Destination Gambia | ATA Gambia 2010

THE GAMBIA 17 - 20 MAY 2010

Discover Africa's Genuine Warmth

ATA Annual Congress - Officially closed Thursday 20 May 2010
Press release about ATA Gambia 2010 - click here

Destination Gambia

The Gambia is fast becoming one of the most sought-after winter sun destination for mainly European tourists. It's growing popularity can be attributed to a combination of endless sunshine, fabulous beaches, a unique culture and wonderful hospitality. During summer months The Gambia continues to welcome tourists who want to explore and enjoy Destination Gambia.

Although The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa, it has a dynamic tourism industry that is a surprise to many visitors, but a pleasant surprise. For, beyond the superficial image of a 'sun, sea and sand' destination, there is a hidden world waiting to be explored - one that is largely untouched by development.

The success of The Gambia's tourism industry is a relatively recent development. In fact, the first tourists came only after the potential

Click to enlarge map

of the region was discovered by the Swedish investor and adventurer Bertil Harding in 1964. Within months of his visit, the first package holidays were being offered as an alternative to the tried and tested options in southern Spain and the Balearic Islands - and it was an immediate success.

Today, this small nation draws more than 160,000 tourists each year and its range of hotel and resort accommodation is expanding all the time. Tourism development is a key policy of the national government, which has put in place a carefully defined strategy to move up to the next level in terms of accommodation as well as services.

One of the destination's main advantages is the ease of access from Europe. The Gambia is just six hours' flying time from major European cities and has a similar time zone, so there is no jet lag. It is also one of the safest and friendliest places on the continent.

Location

The Gambia's main asset is its river, from which the country derives its name. The country is shaped like a snake as it follows the course of the river some 300 miles inland. The Gambia is generally less than 40 km wide at any point and is surrounded on three sides by it much larger neighbour Senegal. This bizarre set-up is a legacy of the many years of colonial squabbling for the rich assets of the region. The Gambia is a small English-speaking enclave in a typically French-speaking region.

The natural diversity of the country is immense. There is an abundance of crocodiles, dolphins and hippos in the Gambia River. The country is home to some 560 species of colourful birdlife and there is a proliferation of monkeys in most of the hotel gardens and forests.

Apart from the capital, Banjul, and the areas developed for tourism, much of The Gambia is untouched. This provides a fascinating location for eco adventures, wildlife tours and cultural excursions. Many local companies offer a range of tours to eco parks, fishing communities, local markets, traditional villages and wide-open beaches.

Hospitality

The hospitality of the local people is legendary. Most seem genuinely pleased to welcome visitors. This hospitality is a crucial part of the hotels that belong to the Gambia Hotel Association (GHA). The 32 members offer not only a high level of service and facilities but also a degree of style that ensures visitors will want to come back, time after time.

Recently all hotels were classified by The Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA) in their strive to improve the quality of Destination Gambia.
The GHA works closely together with the Tourism and Travel Association Gambia (TTAG) and the Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) to bring out the best the tourism sector in The Gambia has to offer.

More information about the Gambia can be found on - www.visitthegambia.gm

More information about the Gambia Hotels can be found on - www.gambiahotels.gm
More information about the TTAG can be found on - www.ttag.gm

More information about ASSET can be found on - www.asset-gambia.com

Infrastructure & Investment
Through the years several institutions played an important role in the development of The Gambia and Gambian tourism like Gambia International Airlines (GIA), the Gambian Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Gambian Investement Promotion and Free Zones Agency (GIPFZA). These institutions, together with other stake holders and Gambian government are constantly working hand in hand to improve the infrastructure and creating an investment friendly climate. In recent years many roads have been improved and constructed, electrification of the nation has continued and the water supply infrastructure has improved and enlarged. Also in the areas of education and health many positive developments have contributed to improving the conditions for all Gambians and visitors.

More information about GIA can be found on - www.gia.gm
More information about GCAA can be found on - www.gambia.gm/gcaa

More infomation about GIPFZA can be found on - www.gipfza.gm