By Yunus S. Saliu
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has expressed optimism about the 2026/2027 tourism season following the arrival of the first direct charter flight operated by The Gambia Experience from London, United Kingdom, carrying 139 passengers.
The flight landed at Banjul International Airport at about 1445 hours on Friday, 9 October, marking the opening of the winter tourism season in The Gambia.
The visitors were welcomed by GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng-Njie, alongside officials of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), representatives of Discovery Tours, ground-handling personnel and other tourism stakeholders. Cultural groups also entertained the arrivals.
Speaking shortly after the flight’s arrival, Jeng-Njie said the country was anticipating a successful season, supported by increased air connectivity from the United Kingdom, one of its major traditional tourism source markets.
She said the inaugural flight was expected to operate twice weekly, while other tour operators, including TUI, were also scheduled to bring visitors from the UK.
According to her, the arrangements could result in about seven weekly flights from the UK during the 2026/2027 season, raising expectations for the tourism industry.
Jeng-Njie said the Board had spent several months working with industry stakeholders to prepare the destination and improve visitor experiences.
She explained that preparations extended beyond coastal resorts to destinations in the country’s interior, where the Board had assessed facilities and engaged stakeholders to encourage tourists to explore more of The Gambia.
“We want people to have a real Gambia experience,” she said, stressing the importance of showcasing the country’s cultural and natural attractions beyond the coast.
She added that encouraging longer stays and repeat visits could create greater economic opportunities for tourism businesses and local communities.
Diversifying tourism products
Oumie Sise, general manager of Discovery Tours, the ground handler for The Gambia Experience, also called for greater promotion of attractions outside the Greater Banjul Area.
She said the country’s cultural heritage offered opportunities for visitors to experience traditional lifestyles through cultural tours, village visits and excursions into rural communities.
Sise said expanding tourism activities beyond the main coastal resorts would enable more communities to benefit economically while giving visitors a broader understanding of Gambian culture, traditions and natural heritage.
She expressed hope that wildlife attractions, cultural experiences and community-based tourism would help improve visitor experiences and spread tourism revenue more widely across the country.
Visitor safety and birdwatching
On concerns about visitor safety and unregistered operators, particularly complaints from beach operators about unfair competition, Jeng-Njie said the Board had engaged relevant security institutions ahead of the new season.
She disclosed that GTBoard had held a meeting with security personnel to discuss safety and security arrangements, describing the discussions as fruitful.
The Board is also promoting birdwatching as a niche tourism product.
Jeng-Njie said GTBoard had sponsored Gambian birdwatchers to travel to the United Kingdom to promote the country’s birdwatching attractions and attract more enthusiasts.
She expressed optimism that the initiative would help increase visitor arrivals and strengthen The Gambia’s position as a destination for nature-based tourism.
Promoting Gambian culture
The Director General said GTBoard was working with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to promote Gambian traditions and cultural heritage.
She said the cultural performances organised to welcome tourists demonstrated how traditional hospitality could create a positive first impression of the country.
Jeng-Njie encouraged communities to take pride in their cultural heritage and showcase their traditions to international visitors, adding that cultural exchange could deepen visitors’ understanding of local communities.
Through improved visitor services, diversified tourism products and stronger community participation, GTBoard hopes to encourage repeat visits and broaden the economic benefits of tourism across The Gambia.
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