Gambia Increases Tourism Investment

The tourist industry in the country receives over 100,000 visitors a year and is the second biggest earner of foreign revenue. Visitors from the UK make up 50 percent of arrivals. Now the country is looking to increase these numbers to further boost the country’s economy, of which it is already one of the main drivers. Jobe-Nije is positive as to the impacts that increased tourism can have on the country, in spite of the fact that the sector has seen some turbulence recently.

Gambia is targeting a 5 percent increase on its tourist numbers, according to tourism minister Fatou Mas Jobe-Nije, and is upping investment to attract more visitors to the country.
“It is a real breadwinner, in terms of job creation, income generation and cultural interaction,” she said. “Gambian tourism has always been about people and their interaction with tourists within a limited geographic area, coupled with the proximity to most European destinations.”
“Tourism plays a key role in terms of the socio-economic development of the country. The vision is to diversify the scope and geographic spread of tourism to benefit our communities in terms of developing ecotourism and community-based tourism initiatives. At the same time, we want to diversify the product mix in terms of developing high quality facilities to appeal to the top end of the market and attract more high-spending tourists.”
Tourists have long been attracted to Gambia for its climate and great beaches, as well as its many species of bird and the River Gambia, which has 200 islands along it. Jobe-Nije said that the government was planning to invest in and further utilise these islands to attract more people to the country. The building of new resorts and hotels is central to this.
“The hotel industry has a two-pronged role – the development and consolidation of beach-based products into five- and four-star categories, with state-of-the-art facilities to attract high-end tourists, while at the same time developing inland tourism facilities for ecotourism,” she said. “New resort projects and eco-tourism facilities in the pipeline include: Kanuma Beach; resources and Game Park, to be located in south Gambia; Sanyang Sanctuary to be located in south Gambia and the Ndemban Community Eco-Tourism Project.”
The government hopes to attract investment in the sector to make it more appealing and worthwhile to foreign tourists, and is offering incentives to those looking to pour money inrto rejuvenating the sector.
“The opportunities for investors are immense, especially to high-end products such as golf course, marinas for river cruising, ecotourism, river transport, game parks, top-notch hotels and resort development,” she said. “Incentives for investors in tourism include: exemption from customs duties on capital equipment, spare parts, raw or semi-finished materials; exemption from withholding tax and tax on dividends for a period of five years; preferential allocation of land for the projects.”

Culled from Ventures Africa

SLIDING GURARA

Little wonder, Nigeria's largest state by land mass, Niger is christened, the "Power State". It not only account for around 40% of  total power production output to the national grid, but hosts two past Heads of State - Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. It is also the birthplace of Nigeria's only indigenous Governor-General, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and secessionist leader, Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who were both born in the sleepy town of Zungeru.

It is a well drained area, with countless tributaries, emptying in to the Niger river at various points, or first entering the Kaduna river, which is itself, a major tributary of the Niger. Thus, it is hard to say Niger State is not the geotourist's haven. But when the topic of tourism is associated with the state, just the magnificent Zuma rock and the Bida blacksmith district come to mind. However, the discovery of a beau, and the subsequent interest in developing it in to a tourist delight, urged me to pay a recco visit, but not without company.

Thus, in line with taking a tour of Tswata Mukun -  the blacksmith district at Bida, even though we were not allowed to take pictures, I took four Chinese and one Vietnamese tourists to visit the Gurara waterfalls. Characterized by features which still make African rivers unnavigable - rapids, the waterfall is a gigantic stampede of water, slaloming over granitic rocks cut in beautiful formations to form a collection of small falls, and a colossal waterfall which plunges off a cliff, and then proceed through Gurara Local Government to empty in to river Kaduna.

We spent about 45 minutes at the site, taking pictures, and playing at the bank, where I was able to engage with the only local tour guide, who briefed me about the vision of turning the place in to a truly pro-poor tourist destination in Nigeria. While he talked, I kept dreaming, drawing up imaginary structures of how the place could be transformed, but now, I pictured myself as a holder of a 99year BOT tenure.

We got to the site around the time the sun was about to descend beyond the horizon, so, we were able to avoid the heat of the day, but we couldn't help folding up our pants, and feeling the coldness of the water with out feet. The tourists were delighted, and wanted to stay much longer, but we had not bought enough time on the day. We thus, left for the capital, Minna, where I plot my return in grand style, to Gurara Waterfalls.

Experience the Gambia: Honeymoon in Banjul

The Gambian coast, also known as the 'Smiling Coast', with its golden and white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters; is an environment full of exceptional and spectacular wildlife, with palm trees typical of the area which would ensure you'll never be short of a lounger, or somewhere to lay your beach towel.

The Gambia has unique qualities over many other destinations. It is only six hours away from major European destinations, there is no jet lag, and it is a popular and affordable winter destination attracting Tourists in search of sun, sand, and cultural experience of which this unique country has plenty

 Simply put, the Gambia is an adventurous experience and the tropical sunshine and uncrowded coastline make it a wonderful destination for a holiday. Visit the Gambia and enjoy fun, leisure time, breath taking food, adventurous spots and memorable activities specifically designed to make your holiday an exciting, affordable and thrilling experience.

Wow your spouse with a lifetime 5 nights experience during your honeymoon at  5 Star, Sheraton Hotel. The package includes:

Day 1 - Arrival

• Pick up from airport and transfer to Sheraton hotel


• Airport Assistance


• Transfer from Airport to Hotel rooms


• Welcome drink upon arrival


• Optional lunch at the hotel


• Rest all through afternoon/evening or a tour around the hotel ground and an evening swim in the hotel's pool

Day 2 - Leisure

• Breakfast at Hotel


• Optional lunch at the hotel


• Rest all through afternoon/evening or a tour around the hotel ground and an evening swim in the hotel's pool


• Optional Dinner at Hotel

Day 3 - Discovery Tour / Shopping

• Breakfast at Hotel before departure for a sight-seeing that takes you in and out of the greater Banjul area


• A visit to the sacred crocodile pool (Katchikally). This has been in existence and owned by the Bojang family (first settlers in Bakau) for over 500 years. There are 70 crocodiles found in this pool


• Visit to Bakau Craft Market. Examine and shop for wood carvings, Gambian bangles, beads and textiles


• Visit to National Museum and Albert Market


• Pick up after dinner and transfer to Duplex Nightclub for a taste of Gambian nightlife. (optional)

 

Day 4 - More Tours & Shopping

• Breakfast at hotel


• Visit to Makasutu River lodge (floating house). This is a park with wild animals like gorilla, chimpanzee, and wild boar etc, not caged


• Visit to the Hotel spa for a full-body massage or other treatments


• Dinner at Hotel


• Pick up after dinner and transfer to Kora or Old Skool Nightclub for a taste of Gambian nightlife. (optional)

Day 5 - Tour of The Root and Albreda

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Welcome drink and sandwiches, Sangria or fruit juice
• Visit to the base of the family line of Kinta Kunte
• Boat Cruise to Juffureh
• Tour of James Island
• Visit to museum at Albred
• Buffet Lunch on board the yacht, Afternoon tea, coffee, biscuits

Day 6 - Departure

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Return to Banjul Airport to travel back to Lagos

Terms and Conditions

• All necessary documents must be forwarded at least 14 days before expected date of departure for purpose of itinerary
• Package Cost is Non Refundable, hence couples are advise to choose dates with care
• Payment for desired package or other inclusions are expected to be made at least 10 days before expected date of departure
• Scanned Passport data page of guests is Mandatory for bookings to be processed. The only legal proof of identification accepted is the passport

Note:

• The package can be amended based on client's request and return flight fare is not guaranteed until booking is made and paid for based on availability
• This package is available all year round for honeymooners

For inquiries and bookings mail kenneth.kolo@gmail.com or call 2348099025968

Mauritius will enchant you; uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday.

The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again. May your stay with us remain engraved in your memory forever.

This exciting Creole nation of mixed ancestry and heritage is one of the world’s top luxury tourism destinations. It possesses a wide range of natural and man-made attractions, enjoys a sub-tropical climate with clear warm sea waters, attractive beaches, tropical fauna and flora complemented by a multi-ethnic and cultural population that is friendly and welcoming. 

These tourism assets are its main strength, especially since they are backed up by well-designed and run hotels, and reliable and operational services and infrastructures. Mauritius received the World Leading island Destination award for the third time and World’s Best Beach at the World Travel Awards in January 2012. Mauritius has also one of the highest rates of returning tourism visitors in the world.

Extra and Intense Ltd offers awesome packaged 4-6 nights trips to Mauritius, with variations to suite your choice, budget and style. 

The package includes airport - hotel - airport Transfers in an air-conditioned coach; full day Ile Aux Cerf island tour in an air-conditioned coach with speed boat transfer from the jetty; full day South tour including visits to Trou Aux Cerf, Curepipe, Chamarel & Grand Bassin in an air-conditioned coach; full day North tour including visit to Port Louis, Caudan Waterfront in an air-conditioned coach; and airline bookings (optional). 

Our hotel offers (based on twin share) are mind-blowing considering the experience you will get, and the stories that would remain in your hearts, lingering for years unending...

• Jalsa Resort (3 Star): 4 nights/5days ($366); 5nights/6days ($420); 6nights/7days ($460)
• Move n Pick (4 Star): 4 nights/5days ($448); 5nights/6days ($499); 6nights/7days ($515)
• Le Meridien (4 Star):  4 nights/5days ($544); 5nights/6days ($630); 6nights/7days ($775)
• Intercontinental Resort (5 Star):  4 nights/5days ($600); 5nights/6days ($664); 6nights/7days ($799)
• Grand Mauritian Resort (5 Star): 4 nights/5days ($696); 5nights/6days ($794); 6nights/7days ($860)

 The package does not include anything not mentioned.


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