A Major Tourism Boom Awaits  Gambia- Jammeh Declares

As Jammeh Unveils Major Tourism Reforms

“My Gov’t  Would Ensure The Personal Safety, And Security Of Tourists,” Jammeh

By Staff Reporter Bakary Gibba, Banjul

The tiny nation of The Gambia—a popular holiday resort for Western tourists, would soon witnessed a dramatic transformation on its tourism industry policies, with the view of restoring tourists and investors confidence, President Yahya Jammeh has declared.  Mr. Jammeh believes that tourism is an important sector in the nation’s economy, which accounts for the greater percentage of Gambia’s Gross Domestic Product—known as (GDP). Mr. Jammeh opined that such an important sector needs to be given the attention it deserved in the interest of fulfilling the nation’s economic agenda—which is to transform the mini West African state into an economic power in the region.

The Gambia attracts about 80 percent of its tourists from its former colony Britain. But due to the country’s looming political instability—characterized by “gross human rights” abuses, many Western tourists—most importantly those from the United Kingdom, have  curtailed their visit to the West African nation.  

The President last spring was alleged to have threatened to behead gay tourists, following the mass exodus of gays fleeing from neighboring Senegal. Jammeh said The Gambia is predominantly a Muslim country—with Muslims accounting for 90 percent of the population and would not entertain gays and lesbians into the country.

Mr. Jammeh’s anti gay comments attracted an outcry from pro gay activists, who described his threats as undemocratic. Although, Gambian laws criminalized gay activities in all its forms. People convicted on gay related charges risked facing jail terms, or hefty court fines.  

In what could be described as a last minute rush to polish the image of his Government, Jammeh reassured visiting tourists that their “personal safety  and security” is the responsibility of his administration. Mr. Jammeh was speaking during a television show dubbed as “ The Gambia In Motion” anchored by the erstwhile GRTS presenter Fatou Camara.  

Mr. Jammeh noted that tourism remains paramount in his Government policies and therefore underscores the importance of stability in the region. He said his administration attaches great importance to the safety of tourists—who comes here in search for fun, culture, historical values, and other social entertainments.

Given the country’s rich cultural heritage, and peaceful coexistence, Jammeh said many Western tourists visit The Gambia on a yearly basis. He observed that such visits could not have been possible without the prevalence of  peace, and tranquility  in this country. He then reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s much cherished peace.

"The Gambian people are friendly, and unique, and as a result of this…the visiting tourists enjoyed their stay in the country,” Jammeh said. Mr. Jammeh informed  “ The Gambia In Motion” chief host Fatou Camara that their  primary plan is to further enrich the country’s culture—through major tourism policy reforms, which according to the President might be initiated sometimes in December of 2010.

“ Culture is the backbone of any given country. If anyone abandons his, or her culture, you would end up adopting a foreign culture—which in most cases never worked,” Jammeh observed.

Mr. Jammeh also talks about the need for Gambians to be proud of their own culture—and avoid cultural stereotyping or emulation. He adds that it should be the duty of every Gambian to know the roots of his, or her  culture. He said in today’s generation many are ignorant about their own culture. He attributes this to lack of cultural awareness, and education. He therefore appealed to Gambians to “nurture cultural” orientation at the home front.

Mr. Jammeh said Gambians should be able to educate others, who visit this country in search for cultural knowledge. He says this can only be possible if people developed interest in learning their own culture.

Also appearing on  “ The Gambia In Motion” television series program was the sacked Tourism Minister Nancy Njie, who emphasized the importance of the nation’s citizenry to contribute on the development of the country’s culture. Madam Njie said Gambians should be able to provide relevant cultural information to visiting tourists, when they are confronted with questions relating to the nation’s cultural values, and heritage.  

She also said the Ministry of Tourism—which was under her leadership then, would continue to collaborate with other stakeholders in the Tourism Development Area, with the view of promoting the industry.

Lamin Saho, Marketing Director with the GTA also echoed similar sentiments—by calling on stakeholders to remain united to help government realizing its set agenda for tourism development in this country. He said they planned to make The Gambia to be the best tourism destination in the region.

Ma Nyan Executive Secretary Gambia Hotel Association assured Government that they would work in partnership with the Ministry of tourism, and other stakeholders in the sector to promote Gambia’s image to the outside world.

The next series on “ The Gambia In Motion” series would be centered on the nation’s Education sector. Stay tuned for part four.