Gambia
General Information
The Gambia has unique qualities over many other destinations. It is only six hours away from major European destinations, there is no jet lag, and it is a popular and affordable winter destination attracting Tourists in search of sun, sand, and cultural experience of which this unique country has plenty.
Corporate Statement
To make The Gambia a World Class Tourist Destination and Business Centre.
Mission Statement
The GTA is dedicated to give the tourist a uniquely rewarding experience through an integrated high quality product/service offering that would promote responsible and valued partnerships in tourism for the socio-economic benefit of the Gambian people...
The Gambia Tourism Authority was set up by an Act of the National Assembly in July 2001 as a statutory body to develop, regulate and promote the Tourism Industry in The Gambia in line with the National Vision 2020. That is to develop The Gambia into a World Class tourist destination and business centre.
As the executing arm of the Department of State for Tourism and Culture, the GTA is responsible for the licensing and regulation of tourism enterprises and provision advice to potential investors.
Tourism is important in The Gambia as a leading foreign exchange earner and one of the pillars to eradicate poverty. The government's policy is to promote tourism and its contribution to economic growth. Our objective is to increase the contribution of tourism to our economy and to raise the living standards of Gambians. The government is continuing its efforts to broaden the tourism market, improve quality standards, and ensure rational use of the Tourism Development Area. In short we are committed to the ideals of responsible tourism practice.
We recognise that in order to achieve this objective it is in our interest to work together with those who bring tourists and stakeholders here in The Gambia. We share the aspirations of the Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders to join with us to create better places for people to live in and for people to visit.
The core responsibility of the GTA is marketing and promotion of The Gambia as a tourist destination. As part of the mandate of the Authority the provision of quality control systems, standards, investment and security play a crucial role in the activities of the Agency.
The kind of tourists that we attract is influenced by the way in which we develop and present the Gambia as a tourism product. Therefore the country’s main marketing objective is to go up-market and attracting more high spending tourists. We are aware that if we want to achieve this up hill task we have to improve on what we already do by:
Adhering to the principles of the Responsible Tourism Policy.
Competing on product richness and quality, not just on price.
Encouraging the development and marketing of added value products.
Targeting new and old markets.
Promoting all year round tourism especially the so-called green season.
Encouraging investors to fund up-country and up river tourism ventures.
Reinforcing safety and security.
However, we need to recognize that the product is the whole country and its people in this smiling coast of Africa. I would also like to mention that our primary attraction is the River Gambia apart from our traditional Sun, Sand and Sea. The river is easily navigable and mainly safe. Bird watching, dolphin watching, sport fishing and mangrove exploration are among the main excursions to be exploited. As a one ‘River Country’ nature lovers can cruise along, visit river villages, sites and towns.
In terms of cultural heritage The Gambia has a high degree of ethnic diversity and offers a wide range of visitor experience within its limited land area. These attractions include performing arts – dance, music, which are highly developed, while Gambian cuisine is diverse and attractive. Do not miss to read the brochure on the Taste of The Gambia.
Finally, The Gambia has a range of historical buildings, monuments, and archaeological sites some of which are now listed in the world heritage sites of UNESCO.
Information courtesy of Gambia Tourism