In November 2008, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) confirmed through a press release the slowdown in international tourism growth since mid 2008.  

This is also in line with the country growth figures as the early part of 2008 registered significant growth before the summer followed by a record of low arrivals. Thus, the world body responsible for tourism affairs attributed the low arrivals to the global economic uncertainties, which has crippled other sectors as well.

According to the November monthly arrivals statistics, The Gambia is also subject to the global uncertainties, which continue to be reflected in its tourist arrivals.In November,  15,222 tourists visited the country. The trend shows the continued growth of the British tourists.

As usual, they continued to top the arrival list with 7,741 (50.9%), followed by the Dutch with 1,316 (8.6%) and Swedish 1,077 (7.1%). These three countries were followed by the Finnish and Danish registering 703 (4.6%) and 629 (4.1%) respectively. The November figures for Germany 367 (2.4%) is a little higher compared to the month of October – 273 (3.9%).

In addition, the Gambian arrival clocks 1,490 (9.8%) Overall, female arrivals stand at 7,541 and male figures at 7,681. The male figures are slightly above the female compared to the month of October when female figures of 3,505 were above the male figures of 3,411.