BusinessTravel Guide
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GAMBIA
The Smiling Coast of West Africa
G A M B I A
GAMBIA Africa’s smallest nation is also one of its most content and attractive, and the rest of the world is beginning to take notice Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joe Palliser
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ambia may be the smallest country in Africa but it is certainly packing a punch in recent years as its reputation as a tourist hotspot gathers momentum. Consequently having a knock-on effect on the country’s economy and individual business lines across areas of hospitality, cuisine, finance and travel, its GDP has consistently grown yearon-year for more than a decade now; and is showing no signs of slowing down as its accessibility and appeal continues to develop. Engulfed on three sides by Senegal, its immediate access into West Africa has always affirmed its usefulness to the wider continent despite its diminutive stature, but it is the fourth side opening Gambia up to the Atlantic
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FACTS & FIGURES
Languages: Capital city: Area: Population (2013): GDP (2015): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD: Climate:
English Banjul 10,689 kilometres 1.8 million $3.5 billion Dalasi (GMD) UTC+0 (GMT) +220 .gm Tropical
AFRICA Ocean that holds most of the potential for the country moving forward. Occupying the navigable length of the Gambia River valley and its surrounding hills, in total Gambia only enjoys 80 kilometres of coastline, but it’s the array of resorts, trade routes, business opportunities and paradise views that are packed into this stretch that have contributed most significantly to the country’s recent rise to global prominence. Inevitably, the majority of tourists visit Western Gambia - the Atlantic facing region - and Upriver Gambia - the rest of the highly vegetated country - for the weather and temperatures between November and May (dry season) but as recognition grows, so too does the diversity of Gambia’s appeal, and the business travel sector is thriving as a result.
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G A M B I A
The Business End IN RECENT YEARS Gambia has been gaining a lot of attention both regionally and internationally, with thanks to its growing tourism sector. Jean Byamugisha, Executive Director at the Gambia Hotel Owners Association explains the meteoric rise of Gambia’s tourism industry: “In recent years we have won accolades from international press such as CNN and Lonely Planet magazine. We have been very lucky to have the backing of an incredibly supportive Government that is heavily invested in road infrastructure to destination areas, as well as tight security within the country that has boosted our tourism industry onto its upward trajectory.” With such renewed interest in Gambia and its tourism industry, the country is positioning itself as the new MICE destination in Africa. At present Kampala is home to major international big name brand hotels such as the Hilton, Marriot, Radisson and it has massively increased its appeal for both the business travel
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industry as a whole and MICE. Alongside the growth of its tourism industry and more specifically business tourism, the county has also experienced consistent economic growth in recent years. The country has largely untapped oil & gas reserves as well as a sizable agriculture industry, with coffee as its main export.
CNN Inside Africa: The Gambia honors its past, while looking ahead HD
However, with the growing tourism sector in the country, the agriculture sector is on course to be surpassed by the services sector which accounted for more than half of the country’s GDP last year.
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The tourism sector is rapidly expanding
Kololi Beach Club is a creation by the Freestone family spanning a 30-year period, from humble beginnings which stretch back to a family holiday taken in the winter of 1985. During those early development days, Martin, inspired by former President’s private golf course, prompted Kololi Beach Club to build an 18-hole, par 3 course. Set in the lovely resort grounds surrounded by wildlife, it’s reputed to be a test for golfers of all standards. Today there are 60 villas; most with sea views, some overlook the swimming pools, others enjoying views of the golf course and gardens. The villas nestle perfectly into the surrounding landscaped gardens, paths gently lead you through the resort taking in this magical setting. Whichever villa you choose, there is nothing better than sitting on your terrace or balcony,
watching the wildlife while enjoying breakfast or pre-dinner drink; the perfect way to start or end the day. Kololi Beach Club welcomes anyone to come and stay with us and discover the Club facilities on offer. The Resort is structured similar to; Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and other successful Holiday Clubs. In 2008 Kololi Beach Club introduced ‘Owner Membership’ to its portfolio as more and more people were looking to own a property overseas. Accordingly, Kololi Beach Club has built more villas, some are detached with their own pool and garden known as our prestigious Nian Villas, and in 2016 a complex of 36 boutique Studio Apartments began construction. For first time visitors we have some great introductory rates – for more information please contact bookings@kololi.com.
Member/Guest Reviews & Quotes (2017 – 2018) 5* WOW Beautiful place, wonderful friendly and helpful staff. Our first visit exceeded our expectations. Well looked after from start to finish in beautiful surroundings.
5* FANTASTIC We had a cheeky week away at Kololi Beach Resort, we fell in love with how relaxing it was, very private and yet 5 minute walk you’re on the strip with such good restaurants and bars.
5* LOVELY HOTEL Would highly recommend Kololi Beach Resort, I’ve stayed in many places in Gambia and I can honestly say this is by far the nicest Resort I have stayed in.
5* HONEYMOON Kololi Beach Club was absolutely fantastic! The staff can’t do enough. It’s got to be the Gambia’s best kept secret! If you’re not self-catering the food is excellent and varied.
For more information visit www.kololi.com or email bookings@kololi.com | info@kololi.com
G A M B I A
Out & About THE SMILING COAST of West Africa, as it is known, doesn’t refer to the shape of Gambia or anything overtly philosophical, but simply the friendliness of its people. And this is the main take-home report of anyone to have visited the country’s shores. Inevitably, a personable nature goes hand-in-hand with the tourism-related areas of business that are thriving in the country at the moment, but it’s when you’re exploring the wilderness on your own and simply taking in the local cultures and atmospheres that you become endeared to the nation and its inhabitants.
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And what this achieves more than anything is a calming welcome to a country that would be stunning regardless of people, resorts and tour guides anyway. Coast side, its sun and surf all the way, but further inland a plethora of natural beauties, rolling mountains, rainforests, wildlife reserves and archaic treasures are there to be found. And given the small scale of Gambia, it’s not as difficult to take in a bit of each dimension as you’d think. Without too much international influence, the best thing about Gambia is its indigenousness, whether that’s encouraging local delicacies, demonstrating Gambian history, or preserving native wildlife. And during your time in the country, it’s highly advised you experience all of the above.
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Abuko Nature Reserve, Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Sanyang Beach and the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project are just a select few examples to sample on the nature front; the James Island ‘Roots tour’ is a poignant reflection on centuries past; and finally, you can head back to an increasing number of four and five-star hotels and resorts, chief among them being Kololi Beach Resort and Tendaba Safari Camp.
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G A M B I A
Outlook Recommends “Gambia offers a cheaper alternative than the Caribbean destinations and there are 48km of unspoilt white sandy beaches which have [still] yet to experience any significant tourist development.” - Gambia Travel and Tourism
HOSPITALITY
NATURE Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project
Kachikally Crocodile Pool
Bijilo Forest Park
Makasutu Cultural Forest
Kololi Beach Resort Kololi Beach Resort defines itself as the perfect holiday location “where time stands still” as an idyllic paradise resort located on the smiling coast of West Africa. Set across 24 acres of pristine green space, its beachside setting ensures ultimate comfort, relaxation and stunning views at all times, while its ever-improving facilities makes it the perfect getaway for business clientele too.
Tendaba Safari Camp
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Abuko Nature Reserve
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T: 00 220 373 4085 E: admin@swisshotelgambia.com www.swisshotelgambia.com
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AFRICA
KOMBO BEACH HOTEL THE GAMBIA
D isc ov er the smilin g c oa st of West Af ric a
Set on the beautiful wide sandy beach of Kotu, you will find a warm welcome, excellent cuisine, entertainment and true Gambian hospitality
The Swiss Boutique Hotel is a small luxury eco hotel situated on Bijilo Beach and a short distance away from the main tourist centers, close enough to easily experience all that the Gambia has to offer.
CULTURE
LEISURE
National Museum of Albreda
Sanyang Beach
Kotu Beach
James Island ‘Roots tour’ Tanje Village Museum
FOOD & DRINK
Sea Shells Bar & Restaurant Gaya Art Cafe Calypso Bar & Restaurant Reo’s Bar & Restaurant WWW.AFRICAOUTLOOKMAG.COM
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G A M B I A
BY JOLLE AT CATALAN WIKIPEDIA, CC BY-SA 3.0,
Transport Links
GIVEN THE COUNTRY’S growing popularity from further afield in recent times, it is perhaps no surprise that it’s relatively easy to gain access to the nation from a visa perspective; most EU member states even being able to enter the country for an initial 90 days visa-free. No matter where you’re departing from though, you will likely arrive into Banjul International Airport in the capital city of Banjul. Primarily catering for Europe and West Africa, from
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arrival onwards, there are numerous options in terms of internal transport during your stay but it is probably the last remaining infrastructural challenge that exists in Gambia. For most, rural excursions, improvised journeys and quirky tours are part of the charm of the whole experience but it’s also worth making yourself familiar with these little security and cost nuances prior to visiting. For instance: public transport costs
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often vary depending on whether you end up in a shared taxi or an individual one but you need to tell the driver which you want, otherwise they may just choose the more expensive option for you; the terrain makes 4X4s a must if you want to get by under your own steam; and back to the cab challenge again - if you can - always choose yellow taxis over green ones. For everything else and especially on the tourism front, guided tours are usually the way to go.
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Landmark Attractions
Wassu Stone Circles
“The ancient Wassu Stone Circles, in Gambia, are located around Wassu in the Central River Region and are believed to be burial mounds of Kings and chiefs in ancient times more than 1,200 years old... This sacred site was declared a National Monument in 1995 and on 21 July, 2006, 93 monuments in the Senegambia region (Sine Ngayène, Wanar) were declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site.” Gambia Travel and Tourism
River Gambia National Park
“The national park was established in 1978 and is made up of a complex of five islands that lie on the river in the Central River Division (Region) about 300 kilometres upstream to the southwest of Kuntaur and downstream of Janjangbureh, Georgetown. The five islands are collectively known as Baboon Islands which cover an area of approximately 1,445 acres. An interesting place to visit is the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Camp (CRC) which lies on the banks of the river.” - Gambia Travel and Tourism
Wide Open Walls, Kubuneh
“Wide Open Walls was launched in 2010... The basic idea was to turn some of the village of Kubuneh within the Ballabu area into a living art exhibition. After speaking with Eelus, a street artist of world renown, [founder] Lawrence Williams suddenly had himself a curator and the first Wide Open Walls project was born. The following October, 8 street artists from around the world came to The Gambia and over the course of two weeks, turned the village of Kubuneh into a living art project.” - The Gambia Experience
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
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