HOW TO SELL GAMBIA
GAMBIA Timeless
BY GARY NOAKES Gambia is often overlooked by those seeking guaranteed winter sun – which is a mistake because it has so much going for it. English speaking, with no time
difference, a balmy year-round climate and, in terms of flying time, only a little further than the Red Sea, Gambia really does deserve more attention. This slither of West Africa suits those
who want superb beaches, great weather plus some soft adventure options and those who are prepared to learn a little about the real Africa outside the hotels. Gambia is perhaps more suited to couples than families, as the Atlantic breakers that crash onto its golden sand can intimidate weaker swimmers (although all hotels have excellent pools). That said, many families will enjoy a chance to see a slice of ‘real’ Western Africa in a safe and welcoming environment and a visit to a local school will be an enriching and sobering experience. Anyone who likes to spend their
holiday just on the beach or by the pool will be happy in Gambia, but equally there are very good reasons to leave the hotel. A four-wheel drive adventure will
neatly unlock this tiny country in a day. Gambia has no big game, but a trip
into the countryside will enable you to spot many of the 500-plus bird species found there, ranging from tiny rainbow- coloured tropical species to the more menacing, like the hooded vulture. What will perhaps stick in the memory more is meeting the people. A trip to a compound, where extended families live and, in rural areas, grow their own food, is part of the itinerary and many on these trips are so moved by their visit to
Gambia’s thriving but impoverished schools that long-lasting fund-raising partnerships are established. Back on the coast, the beach at Tanji
provides a scene seemingly unchanged for centuries. Here, slender canoe-like fishing boats land and the catch is traded, smoked and preserved as hundreds of people throng around. Another excursion that history buffs
will enjoy is the trip up the River Banjul deep into the countryside to the village of Juffure. This was the home of Roots’ author Alex Haley’s great great grandfather, the slave Kunta Kinte, whose descendents still live there today. Gambia neatly marries these historical and natural attractions with a growing line in luxury accommodation – not something that immediately springs to mind when thinking of West Africa. However, there are more and more
eco and boutique hotels opening in Gambia. Among the latest additions are
44 October 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
GAMBIA Top Selling Tips...
• Silver lining: Switch-sell to Gambia away from North Africa if clients are still nervous about the region or if they want a more realistic destination experience GARY NOAKES, travel journalist
• Comfort zones: With a sunny, tropical climate, great food and English-speaking hosts, Gambia has plenty of key attributes
STEVE HARTRIDGE travel journalist
• Green themes: Suggest Gambia's growing range of eco- lodges to clients looking for a greener stay GARY NOAKES, travel journalist
The Omakan Hotel and Sitanunku Lodge, both of them exclusive to Gambia Experience for winter 2011/12. Both are rural properties and the latter is on the River Gambia. Either will provide an excellent twin- centre combination with a beach stay. Interest in Gambia can only grow; it
is also one of several destinations that look set to reap the rewards of tourists switching away from Egypt after the ‘Arab spring’ uprising there. David Fraser, Cosmos' Gambia
product manager said: “Sales to the Gambia for last year showed real growth, so we have taken the opportunity to grow our programme. “Gambia is a very affordable winter
sun destination which is exactly what our customers are looking for at the moment."
Clockwise from top left: The Gambia is known as the smiling coast; a river cruise by pirogues boat; a massage at Coco Ocean; more smiles.
ALL IMAGES THE GAMBIA EXPERIENCE
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