By: Yunus .S. Saliu
President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the tourism sector in The Gambia’s economic development during his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA), delivered on Thursday at the National Assembly complex in Banjul.
Describing tourism as a “key catalyst” for economic growth, the President highlighted the sector’s contribution to employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, and local business stimulation. He emphasized that his government remains fully committed to expanding and diversifying the sector through strategic partnerships, enhanced infrastructure, cultural promotion, and capacity building.
“In 2024, we recorded two hundred and twenty-seven thousand (227,000) tourist arrivals, representing a ten percent (10%) increase compared to 2023,” President Barrow disclosed. “This growth reflects our marketing efforts, improved international connectivity, and strategic partnerships.”
He noted that new flight routes from regions including Scandinavia and Nigeria have contributed to this upward trend, signaling increased global interest in The Gambia as a preferred travel destination.
Looking ahead, the government is projecting continued growth in 2025, with tourist arrivals expected to rise further as part of the national target set under the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP). “We are on track towards achieving the RF-NDP target of three hundred and thirty-six thousand, seven hundred and eighty-seven (336,787) arrivals by air,” Barrow added.
In addition to ongoing marketing and connectivity improvements, the President announced targeted efforts to boost eco-tourism and diversify tourism offerings. “Furthermore, we will give more attention to bird watching and wildlife parks,” he said. “With support from the World Bank, we are determined to complete the eco-tourist resorts and hunting camps nationwide.”
In a notable policy development, Barrow revealed that for the first time in the country’s history, The Gambia has conducted a comprehensive demand and destination assessment of all major tourism sites. “Ten key sites have been prioritised for investment,” he told lawmakers, underlining the government’s evidence-based approach to tourism development.
The SONA, an annual address, serves as a platform for the President to inform the nation on the current state of affairs, highlight key accomplishments, address pressing challenges, and outline strategic priorities for the coming year.
As The Gambia aims to strengthen its position as a prime tourist destination in West Africa, President Barrow’s renewed focus on tourism with an emphasis on eco-tourism, infrastructure, and investment attraction is poised to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development across the country.