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serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Feb 2009 : 09:20:30
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I heard that this was a really bad winter for the Gambian tourism industry. No doubt that the economical crisis took its toll.
What do you think: Did Gambia rely too much on tourists from UK? Should they diversify their advertisements?
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 28 Feb 2009 : 12:03:01
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| There appears to be very little being done to make more Brits visit, the exchange rate of about D37 to the £1 is not much good. Tour operators are trying, but like everyone they are suffering from the general world financial problems with job losses every day their customer base is shrinking,Germany is also having a hard time,Scandiavian countries I know little about Sweden though is likly to lose Volvo cars as the US is pulling the plug and I understand that the Swedish Government is not interested in a bale out,maybe it is a very good thing that financial development in the Gambia has yet to take hold. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
Posted - 28 Feb 2009 : 20:38:41
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Have never thought that the Gambia relied too heavily on tourists from the UK .... there are many, many other nationalities who holiday there but the credit crunch is hitting everywhere! It's quite funny but I read on the Dutch/Gambia site that would-be Gambia tourists are promoting flying from the UK as it's a cheaper option for them ... but I've also read on UK/Gambia sites that it's cheaper to fly from Amsterdam or Brussels!
So it would seem that everyone is just looking for a 'special' deal but they're few and far between! However, I did get a good deal (booked last summer) and will be enjoying the Smiling Coast in just three weeks time - wooohooo! |
It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2009 : 12:28:34
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The numbers are down and very noticeable in the tourist areas. Some of the more popular restaurants on the strip still have a regular flow but many are a lot quieter.
With the poor exchange rate many people are opting for either half board packages or staying in the hotel.
Theres an increase of complaints of the aggressiveness of the bumpsters a simple NO is not doing it and the tour operators as always are buying into this intimidation and people are opting to do trips etc though the operators the tourist taxis are feeling it but theyre prices are now ridiculous the biggest impact for me was the airport not so much the porters. But the amount of youths now outside in the arrivals lounge waiting for tourist to grab their bags from the porters is amazing it took 10 mins to get out of the door as they were fighting (yes physical) over some poor unsuspecting couples luggage.
Flights from the UK have been cut so although the flights are full theres fewer arriving.
Cape Verde is being pushed very hard by tour operators here.
There was talk of some hotels now becoming all inclusive now the ban has lifted to cater for the increasing US trade.
The luxury hotels have sprang up and very popular anyone who is over or planning a visit go and check out the Coco Ocean Resort you can have a meal and they will show you around, theres a new leisure centre/Gym complex being built in the area.
However one thing I have noticed there are a lot of properties up for sale and most are European owners. Viewed 3 all returning to either Spain or Turkey (Turk word is Turkey is now the new Gambia )
Theres always deals to be have £89 one way flight only even some of the higher end packages Ngala lodge have some good deals its a buyers market as most company will price match even chuck in free transfers/upgrades/insurance just depends how persistent you are.
I think the industry is changing the GTA seems to be targeting a different type of tourist whether or not its a good thing I have no idea |
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Formby
United Kingdom
246 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2009 : 19:47:34
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| Hiz, what do you mean by a ban being lifted lifted to cater for US trade? What was this ban? |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2009 : 21:35:24
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Why not Hiz. The summer starts April to November in southern Turkey. Prices are comparable to Gambia. We have Turkish Coffe to substitute for Attaya. Country side, the best hospitality and cuisine in the world, Natural beauty mountains, beaches, forest, bosphorus, best night clubs, music, 1000s years old historical sights from Greek to Italian, persian to Ottoman. And all kind of Turkish delight for all tastes :) why not?
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diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2009 : 21:47:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Formby
Hiz, what do you mean by a ban being lifted lifted to cater for US trade? What was this ban?
Most US visitors are looking for AI theres a lot of interest of making links between the university of Gambia and other US Faculties the ban was lifted a few years back after a disastrous attempt to introduce them before (The European market basically abused it and the local economy suffered). |
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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
Posted - 16 Mar 2009 : 21:51:37
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Hey Turk ive no problem with it , hopefully encourage more competition and cheaper prices win win for me .
many expats that used the far east and Gambia are looking to Turkey of the 3 properties I viewed with the owners 2 were off to Turkey and one Spain anyone looking to buy now is in a good position . |
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
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Formby
United Kingdom
246 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 19:11:13
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We are thinking of going to Turkey, Turk (that's me and my boyfriend). Where would you recommend? Somewhere with a bit of culcha and natural beauty, by the sea, good places to eat, not too quiet but not over-run with drunken vomitting at 3am, nothing sex-touristy.
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Edited by - Formby on 17 Mar 2009 19:11:58 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 19:23:03
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Jack that is interesting!
Ghana..... ?!
I am not sure about individuals safety in Gambia. I think most tourists just coming for a 2 week holiday are perfectly safe.
I am not sure that I am safe, 
Anyone writing anything considered anti government could be picked up off the streets.
I want to do my project, but I am quiet reluctant to return.
I do miss Gambia though. |
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Momodou
Denmark
11735 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 20:58:53
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Should we soon deport you all to a Turkish forum.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 21:15:47
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No....Gambia is still my second home in my heart! |
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2009 : 21:30:46
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quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
Should we soon deport you all to a Turkish forum.
hehe Momodou, now i realise why YY is soo easily reelected. As soon as there is some critics, ur deport peeps
lol
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Edited by - Jack on 17 Mar 2009 21:31:58 |
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2009 : 10:44:07
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so people are going to ghana, i thought it was cape verde the competition, but had not considered Ghana, interesting. and if UK tour operators are pushing it, then some other might follow.
36 dls to one pound is not good.
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