By: Binta Jaiteh
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MoTC), through the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP), has introduced a new Management Information System for Tourism (MIST), aimed at modernizing the country’s tourism statistics ecosystem.
The system, an online database, will serve as a central hub for collecting, managing, and analyzing tourism data in The Gambia. The introduction of MIST was accompanied by a training session that brought together key institutional stakeholders to build technical understanding of the platform and its role in supporting sustainable tourism development.
Speaking at the event held at Senegambia Beach Hotel, Project Director Momodou Ceesay emphasized that the training is a critical activity under TDRGP, which is funded by the World Bank. “This ambitious project is designed to fortify our tourism sector against future shocks and diversify its offerings, ensuring sustainable economic growth for our nation,” he said.
Ceesay noted that in 2024, Acorn Tourism Development Consultants conducted a comprehensive assessment of the national tourism statistics system. “The report highlighted our strengths and, importantly, areas for improvement. One of the core recommendations was the development of a clear action plan, which led to this priority initiative the MIST platform. Once fully operational, it will be the backbone for a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable tourism industry,” he added.
He stressed that technology alone is insufficient without the expertise to utilize it effectively. “The most advanced system is only as strong as the people operating it. That is the fundamental purpose of this training,” Ceesay said, highlighting the role of accurate data in informed policy-making.
Kevin Mallington, Tourism Development Consultant, noted that the project will span 24 months and will enable the collection, monitoring, and analysis of tourism data to support strategic decision-making. By its completion in 2027, MIST is expected to provide a rich and comprehensive dataset for the industry.
The training represents a significant step in strengthening The Gambia’s capacity to manage tourism information and make data-driven policy and planning decisions, positioning the sector for sustainable growth.
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