This reporter is assigned to monitor how the 2009/2010 tourists’ season is faring in the country. This reporter recently interviewed hoteliers and restaurant managers who derive their income from tourists visiting the country. Attempts have been made to speak to the tourist taxi drivers and handicraft dealers that are in the Senegambia area and Brikama, respectively.
Mr. Marong, a tourist taxi driver in the Senegambia area, said the 2009/2010 tourists’ season is not as bright as expected. He noted his fear that most of the guests coming into the country are tourists that came here before and those people prefer to stay in the hotels. He said they don’t earn much when tourists stay in the hotels. The tourist taxi drivers in Senegambia called on tour operators to collaborate with them and facilitate their work. They noted that the tour operators should reserve certain tours for them, particularly trips to places within short distances of hotels. They called on the GTA to come to their aid and talk to tour operators on this matter. They noted that the tourist season in the Gambia has over the past three years witnessed a decline in the number of arrivals. The tourist taxi drivers at the Palma Rima Junction also echoed similar remarks. The president of the Craftsmen Association in Brikama Mr. Saikou Ceesay renewed his call to the tourism authorities to work out plans that will create opportunities for stakeholders to take tourists to the Brikama Craft Market. He noted that they were expecting that the tourist season would be brighter than the current realities. When this reporter visited the Senegambia craft market, the president and the vice president of the craftsmen association who were very keen to talk in the first interview appeared reluctant to talk in this instance. The President and Vice President continued to shift the responsibility to talk until this reporter chose to turn his back
"When this reporter visited the Senegambia craft market, the president and the vice president of the craftsmen association who were very keen to talk in the first interview appeared reluctant to talk in this instance. The President and Vice President continued to shift the responsibility to talk until this reporter chose to turn his back "
Free speech blocked ? perhaps someone has had a word in their ear ?
I cannot remember what they said in the first interview but I bet it was critical of someone, anyone find the interview so we can see?
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
Topic Locked
Posted - 18 Jan 2010 : 20:16:28
