The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Daily Observer
28 October 2009
editorial
We Are Yet Again Entering Into Another Tourist Season. As Usual, Hotels Are Bracing Up to Ensure That They Attract a Pool of Visitors Into the Country. the Ministry of Tourism is Also Exhausting All Efforts to Ensure That the Country Does Not Lose Its Pride And Glory in the International Tourist Market. As a Matter of Fact, Last WeekÂ's Maiden Flight Arrival Saw 211 Tourists Into the Country. That Was Indeed an Encouraging Number. the Area Manager for the Biggest Northern European Tour Operator, Thomas Cook, Posited That Some 630 Tourists Are Expected in the Country Weekly. This Simply Means That If All Goes Well, This YearÂ's Tourist Trade Season Will Be a Boom.
The importance of the tourism sector cannot be over emphasised. The industry contributes immensely to our socio-economic development as a nation, forming nearly 16 percent of the countryÂ's gross domestic product. It creates jobs for a majority of people, promote micro business particularly in the field of arts and craft. Moreover, the industry exposes the country as a peaceful and hospitable nation. As we therefore embrace thenew tourist season, it is important that those in the trade realize the need for the diversification of our tourism products. 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 and as such the business is accompanied by 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. This explains that even though the country is small, it is blessed with unique natural and man-made qualities that makes it stand out among the best. It is such qualities that our tourism sector should endeavor to exploit to the core so that we continue to be an icon in AfricaÂ's tourism industry. However, the hotels also have a crucial role to play; employing Gambians to manage the affairs of hotels and also promote capacity building among staff and as well treat them in a decent manner will help boost their moral to contribute efficiently to the trade. The general public should also come on board to patronize the industry.
As the breeze of the season is beginning to blow cool across the waves of the country, we also want to give some advice to the incoming visitors. The Gambia is known for peace, and hospitality with good moral and a high sense of collectivism and social responsibility. As the tourists relax to enjoy the season, they should endeavor to be good ambassadors of their countries of origin. Even though acculturation is a reality in tourism, our guests should distance themselves from acts that are geared towards draining the good social character that this country is known for. Our title: the Smiling Coast of Africa did not come out of nothing; it was born out of our social ingenuity, collectivism and unique hospitality. Therefore we cannot afford to lose those values and characters no matter what it takes. Once again, we welcome the tourists to the Smiling Coast of Africa.
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