Tourism & Travel The Gambia

Responsible tourism policy for Gambia
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Gambian Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Travel Association worked together to form what is referred to as ‘the responsible tourism policy for Gambia’. Its main objective is to increase the contribution of tourism to the economy and to raise the living standards of Gambians by maximising the positive impacts of tourism and minimising the negative ones. 


Eco-tourism an emerging trend
Eco-tourism is an important and rapidly growing niche within the travel and tourism industry. Gambia is in a great position to capitalise on this, but recognises the need to develop a sustainable eco-tourism programme since the country has only a few national parks and wildlife reserves that lack accessibility and comfort for tourists. Therefore, in addition to regulating its development and ensuring that real benefits are felt in local communities, it is also aiming at minimising future environmental impact.


Bright outlook for tourism in Gambia
The travel and tourism industry in Gambia has a very bright future, particularly considering the active role being played by the government to grow and diversify the market. The present initiatives that have been introduced by the Gambian Tourism Authority and the Tourism and Travel Association will have a significant positive impact on the industry and domestic economy over the mid to long term. It is also expected that as the tourism industry diversifies, Gambia will become a place to visit all year round.


Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website http://www.ttag.gm/
Calabash Entertainment
Gambia River Excursions
Gambia Tours
Gamtech
Gamtours
Jane’s Boats
Kotu Point Beach Bar
Luigi’s Complex
Luigi’s Complex 2
Makasutu
Quality Catering
West African Tours
West African Tours 2

Gambia seals energy deal with Malaysian Company

The Gambian government has signed an energy agreement with a Malaysian Company (Clearlink) under which it would be provided with adequate power generation, transmission and distribution, PANA reported Saturday.


Mohammed Noordin Zaini, a top official of the Malaysian Company who is part of a Malaysian delegation on a working visit to the country, signed for his company w hile Gambia's National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) Managing Director, Momodou Jallow, signed on behalf of the Gambian government.


Shortly after signing the agreement, Mr. Zaini reportedly expressed his company's commitment towards the project.


He described the deal as one which would be 'a win-win situation' for both parties.

A Major Tourism Boom Awaits Gambia

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 fulfilling the nation’s economic agenda—which is to transform the mini West African state into an economic power in the region.

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.

Please visit our website http://www.ttag.gm/
Calabash Entertainment
Gambia River Excursions
Gambia Tours
Gamtech
Gamtours
Jane’s Boats
Kotu Point Beach Bar
Luigi’s Complex
Luigi’s Complex 2
Makasutu
Quality Catering
West African Tours
West African Tours 2

The Gambia Great Tourism Potential

Delegates who attended the 35th Annual Congress of the African Travel Association (ATA) say they appreciate The Gambia as a great potential for harnessing the 'untapped' tourism market in the continent, PANA reported from here Thursday.

They said that they had learnt great lessons from The Gambian experience and believed that the country could be a model for the Africa's tourism industry with specific regards to the development pace of the industry.

"The Gambia is situated in a strategic position and has a great potential for the sustainability of the tourism market," they said, nothing that the traditional and cultural heritage in the West African country painted a mental picture of "the norms and values of our great ancestors".

The delegates were taken on a conducted tour, organized by The Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA), to historical sites like the James Island and Juffureh (a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site) which was the base for the transportation of slaves from The Gambia, across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World of the Americas.

They also visited the Eco Tourism Centres at the GIG Farm, Mama Africa Museum Centre in Brufut and the President's Village of Kanilai , which has been transformed into a cultural stronghold by The Gambian leader.

Kanilai is known for hosting the country's biggest annual cultural jamboree, the Kanilai Cultural Festival.

Having seen just a few tourist centres, Mr. Ogo Sow, the first African Immigrant and Expatriate to start a Radio Programme in the United States and Canada, aimed at promoting African tradition and positive image, said the delegates had a lot to learn from The Gambia.

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website http://www.ttag.gm/
Calabash Entertainment
Gambia River Excursions
Gambia Tours
Gamtech
Gamtours
Jane’s Boats
Kotu Point Beach Bar
Luigi’s Complex
Luigi’s Complex 2
Makasutu
Quality Catering
West African Tours
West African Tours 2

The Gambia Hosts ATA World Congress

GAMBIA, May 20, 2010 – The Africa Travel Association’s 35th Annual Congress ended today with a commitment among Africa’s tourism stakeholders to boost efforts to develop new public-private partnerships devoted to advocating for and developing the tourism industry in Africa. Honorable Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, The Gambia Minister of Tourism and Culture and incoming ATA President, closed the event that was attended by more than 300 participants as well as press from Africa, Europe and North America.

In her closing remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of tourism as an engine for economic growth and prosperity. She also said, “This may mark the end of a successful event, but it also marks the beginning of our joint efforts to work in partnership with the public and private sector to promote the travel and tourism industry to and within Africa. The Gambia was a proud host of this event and hopes that our infectious spirit will inspire other countries and tourism stakeholders to take action.”


At the meeting, ATA announced a number of milestones for making a strong case for increased
investment in Africa’s tourism industry. “ATA members and friends and supporters have shown that we are truly committed to promoting tourism to Africa as a means to promoting socioeconomic development,” said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director. “I know that when we return to our home countries, we will continue to work in partnership with tourism stakeholders in the public and private sectors to promote the industry and inspire others to follow our example.”


Congress milestones include the following:
The announcement of the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Africa Union and ATA. The MOU, which was signed by Honorable Shamsa Mwangunga, outgoing ATA President, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim, Africa Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, declares that the two organizations undertake a commitment to develop collaboration in the area of travel and tourism promotion.


The launch of a joint effort by New York University’s Africa House, the World Bank and ATA to make a case for developing Africa’s tourism industry with the preparation of the joint publication The State of Tourism in Africa. Using facts, figures and stories, the report paints a picture of the current and potential impact of tourism on both a country’s and a region’s development strategy. The report also advocates for increased attention and resource allocation from national governments to the tourism industry.


During the industry workshops and networking events, ATA and UNWTO engaged in discussions on how the two global organizations would pursue collaboration and cooperation in the areas of travel and tourism development in Africa in the future.


The Gambia Organizing Committee announced its commitment to hosting the first “Carbon Off-Set Free” ATA congress. In addition to planting seedlings to grow an “ATA Forest” at the GIG Forest, the Committee limited the “carbon footprint” of the congress by ordering produce from the award-winning project Gambia is Good. GIG sources all its produce from local producers.


As a sign of his commitment to developing The Gambia’s tourism industry, President of The Republic of the Gambia, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh, hosted the delegates at a number of special events, including a visit to his home village, Kanilai, and a gala dinner and evening of entertainment at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort.

In what has become an ATA congress tradition over the last few years, Shamsa Mwangunga
(MP), ATA President and Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of
Tanzania hosted a special evening of dinner and dancing held at the five-star Ocean Bay Hotel.

On the first of two Host Country days, delegates visited James lsland and Juffureh. James
Island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was a base of transportation of slaves from The Gambia to other parts of the world. At James Island, delegates participated in a special memorial, in which they floated flower wreathes down the River Gambia and stood in a moment of silence. Delegates were also asked to consider making a donation for the restoration of the jetty to James Island. The project was organized in cooperation with U.S. Ambassador Barry Wells.


Following the day-long visit to James Island and Juffreh, the delegates enjoyed a special cocktail reception at the luxury hotel, Coco Ocean Resort and Spa. The evening event was cohosted by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, Honorable Barry Wells.


Under the banner “Discover Africa’s Genuine Warmth,” the ATA-Gambia event brought together tourism ministers and more than 300 travel industry professionals from across Africa, Europe and North America for four days to explore the latest issues facing the travel trade industry, learn about “Destination Gambia,” and advocate for increased resources to the tourism industry.


During the congress, delegates explored the following industry topics: Sustainable Tourism in
The Gambia, Innovative and Interactive Marketing, Niche Markets and Emerging Trends,
Standards in the Hotel Market in Africa, Connecting the Africa Diaspora to Destination Africa,
and Hospitality and Tourism Education in Africa. Special sessions were held on tourism and
development, advocating for tourism resources, and partnerships with airlines serving Africa.

ATA World Congress Big Success

GAMBIA, May 20, 2010 – The Africa Travel Association’s 35th Annual Congress ended today with a commitment among Africa’s tourism stakeholders to boost efforts to develop new public-private partnerships devoted to advocating for and developing the tourism industry in Africa. Honorable Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie, The Gambia Minister of Tourism and Culture and incoming ATA President, closed the event that was attended by more than 300 participants as
well as press from Africa, Europe and North America.

In her closing remarks, the Minister highlighted the importance of tourism as an engine for
economic growth and prosperity. She also said, “This may mark the end of a successful event,
but it also marks the beginning of our joint efforts to work in partnership with the public and
private sector to promote the travel and tourism industry to and within Africa. The Gambia was a proud host of this event and hopes that our infectious spirit will inspire other countries and
tourism stakeholders to take action.”


At the meeting, ATA announced a number of milestones for making a strong case for increased
investment in Africa’s tourism industry. “ATA members and friends and supporters have shown that we are truly committed to promoting tourism to Africa as a means to promoting socioeconomic development,” said Edward Bergman, ATA Executive Director. “I know that when we return to our home countries, we will continue to work in partnership with tourism stakeholders in the public and private sectors to promote the industry and inspire others to follow our example.”


Congress milestones include the following:


The announcement of the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between
the Africa Union and ATA. The MOU, which was signed by Honorable Shamsa Mwangunga, outgoing ATA President, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Dr. Elham M.A. Ibrahim, Africa Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, declares that the two organizations undertake a commitment to develop collaboration in the area of travel and tourism promotion.

The launch of a joint effort by New York University’s Africa House, the World Bank and ATA to make a case for developing Africa’s tourism industry with the preparation of the joint publication The State of Tourism in Africa. Using facts, figures and stories, the report paints a picture of the current and potential impact of tourism on both a country’s and a region’s development strategy. The report also advocates for increased attention and resource allocation from national governments to the tourism industry.


During the industry workshops and networking events, ATA and UNWTO engaged in
discussions on how the two global organizations would pursue collaboration and cooperation in the areas of travel and tourism development in Africa in the future.


The Gambia Organizing Committee announced its commitment to hosting the first “Carbon Off-Set Free” ATA congress. In addition to planting seedlings to grow an “ATA Forest” at the GIG Forest, the Committee limited the “carbon footprint” of the congress by ordering produce from the award-winning project Gambia is Good. GIG sources all its produce from local producers.


As a sign of his commitment to developing The Gambia’s tourism industry, President of The Republic of the Gambia, Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yaya A. J. J. Jammeh, hosted the
delegates at a number of special events, including a visit to his home village, Kanilai, and a gala dinner and evening of entertainment at the Sheraton Hotel Spa and Resort.


In what has become an ATA congress tradition over the last few years, Shamsa Mwangunga
(MP), ATA President and Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism of the United Republic of
Tanzania hosted a special evening of dinner and dancing held at the five-star Ocean Bay Hotel.


On the first of two Host Country days, delegates visited James lsland and Juffureh. James
Island is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was a base of transportation of slaves from The Gambia to other parts of the world. At James Island, delegates participated in a special memorial, in which they floated flower wreathes down the River Gambia and stood in a moment of silence. Delegates were also asked to consider making a donation for the restoration of the jetty to James Island. The project was organized in cooperation with U.S. Ambassador Barry Wells.


Following the day-long visit to James Island and Juffreh, the delegates enjoyed a special
cocktail reception at the luxury hotel, Coco Ocean Resort and Spa. The evening event was cohosted by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, Honorable Barry Wells.


Under the banner “Discover Africa’s Genuine Warmth,” the ATA-Gambia event brought together tourism ministers and more than 300 travel industry professionals from across Africa, Europe and North America for four days to explore the latest issues facing the travel trade industry, learn about “Destination Gambia,” and advocate for increased resources to the tourism industry.


During the congress, delegates explored the following industry topics: Sustainable Tourism in
The Gambia, Innovative and Interactive Marketing, Niche Markets and Emerging Trends,
Standards in the Hotel Market in Africa, Connecting the Africa Diaspora to Destination Africa,
and Hospitality and Tourism Education in Africa. Special sessions were held on tourism and
development, advocating for tourism resources, and partnerships with airlines serving Africa.

Kanili Festival 2010 Opens

Kanilai, the home village of the Gambian leader, will be involved in a long weekened celebration of culture as the much-hyped Kanilai International Cultural Festival kick-starts this month in Kanilai Foni Kansala District. The event, which will run from 21st May to 7th June 2010 under the distinguished chief patronage of His Excellency President Sheikh professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, is designed to revive, promote and develop our rich cultural heritage and showcase the diverse performance traditions of different ethnic groups of the sub-region.

Gambia Restaurants

 No holiday is complete without good food! One of The Gambia’s best kept secret is the vast variety of restaurants. The Gambia is a mixing pot of culinary delights, you will find food from all parts of the world such as Chinese, Indian, Thai. African, Afro-American, Jamaican. British, Italian, French, Lebanese and even Moroccan. Quality speaks for its self so to find the best restaurant ask your Rep for the most well established places to eat:

Kotu and Kololi offer a quieter atmosphere for a more relaxed holiday, fewer bars and restaurants more modest entertainment with a couple of bars with live music playing tracks from the 60s, 70s and 80s, and Karaoke Nights.

Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta House: is located on Palma Rima Rd, Kotu Beach. Renowned for it‘s “Good Food” the menu has a wide selection of Italian and British food. Set on 2 floors, the second floor balcony offers a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the sea. It‘s a great place to watch the sun go down! and on the ground floor is an ideal place for families offering kids menu and play area. Open all day from 8am serving full English breakfast, lunch and evening meals till 11.30pm. Kids meals D125 The Senegambia is the busiest area offering many bars, restaurants and night

clubs. It is one of the best places for people looking for an exciting night life. “The

Senegambia Strip” really comes to life after dark with an array of bars playing live music, karaoke, big screen sports TV and many fast food outlets. 

Cheerz offers a great friendly atmosphere with all that you would expect from a family run business, situated at the top of Senegambia Strip on the High Rd. There are a number of night clubs in the area which play ear-splitting modern music as well as reggae sounds. They normally get going after midnight; the entrance fees are reasonable at all the nightclubs, charging D100/D250 entrance fee. 

The cheaper night clubs are frequented by (Bumpsters) locals youths looking to make “a friend” and tag along, so do go along with someone you know. For the “night owl” Quality Catering are open 24 hours on the corner of the Senegambia Junction for a quick snack after dancing the night away. Always clean and freshly made while you wait!

Local foods are worth trying. A word of warning, be prepared to eat a bit more than “just a little spice” – Gambians like their food hot! The food is a melting pot for all the nations and tribes from the sub-regions who live in harmony and enjoy sharing food from all cultures. If you interact with local people don‘t be surprised to be invited to a compound to share a meal as the Gambian culture is very friendly and hospitable. 

Food is always shared, normally a group will eat from one bowl. As a guest you will be offered a spoon and sometimes your own plate! It is said you will not argue with someone you share a bowl of food with! Fish plays a major part in Gambian cuisine due to the variety of fish available in both river and sea. Oysters fresh from the creeks make a quick and easy stew, Ebeh is made from an amazing array of ingredients including smoked fish, crabs, oysters and fish eggs amongst other things. Benachin meaning “one pot” is the equivalent of an Italian risotto or a Spanish paella. The beach bars are the best place to find many of the local tasty dishes. Some are better than others so choose wisely. Some bars don’t have electricity or running water, so keep this in mind when ordering food!

Nefertiti Beach Bar, Banjul offers a great location with a fresh menu local food and snacks daily and Kotu Point Beach Bar, Kotu offers a B-B-Q every Saturday lunch time, join in the fun, come Jamming with Lamin and try your hand at drumming!

Local Drinks

The most popular are Wonjo and Baobab. Wonjo juice is made from the dried red flowers of the Sorrel, which are boiled with sugar to make a refreshing, sweet drink full of Vitamin C. Baobab juice is made from the fruit of the Baobab tree. The fruit is soaked in water, sieved and the seeds extracted. The pulp is then mixed with a little sugar to make the base juice. Other ingredients can be added according to taste; the most popular are milk and coconut, but it is also tasty with mango, papaya or banana – making a thick natural smoothie. Both Wonjo and Baobab are very nutritious, healthy and with a unique flavour. They also make a wonderful cocktail when mixed together.

Great African Secret

Locally people use these drinks as regular source of nutrition, in Europe it had been forgotten. During World War 2 it was given to soldiers in bread to prevent scurvy. Recently rediscovered it is being branded as a super food of the future. It has been clinically proven that it is a pro-biotic with 5 times more vitamin C than an orange and twice as much more calcium than a glass off milk as well as containing antioxidants and Omega 3-6-9.

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.

Please visit our website www.ttag.gm

Calabash Entertainment

Gambia River Excursions

Gambia Tours

Gamtech

Gamtours

Jane’s Boats

Kotu Point Beach Bar

Luigi’s Complex Luigi’s Complex 2

Makasutu

Quality Catering

West African Tours West African Tours 2

TTAG Blog

We have created this interactive weblog to help create a better understanding of your holiday destination, to give an insight into its rich history and culture and to let you know what is acceptable in Gambian society and what is not. 

Please spare a few minutes to explore our information portal– especially if this is your first visit. You will find important information along with some interesting stories based on facts and history, and some which stem from legend and personal beliefs … peoples opinions may differ.

Most importantly please remember although the official language in The Gambia is English this does not mean everyone speaks it fluently. As you read on you will learn there are several different tribes, each with their own language. Many children have very little schooling and even less interaction with visitors please be patient with the local people as they won’t all have a good understanding. Speak slowly if someone is having difficulty understanding you. Many people have a habit of saying “YES” when they don’t understand – this is a way of avoiding embarrassment in their culture.

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.

Please visit our website www.ttag.gm

Calabash Entertainment

Gambia River Excursions

Gambia Tours

Gamtech

Gamtours

Jane’s Boats

Kotu Point Beach Bar

Luigi’s Complex Luigi’s Complex 2

Makasutu

Quality Catering

West African Tours West African Tours 2

Gambian Baobab Hits Europe and U.S.

British chefs should start thinking about recipes that make use of the African baobab fruit, after the European Commission gave the green light on the use of its pulp in the UK.

The powdery pulp of the fruit, which is famously used to make the liqueur Amarula, is nutritionally high in vitamin C, calcium, iron and antioxidants, which makes it perfect for use in smoothies, cereal bars, jams and as a fruit filling. Gambians have long used the fruit pulp as a traditional food for pregnant women and children, due to its nutritious content, and is mixed with water to make refreshing drinks and as a baking ingredient. Baobab as a Super Food contains Sterols saponins and triterpenes. Studies were carried out in the laboratory showed that doses between 400 and 800 mg/kg determine a marked anti-inflammatory effect. 

Baobab as a Super Food contains Thiamine and Riboflavin which optimizes development of the organs for maintaining cellular integrity of the nervous, skin and ocular systems. In addition the presence of epithelia and niacin (vitamin PP or B3) is very important to regulate many metabolic functions.

Furthermore, the fruit contributes to the injection of some essential minerals and essential fatty acids. In fact, 100 g of pulp contains an average of 293 mg of calcium, 2.31 mg of potassium, 96-118 mg of phosphor and alpha-linoleic acid (27 mg of acid per gram of dry product).

Baobab as a Super Food contains Omega 9 which provides protection against cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, skin conditions, depression and other mood related disorders and strokes. Baobab contains a blend of all 3 of the important fatty acids EPA, GLA and OA making it an excellent choice as an omega 3 6 9 supplement.

Baobab as a Super Food contains tannins (astringent), mucilage (wetting), cellulose and citric acid. The particularity of Baobab fruit pulp is that it is effective against diarrhea.

Probiotic products are living microbial food supplements, which beneficially affect the host animal by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial micro flora improving its intestinal microbial balance. Tests carried out by Adesanya et al. (1988) showed that the pulp could be used to treat sickle cell anemia, as it showed considerable antisickling activity. Tannins, mucilage, cellulose, citric acid and other typical constituents of the fruit pulp may be responsible for its effect against diarrhea. The soluble fibers of baobab combine the pre-biotic and pro-biotic aspects in a single product.

In traditional pharmacopoeia, it is used as an intestinal regulator, prevention and treatment of gastric and IBS disorders, osteoporosis, varicose veins, dysentery, haemoptysis, small pox, measles, hemorrhoids, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, excellent source of dietary fibers, analgesic, hepatoprotective febrifuge anti-diabetic and antipyretic activities.

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.

Please visit our website www.ttag.gm

Calabash Entertainment

Gambia River Excursions

Gambia Tours

Gamtech

Gamtours

Jane’s Boats

Kotu Point Beach Bar

Luigi’s Complex Luigi’s Complex 2

Makasutu

Quality Catering

West African Tours West African Tours 2

We Love The Gambia

The Gambia is a peaceful country with many smiling faces. The population is 90% Muslim and 10% Christian and other religions. The different ethnic and religious groups live alongside each other in harmony and celebrate each other’s holidays and festivals and even inter-marry freely.

The Gambia is a developing country with a good track record of economic growth in recent years. The main sources of revenue for Gambia is groundnuts (peanuts), and fishing and agriculture still provide a living for most Gambians. For the past ten years tourism has been the fastest growing sector in the economy, providing more than 30% of the GDP. 

You as our guest are highly valued and it is our business to make your stay a pleasurable one. We are always interested in your opinions to help us build and improve our service. We hope you will find this guide helpful and we most sincerely wish you a very pleasant stay in the Gambia!

Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.

Please visit our website www.ttag.gm

Calabash Entertainment

Gambia River Excursions

Gambia Tours

Gamtech

Gamtours

Jane’s Boats

Kotu Point Beach Bar

Luigi’s Complex Luigi’s Complex 2

Makasutu

Quality Catering

West African Tours West African Tours 2