay' which are the two main component of tourism if you like. As far as the industry is concern, travelling from one's destination to a host destination is one thing, but travelling within the host destination itself is another thing. And this is where Gambia tourism still faces enormous challenges. Transportation is a vital infrastructure for any development program, not least tourism development.
Therefore, I challenge the Qatari government and other international investors to try and venture into the transport industry in The Gambia thereby building a solid foundation for any future development program. Call me a dreamer but how about investing in a rail network? This is surely what Gambia Tourism and The Gambia in general needs. A train line from Kartong to Koina via Basse and From Koina to Barra via Jangjangburreh, will do development in all sectors of the Gambian economy a world of Good.
upon hearing a statement from the Qatari ambassador to The Gambia that the two countries have agreed to build two five star hotels in the Gambia makes me ponder, is this what the struggling Gambia Tourism Industry really needs. And prior to this statement, an MoU between the Gambia government and Katara Hospitality was signed in 2012 to build a 200 bedroom property due for completion in 2016. The Access Gambia website has a directory of more than 150 accommodation service providers in the form of hotels, lodges and guest houses many of which struggle to fill up even during high season.
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| An MoU between the Gambia Government and Katara Hospitality |
Tourism in the Gambia is mainly seasonal operating between the months of October and April with January to April considered as peak season. Almost 90% of accommodation providers are forced to shut down during off-season and those who manage to continue their operation will have to lay off most of their employees. This is therefore a clear manifestation that what the industry need right now is a clear and robust marketing strategy to attract visitors all year round, and not additional ghost structures that will remain close for the best part of six months in a year.
Surely, there are a lots of areas that needs investment which can complement tourism growth and development in The Gambia. Coming back to the issue of 'travel and stay' which are the two main component of tourism if you like. As far as the industry is concern, travelling from one's destination to a host destination is one thing, but travelling within the host destination itself is another thing. And this is where Gambia tourism still faces enormous challenges. Transportation is a vital infrastructure for any development program, not least tourism development.
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| Political Map of The Gambia. Source: ezilon |
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