Europe encourages tourists to visit Gambia
A dramatic ‘u-turn’ discouraging EU citizens from ‘non-essential’ travels or journeys to The Gambia due to a previous entrenched dictatorship as well as uncertainty and instability of the previous regime is now overturned or replaced with assurance and hopefulness as the tourists’ season approaches.
The rather exceptional and positive development by the EU is in complete contrast to its earlier unenthusiastic and lukewarm guidance towards the country. The boost has been widely supported by officials.
In a recent communiqué to The Point, EU officials noted that ‘‘tourism is a significant and key factor of The Gambia’s economic lifeline… thus supporting it is in tune with the commitment and pledge to assist the country.’’
It also suggested that even though some tourists merely conduct short holiday vacations, others may permanently devote themselves in a long-term investment as well as participating in the country development initiatives.
Despite the negativity of ‘sex tourism’ portrayed by some media outlets, The Gambia recently won the Tourism Destination of the year award despite tough competition from other tourist hubs.
Officials informed this correspondent that the ‘negativity is vastly outweighed and overshadowed’ by the importance economic and social benefits including employment opportunities. It also provide the prospect as well as ‘‘enhancing the chance for investment and contact between The Gambia and the outside world.’’
Also considering its significant percentage of the country’s GDP and as well as over 200,000 visitors last year, the EU found it prudent to encourage more European visitors.
Tourism is one of the basis of the National Development Plan for the country and already the EU said it has officially announced new grants for The Gambia totaling Euro 140 million. The amount is among a total pledge of Euro 1.45 billion.
The communiqué also stressed that ‘‘we are aware that Gambian officials are vigorously paving the way for not only improving the tourism industry… Hon. Hamat Bah, minister for Tourism and Culture’s ‘‘determination to providing quality services is tremendously crucial.”
Positive reassurance is an essential part of its commitment to supporting The Gambia including to strengthen its democratic inhibitions in ‘‘full respect of the rule of law’’. Consequently, encouraging responsible tourism is a part of such assistance.
It also focus on encouraging effective security for tourists… and other engagements that are productive and useful including international political and economic support for the country.
Author: Alhagie Mbye, The Point’s Europe Correspondent
The original post can be found at http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/europe-encourages-tourists-to-visit-gambia
