sell The Gambia & Cape Verde HOW TO...
The Gambia, a narrow ribbon of land strung along both sides of the river from which it gets its name, and Cape Verde Islands, in the Atlantic, 500km off the East African coast, both offer magical experiences without any obvious downside
BY ROGER ST. PIERRE
A colourful West African kingfi sher
THE GAMBIA VISAS: not required TIME ZONE: UTC/GMT CURRENCY: Gambian Dalasi (1.22 GMD to £1) SEE:
visitthegambia.gm SAMPLE DEALS: Gambia Experience - The oceanfront boutique Ngala Lodge Hotel is the base for a seven-night B&B package priced from £799pp, based on two sharing and including return fl ights from Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham.
gambia.co.uk
CAPE VERDE VISAS: Issued on arrival TIME ZONE: UTC/GMT-1 CURRENCY: Cape Verdean Escudo (132.50 CVE to £1) available on arrival. Also Euros SEE:
capeverde.co.uk SAMPLE DEALS: Cape Verde Experience - Seven nights’ at the family-run four-star Morabeza Hotel on Sal island, with breakfasts, from £849pp, based on two sharing and including Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham return fl ights.
capeverdeexperience.com
THESE are far from wealthy nations but clean, uncrowded beaches, unspoilt countryside, improving tourist infrastructure and a general lack of the diseases, crime and abject poverty that blight so much of the African continent make for happy nations that greet visitors with ready smiles and warm hospitality. Reasonably short fl ight times
and compatible time zones make a long weekend break without jet-lag perfectly feasible. “With a wide-ranging choice of
hotels there is something to suit all tastes and budgets,” says Karen Durham, Product Manager for The Gambia Experience, adding “Some go to The Gambia for the sun and beaches, some for the birds and wildlife, some for the various charitable projects.” Safari trips up-country are increasingly popular in The Gambia and many visitors now opt for itineraries that also feature next- door Senegal, with its distinct French colonial fl avour. The 10 main islands of Cape
Verde also reward those who get out and explore. “The climate is perfect for outdoor living. Temperatures are consistent at between 24C and 29C year round while beyond the beaches the islands offer a great diversity of landscape and of culture too, with an intriguing blend of Portuguese and Brazilian as well as African infl uences," advised Paul Kenny, Commercial Manager of The Cape Verde Experience. "It’s perfect for twin-centre and tailor-made island-hopping vacations as well as languid days by a pool. “Lush green valleys contrast with near desert fl atlands
50 March 2013 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
The fi ve-star Cocoa Ocean Resort, Gambia
and jagged mountain peaks but clear blue skies are virtually ubiquitous,” he said.
why sell?
Customer satisfaction
at both Gambia and Cape Verde is commendably high, which provides agents with the prospect of easy-sell return bookings as many visitors choose to return year after year to these hot spots. The Serenity group, which includes the Gambia Experience and Cape Verde Experience programmes, suggests that travel agents interested in training, educationals, competitions and brochure supplies should register their interest with Jason or Gill of the organisation’s trade team, on 0845 330 0845 or e-mail
trade@serenity.co.uk. The company’s 2013/14 season winter sun holidays are now on sale.
who to?
Both destinations
have broad based visitor appeal. They are child friendly, have enough excitement to keep the younger set happy yet also please those seeking a slower pace, with thriving communities of ex-pat retirees. Bird and wildlife watchers, those looking for an African cultural experience, night owls and sun, sea and sand lovers are all catered for. 'No stress' is said to be the Cape Verde national motto and The Gambia evinces a similar happy philosophy.
sell what? The diversity of the Cape
Verde archipelago – from pan-fl at Sal to the spectacular mountains of São Vincent – make island-hopping a real adventure while guests who opt to stick closer to the resorts will fi nd plenty to occupy themselves
GAMBIA EXPERIENCE
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