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 it’s 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 unscrupulous 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.