The Gambia is often called the “Smiling Coast of Africa” for a reason: its enduring charm lies in its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, making it one of the continent’s most approachable destinations. And the most of the people speak and understand English.
Beyond the beautiful, uncrowded Atlantic beaches, the country offers a unique blend of culture and nature centered around the majestic Gambia River. Visitors can explore vibrant local markets, observe diverse birdlife in the coastal reserves, and delve into the nation’s rich history, particularly its connection to the transatlantic slave trade. It’s an ideal, safe, and stable entry point for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed West African experience.
Beach country Gambia
Gambia’s beaches are the soul of the ‘Smiling Coast’. They offer golden sand on the Atlantic coast, from bustling resorts (Kololi) to quiet, unspoilt stretches (Sanyang). The coast is characterised by beautiful sunsets, colourful fishing pirogues and lively local beach life.
How has tourism in The Gambia developed since 2020?
The development of tourism in The Gambia since 2020 has been marked by a drastic slump due to the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a remarkable and complete recovery to pre-crisis levels.
Summary of the most important phases and characteristics of this development:
1. The dramatic slump (2020)
Collapse in arrivals: In the record year of 2019, Gambia recorded around 235,000 international visitors. Due to global travel restrictions in 2020, this number fell dramatically to only around 89,000 arrivals.
Economic impact:
Tourism revenue fell by around 66% in 2020 compared to 2019, which had a severe economic impact on the country, which is heavily dependent on tourism. In April 2020, arrivals temporarily fell to zero.
2. Slow recovery (2021–2022)
Delayed recovery: Gambia’s international tourism industry was initially slow to recover as travel restrictions and uncertainty (particularly in European source markets) persisted.
Rebound: However, in 2022, approximately 183,000 tourists were already registered. This showed a robust return of visitors, albeit still below pre-crisis levels.
3. Full recovery and growth (2023 – present)
Full recovery: For the 2023/2024 season, the sector made a full recovery to its pre-crisis level of 2019. Visitor numbers are back in the range of over 230,000.
Tourism forecast for 2025:
The forecasts for the current 2025 season are optimistic, with over 232,000 tourists expected. This indicates stabilisation and slight growth.
UNWTO ranking:
Gambia has been ranked by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) as one of the world’s fastest-growing destinations in the post-pandemic period.
4. Strategic realignment
The Gambia is making strategic use of the post-pandemic period:
Quality over quantity: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) is increasingly focusing on attracting ‘quality tourists’ who appreciate the country and its culture in order to make tourism more sustainable and value-adding.
Market diversification:
Greater efforts are being made to tap into new markets outside the traditional European countries (such as the United Kingdom, Germany and Scandinavia). In particular, the aim is to attract more tourists from Africa, who are considered less seasonal and bring higher local added value.
New markets
There is also an increase in holidaymakers from Poland, mainly due to the availability of direct flights from Warsaw to Banjul at very reasonable prices. But also guests from African countries are traveling to Gambia.
Verdict Gambia
In summary, it can be said that tourism in The Gambia has overcome the global crisis and is now on the way to not only recovering, but also developing strategically.
How do you get to Gambia?
The journey is usually made by direct flight from major European hubs (e.g. London, Brussels, Barcelona) to Banjul International Airport (BJL). Charter companies and scheduled flights, especially during the winter season, offer the fastest and most convenient connection.
If the government manages to secure direct flights from Germany to Banjul, for example, tourism will continue to develop very dynamically. The security situation is relatively good, and the entry and exit fees of around US$20 each have not yet led to a slump in visitor numbers.
There are still shortcomings in environmental protection, waste separation and similar areas, which are still in their infancy.
More than 4,000 hours of sunshine per year make the west coast of Gambia a mecca for sun worshippers. Between the end of October and the end of June the sun is shining nicely and warm.
List of sources:
Ministry of Tourism, Banjul
Survey of lodges and hotels in The Gambia
FVW
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