By Yunus S Saliu
The cruise ship Seven Seas Voyage docked at the Banjul seaport on Saturday with 597 passengers, marking a milestone in the 2025/2026 winter tourism season.
Officials from the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) and West African Tours welcomed the visitors with traditional entertainment, including Balafong and Kora performances, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage.
Speaking at the reception, GTBoard official Ebrima Sanyang said the ship arrived from the Bahamas and is part of a growing number of cruise vessels visiting the country.
He added that The Gambia expects 15 cruise ships to berth at Banjul in 2026, with seven already having visited since the start of the season.
Sanyang said an estimated 5,587 cruise tourists are expected in The Gambia by the end of the year, with most recent visitors coming from the United States and Canada.
He noted that GTBoard is collecting data on visitors’ experiences and spending patterns to better assess tourism’s contribution to the national economy. He also urged local communities and stakeholders to maintain the country’s reputation as the Smiling Coast of Africa by being friendly to tourists and discouraging hustling.
Angela Andrew, Director of West African Tours, the ground handling company for the cruise, said the company has operated in The Gambia since 1987 and continues to play a key role in receiving cruise visitors.
Andrew said tourists would be taken on excursions to attractions including Makasutu Forests, Katchikally Crocodile Sacred Pool, Tanjeh Village Museum, and craft markets in Bakau and Banjul. Some visitors are expected to tour historical sites such as Kunta Kinteh Island and Juffureh, while others will enjoy river trips, beach visits, and cultural tours.
She described cruise tourism as a growing market benefiting transport operators, restaurants, hotels, and local markets. However, she called for further dredging and expansion of the Banjul seaport to accommodate larger vessels.
Tourism remains one of The Gambia’s key economic sectors, and authorities hope the rising number of cruise ship arrivals will further boost visitor numbers and economic activity.
