Non-traditional source markets will be key for The Gambia as it strives to claw back tourist arrivals in its recovery efforts.
The West African country although keeping faith with its main markets, has identified markets such as the Italian and Spanish speaking markets as amongst the list of exploratory markets it’s considering.
Coming at the back of successful participation at last month’s FITUR Tourism Fair in Madrid, Spain, the country has joined one of Europe’s main tourism exhibitions in Italy, BIT to showcase the Gambia’s offerings.
Leading the delegation to Milan is the Minister of Tourism and Culture Hamat Bah, who has assured the tourism industry of Gambia’s preparedness to welcome travellers again .
Mr Bah was accompanied by the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, Abubacarr Camara, and his team from the Board.
Camara said, their presence at the Fair in Italy has been very engaging.
“Indeed, we had meetings with travel agents, tour operators, travel journalists, and bloggers. Our Minister was invited to the cutting of the ribbon to mark the opening of the fair by his colleague Minister of Tourism of Italy.
“Also, he was a keynote speaker at the Tourism Ministers roundtable conference, and he gave a powerful speech to the admiration of all,” he maintained.
The Director General added that they were exploring Italy as a possible source market and hoped their participation in BIT would help make it more viable
He posited: “It is still a non-traditional source market for Destination Gambia but capable of becoming one, and we seek to work hard to penetrate and explore its huge potential.”
