Finance & the Economy
The current business model in the Tourism sector is not working. Many times, a small crisis in Europe will completely paralyze or cripple the sector. UDP is committed to a comprehensive review and revitalization of the sector to enable it play its role as a key GDP growth stimulus, foreign exchange earner and employment creation sector for the country.
Regardless whether it is formal or informal sector, UDP believes that the quality of services and products cannot get better if the personnel in the industry have not got the desirable skills and attitudes. UDP in Government will invest in developing and delivering customized training programs for tourism sector personnel. The training institutions will be supported to review and improve their training programs. The objective of this is to improve the standards and quality of services at all levels.
UDP is aware of the linguistic diversity in The Gambia and the unique cultural artifact each group is able to offer to add to the beauty of The Gambia. A UDP Government will be committed to the development and promotion of culture and cultural heritages as a means of creating a national identity and building a strong social cohesion.
The Gambia has a rich habitat for birds and monkeys; a navigable river with abundance of creeks and islands; dozens of parks that provide exciting moments for nature lovers; and a warm and smiling people if one is an anthropologist. UDP is committed to developing an eco-tourism services to satisfy the needs for tourists who would like to explore the inner and natural beauty of The Gambia away from the services offered in five-star hotels.
Sustainable Tourism cannot be realized if it is not premised on home-grown services and products. While we continue to strengthen our hold on our traditional European markets, a UDP Government will be committed to the development and promotion of South-South and in-country Tourism. We will work with stakeholders to develop innovative packages that will target African and Asian markets and also targeting urban-based executives, expatriate community and professionals for the in-country tourism packages.
The Gambia Tourism sector has a dented reputation of being a safe-haven for pedophiles and sex tourists. UDP as a Party and a Government is highly committed to a clean and decent tourism sector, and will exercise zero-tolerance towards staff of the sector and tourists who are found to be engaged in inflicting indecent behaviors on children, adolescents and vulnerable persons.
The current practice of most hotels and tourist resorts relying on imported food and beverage products is undesirable and not enhancing the local economy and for creating employment opportunities. UDP is committed to revitalizing the tourism supply services through improving production and market chains for the horticulture, fisheries, livestock, poultry, handicraft, floriculture, and many others. Through this initiative, the much-needed foreign exchange from the sector will be protected and many families will realize improvement in their livelihoods.
Tourism sector development is closely linked to aviation travel. A UDP Government will commission the review of the aviation services and facilities with the view to making Banjul International Airport as an international transit hub, with increased number of direct flight to and from Banjul. This is expected to enhance access to our new markets.
Reform of the institutional arrangements of the Ministries of Local Government and Lands and it vertical and horizontal linkages with the Ministry of Tourism and its constituent institutions and organizations with a view to making the tourism sector more efficient and effective.