Gambia Hotel Association

ONE ORGANISATION THAT has been paramount to the furthering of Gambia’s tourism ambitions is the Gambia Hotel Association (GHA).

Initially set up in 1973 with a modest membership of just three hotels, the organisation has expanded rapidly to encompass over 40 hotels today, comprised of two-star to five-star hotels.

Speaking with Bunama Njie, the association’s current General Manager, we discussed the forecast for the country’s tourism industry, looking at some of the most exciting prospects that are set to transform both the

MICE scene and the wider leisure segment.

Africa Outlook (AfO): Can you firstly talk me through the origins of the Gambia Hotel Association, how it came about, and its initial vision?

Bunama Njie (BN): Since its inception in the 70s, the core function of the GHA has been to serve as an advocacy body for its members, facilitate networking and collaborate with the tourism sector and other tourism stakeholders including the Ministry of Tourism and culture and other various agencies.

Given the exceptional growth of tourism, the role and functions of the GHA include influencing policy in critical areas of hospitality development; proactive marketing and promotion of members products through joint marketing with other stakeholders such as the Gambia Tourism Board; capacity building programmes for members to keep abreast of new trends and encourage high standards of service delivery; and enhance partnership and networking amongst the growing membership and other organisations, share best practices, experiences and more.

AfO: How would you say Gambia has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

BN: Owed to a change in government in 2017, we have rejoined the Commonwealth and cemented our dented relations with the EU where roughly 60 percent of our tourists come from.

We’ve also enhanced relations from other international communities such as the UK and USA, while tireless marketing efforts from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, the Gambia Tourism Board, the Gambia Hotels Association, the travel and Tourism of the Gambia and the Association of Small Scale enterprise in responsible Tourism has paid dividends.

AfO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Gambia?

BN: When it comes to choosing the best destination to enjoy your leisure in Africa, Gambia tops the list in terms of memorable places to enjoy and get the best African experience.

You won’t experience any jet lag from the six-hour flight to most destinations that often feature gorgeous long sandy beaches, glorious winter sun and the vibrant, exotic culture and legendry hospitality of the local people. This is not to mention the abundance of exquisite and trendy resorts, the related complimentary facilities and a great ecosystem epitomised by the majestic Gambia River.

Alongside this, you can expect the best local and international cuisines and different daily activities such as river cruising, fishing events, adventure and village tours, cultural orientation, and sporting activities.

AfO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

BN: There are many restaurants to eat from but topping all the clusters is the Senegambia Strip where there are more than 20 restaurants. I would specifically recommend the Senegambia Beach Hotel Domorr Dula international restaurant and African Buffet daily, Reo’s, Three Chicks, Al Rauche Lebanese restaurant, Scala restaurant, El Sol, Gustov Italian restaurant, African Queen International and African, Darboes Gambian Dishes, Tao Asian and many more!

AfO: What are the best ways of getting around the country?

BN: There are organised and tailored tours offered by the Tourism and Travel Association (TTAG) of the Gambia, or organised tourist guides if you’re looking for a more personal and local touch. Alternatively, you can hop in a taxi and explore what Gambia has to offer, such as Makasutu Cultural Forest, Renowned ROOTS, Kunta Kinteh Island, wildlife and bird watching.

AfO: How do you see Gambia developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

BN: The Gambia is fast developing as a business hub, as we are now very much focused on the MICE business. More conference facilities are being built, three new hotels have been opened this year alone with over a capacity of 500 new beds, and another five new hotels are under construction, expected to be operational in 2020/2021 and provide an additional 1,000 beds.

AfO: Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

BN: Gambia will host the 2021 Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) conference, and currently a new international conference centre is being built in the famous Senegambia Area in readiness for the forthcoming event. Further, there is also a new 400room hotel, VIP lounge at the Banjul International Airport, a 22-kilometre express way and a 50-kilometre feeder road under construction. We’re also investing in a water and electricity supply project, estimated to cost $222.5 million.

AfO: Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in Gambia?

BN: We’re very optimistic. The Gambia is one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in the sub-region, as are its exquisite hotels and resorts that overshadow the popularity of others in this part of Africa. Similarly, there is a rapid increase in investments to renovate and construct ultramorden hotels and resorts across the country, something that will serve to further this reputation.