Strong Demand Outlook
The Gambia’s tourism sector is among the most important to The Gambian economy and has seen strong growth in recent years
The Gambia is a top destination for tourism in West Africa and is internationally reputed as the Smiling Coast of Africa.
Located on the Western Coast of Africa on the Atlantic ocean, the country is renowned for its pristine beaches, winter sun, fishing villages, and diverse flora & fauna. This makes it an attractive place for international tourists especially during the European winter season which is the dry season for The Gambia.
5.8x
increase in international arrivals (2010-2019)
~620,000 international arrivals in 2019 with 38% growth since 2015. The Leisure tourism and Business tourism segment grew by 269% and 200% respectively between 2009 and 2019.
10k+
hotel beds in Gambia (2018)
The Gambia presently has an estimated 10k+ hotel beds and earns $304 per tourist. The $ income per tourist has grown at 4% annually between 2015-18.
$168mn
of travel & tourism exports (2018)
Travel & Tourism receipts account for almost half
(48%) of The Gambia’s exports.
21%
contribution to GDP (% of GDP, 2019)
USD ~300mn of tourism & travel value added in 2019.
115K+
of jobs created by tourism sector (2019)
Travel & Tourism is one of the key sectors that generate employment in The Gambia.
Source: fDi Benchmark, a service from fDi Intelligence, Financial Times Limited
