Editorial

We wish to commend the Ministry of Tourism for convening a refresher workshop on quality assurance for its stakeholders. Such forums are indeed fundamental for the continued development of The Gambia’s tourism industry particularly at this time that the global tourism market is increasingly becoming more competitive. In fact, making the industry more vibrant and standard is fundamental for national development.

Suffice it to say, the importance of the tourism sector cannot be overemphasised. The sector contributes immensely to our socio-economic development as a nation, forming nearly 16 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. It creates jobs for a majority of people and promotes micro-business particularly in the field of arts and craft. Moreover, the industry exposes the country as a peaceful and hospitable nation. Maintaining standards and quality for such an industry is therefore vital.

Aside the promotion of quality services, we also deem it prudent to call on the Tourism Ministry to intensify efforts in the diversification of our tourism products. It is obvious that the industry plays a crucial role in our development but the reality remains that attracting more tourists into the country is becoming a difficult task. This is simply because more and more countries in the globe are advancing greatly in the trade, leading to stiff competition.

Nonetheless, The Gambia has a lot to offer when it comes to this trade; from our rich cultural heritage, in-depth history, beautiful land panorama, beaches coupled with abundant sunshine, the ever increasing hospitality of the people, the proximity of our airport to hotel sites just to mention a few, are all essential tourism incentives unique to this country.

Though the country is small, it is blessed with unique natural and man-made qualities that make it stand out among the best. It is such qualities that our tourism sector should endeavour to exploit to the core so that we continue to be an icon in Africa’s tourism industry.