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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
 Posted - 21 May 2009 : 20:28:20
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Numbers are falling and at a great rate. Before people jump on the credit crisis bandwagon figures in most European destinations are down by 2 or 3 % For Gambia these are far greater its a drop of 32%
Number of arrivals in 2008 first quarter was 76,622
Number of arrivals in 2009 first quarter 51,768. A 32% drop
2008 February arrivals = 28,926
2009 February arrivals = 16,238
2008 March= 18597
The March 2009 arrivals = 17474
Following arrivals for the month of March 2009, according to country of origin: Britain 54.5%, The Netherlands 7.9%, Sweden 6.9%, Norway 4%, Finland 3% and Denmark 3.4%.
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2009 : 20:31:51
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| Whose figures are these? Do they offer any explanations for the dramatic fall? |
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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2009 : 20:49:08
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These are the Gambia Tourism Authority's figures for the 1st quarter of the Season they give no explanations just release the figures.
Having recently been it is evident that the numbers are down having said that theres a bigger increase in people travelling for business rater than pleasure. |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2009 : 20:50:34
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Scarey,BIG problem for The Gambia and her people
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
Posted - 21 May 2009 : 22:16:58
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Times are changing Toubab, times are changing |
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gambiadreamin
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2009 : 20:29:43
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| Why do you think this is? I think it's reputation. Too many bumsters, inflated prices etc etc |
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toubab1020
12312 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2009 : 21:58:42
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quote:
Originally posted by gambiadreamin
Why do you think this is? I think it's reputation. Too many bumsters, inflated prices etc etc
Welcome Gambiadreamin to Bantaba in Cyberspace
There is no doubt at all that bumsters are a big problem it has been discussed here on Bantaba in Cyberspace MANY MANY times and still the problem persists for tourists,the hotels are happy that the bumsters are outside their doors,why? simple tourists will stay in the hotel complex and buy drinks and food from the hotel at stupid prices, its all about getting every bit of money you can from the visitors,a meal for one will keep a family of locals fed for a week ,if tourists want to go and see Gambia then of course there are tours provided by the tour operators again at stupid prices,a tour that costs the tourist tens of pounds can be done independantly for maybe £1 OK local transport is rather suspect condition wise but if you want to see the REAL Gambia then thats the way to go,the majority of Gambians are charming.Gambia is a place that you either fall in love with or hate and will not come again.If you are unsure if you like the Gambia or not go again and escape from the hotels and tours.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Jack
Belgium
384 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2009 : 22:02:45
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Gambiadreamin
I don't think the bumsters are the main problem. At least not to me.
First there are the prices.... Gambia is not a cheap destination anymore unless someone want to stay in places like Badala or worse and eat tapalapa and local dishes in local restaurants.
Secondly : the Gambia gots international attention by : chopping off the head of gays, witch hunting, aids curing, prison sentences for insulting the president etc
Third : bribing and begging are major problems
Tourists who never visited Africa will not choose such a destination...only the die hards, those who are addicted to the smiling coast.. But these numbers are not sufficient to fill all available accomodation
regards |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2009 : 22:41:27
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Lots of english people coming to Gambia are just looking for stress free sunshine...... at a cheapish price. There are lots of places providing this!
If tourists are interested in Africa and want to see Africa, well there are lots of other countries offering a more interesting location...more beautiful beaches, more cultural sites, more animals to see......
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2009 : 22:45:29
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Personally I am not going back to Gambia at the moment because I dont't feel safe. The publicity about the sedition cases has made me think seriously about returning to Gambia.I know the government reads postings on this web site and does pick people up at the airport. I dont want to be one of those people.
i can go to Tenerife for a week.... and lie in the sun!
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turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 22 May 2009 : 23:51:53
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gambiadreamin
I can't explain what, but some reason I like you :)
I can add the poor 'service quality by government/hotels/business/restaurants' to Jack's list. And Gambia should have diversify tourism products especially eastern side of Gambia amazing. |
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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Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2009 : 00:56:29
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Hi Hiz princess
Of course the credit crunch, negative equity and the fall of the sterling, drop in house prices, increased unemployment, increased taxes placed on air travel in the UK has a lot to do with the decrease in arrivals to Gambia.
Of course there is competition from other destinations and let's not exaggerate here Bev other countries have their problems. Thailand child prostitution and civil unrest. Greece student demonstrators. Kenya white landlords shooting poachers and civil unrest chasing away tourist last year. Mexico with Swine Flu. I'm sure others can extend the list. However tourist will still come. The trade has always been fickle. What is important is that airlines not only cater for tourists but for expatriates of those destinations as well. By giving them better buggage allowance and better ticket options, which they started to do this season for Gambia.
As for sedition Bev aren't you exaggerating? If you are doing what you say you are doing building a school what have you got to fear? Don't be too gullible listening to these haters who enjoy poisoning Gambia's image. Many of them haven't returned to Gambia since they left or have no desire to return there. What's stopping you from returning to Gambia if you really want to do your work Bev?
Does that mean we'll need to call you Tenerifebev from now on?
peace
Sister Omega
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Peace
Sister Omega |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2009 : 10:19:32
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Sister Omega
In September I am starting building a nursery school in Kolior. It is a long term project that I have got to gradually find the money for.
My Gambian guide is going to run the project on my behalf.
I am hoping a friend of mine who goes to Gambia regularly will check the progress for me too.
Travelling to Gambia myself will take funds away from the project, which I don't want to do.
I do want to go back. I miss Gambia. But I am concerned for my safety. This is due to the content of a private email that I dont want to disclose on here. NOT due to any ranting on bantaba.
If I was a single person with no responsibilities I would take the risk. But I have two daughters and elderly parents. I have to think of them too. At the moment I think it would be foolish for me to go.
This year my holiday plans are a week in Sorrento...so perhaps its italybev???? I do love Italy too!  |
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Hiz Princess
United Kingdom
464 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2009 : 11:37:55
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Sister I do not think that the credit crisis is due to a drop 32%. While i'll agree it will have some negative impact just looking at other destinations that have suffered 10- 15 % drops its easy to see that that is just a small tip.
As for baggage allowances Banjul airport was full of returnees recently been forced to leave lots of luggage behind, as a strict 20 kg is now being inforced that with hand luggage now being weighed its an expensive time.
Jack I agree with your summary
Last Jan/Feb 36 schools colleges and University's arranged field trips, this year there were 5 of those that made the same arrangements. Most withdrew over the negative and ludicrous behaviour that has already highlighted.
Goa is becoming the new destination of choice and this is not a cheaper option to get to. Kenyas becoming more popular. I actually now a lot of die hard gambian regs that have switched to Kenya and say they wont switch back again not a cheaper option so what is it???
From my observations prices in the tourist areas this Easter were a joke just walking down the strip you could see how inflated everything was that coupled with poor service also has a detrimental impact. Its not just the poor exchange rate.
For many 1st timers the rip offs start at the airport, passengers charged bogus taxes for bringing in an Ipod and phones that they've already paid tax for, taxis that are charging 1500 d for a trip from the airport to kololi, tour ops putting the fear of god in all their customers while providing rip off trips, waiters that think its their right to keep your change, Customs men trying to bribe passengers over extra duty the list is endless.
These 1st timers are the future of tourism with so many regs deserting Gambia. Maybe not all first timers are confident enough to explore local eatery's and do you blame them when everytime they leave their hotels they are accosted by green rip off tourist taxis these are the real bumpsters.
Many hotels /guest houses are up for sale , Los of houses 90% European owned are up for sale theres a climate of insecurity.
With the withdrawal of two big companies 1st choice and Thompsons choices are limited here in the UK.
The whole tourism industry needs a re vamp, they need to decide on a target market and cater for their needs at the moment theres no structure people are expected to pay 5* prices for 2* service/facility's its just not going to happen.
The idea of going down the all inclusive route that the industry are batting about again might get bums on seats and visitors though arrivals but not good for the local economy, but I fear this is now they're only choice. |
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Momodou
Denmark
11735 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2009 : 11:39:55
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Danish tourist industry is having their share as stated below.
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"Danish tourism is currently at its lowest level in 15 years," said Katja Østergaard, Danish Danish Chamber of Commerce’s managing director. "It’s certainly due to the financial crisis but also because of the unequal competition conditions the country’s business industry has been placed in, which predate the crisis."
Experts believe that small businesses dependent on tourism will suffer most this year, with many facing the possibility of ruin.
"We’ve already seen a huge increase in the number of bankruptcies, with smaller companies often having to sell out to larger ones with more capital," said Njor.
"It’s a clear indication of how hard it is for independent businesses to survive under the present economic conditions."
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 23 May 2009 : 11:52:43
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The all inclusive market would be a total disaster for the local economy.
People fly in..stay a week in their hotel jail and fly out again.
Who benefits from that? The tour operators and a few people with jobs directly in the tourist industry. But ALL the add on value of tourism (markets, taxis, restaurants etc) will lose out.
I would like to see Gambia do more eco friendly holidays, but I do acknowledge this is a small market.
Has Gambian Tourist board encouraged the American market? They would expect high quality hotels and service. But might be interested in tracing their roots?
Scandinavian countries are also an under represented area. In the canary islands there are many visitors from these countries escaping their dark winters. Gambia could target them with the smiling coast...all year round sunshine....
A few ideas?
But I would really hate to see Gambia go down the all inclusive holiday route. The local people are Gambias biggest asset. It is possible the all inclusive tourists wouldnt experience the local community at all. |
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