Bumper Tourist Season Expected 2007/08

As count down to the 2007/2008 tourist season is getting nearer day by
day people working in the tourist industry are expecting a promising
season.

Tourism is considered to be the main source of foreign exchange
earning for The Gambia. The sector absorbed the country's largest
unemployed youth force. The tourism sector provided huge opportunities
for both Gambians and non- Gambians alike, such as scholarship for
students, among others.

Speaking to the Arts and Culture recently, stakeholders in the
promotion and development of tourism in The Gambia, expressed deeper
sense of gratitude and optimism about the 2007/2008 tourist season.

According to Nari Chow, Wood carver, sculpture and dealer in
traditional clothes at Shop No. 37, in the Senegambia Craft Market, a
good tourist season is expected this year, but was quick to say that,
it has never been easy during the off season.

According to Mr Chow, he started to work in the industry since 1981 at
the Fajara Craft Market, then there was no Craft Market in Senegambia
area. "The only Craft Markets in The Gambia were Fajara, BB craft
market and the one in Banjul" he said.

Mr Chow, affirmed that its through his work that he pays his children
school fees and solve his personal problems from the business.
"Tourist season is subjected to many forces, so there is no 100
percent guarantee that the season will be a resounding success. All we
can do is to pray to God for a successful season. As the season
approaches, one has to have faith in God. Sometime you make a fortune,
and at times is the otherwise," he said.

He took the opportunity to urge for attitudinal change, on the part of
both bumsters and other unscruplus elements in the interest of a
healthy promotion and development of tourism in The Gambia.

Ebrima Sanneh, dealer in Wood Carve materials also expressed deeper
sense of expectation for the 2007-2008 tourist season.