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Sun Beach tourist guides on cleansing exercise

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:45:33 GMT

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The head of security and public relations officer at Sun Beach Hotel, Mr Basirou Gassama commonly known as ‘Action Man’, on Saturday organised the members of Sun Beach Tourist Guides to clean the surroundings of Bakau Lower Basic School and the Daily Observer, as a response to President Jammeh’s clarion call on "Operation Clean the Nation".

Speaking to the Daily Observer, Mr Basirou Gassama said he and his men have been doing this for the past sixteen years. "The places we normally clean are very important places in this society; for example the grave yard, Sun Beach Hotel and the last is where we are today, that is the Bakau Lower Basic School and its perimeter fence," he said.

He appealed to the mayor of KMC, Yankuba Colley, to help in clearing a dumpsite located near the school or to move the dumpsite to another area, to prevent school children from playing at the dumpsite, especially during school hours.

He expressed gratitude to the visionary leader of this nation, Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, for providing the conducive environment for all Gambians.

"Recently, President Jammeh clearly demonstrated his peacefulness again, by inviting political leaders of Guinea Bissau to a peaceful talk ahead of their November elections. And we have also seen him joking and shaking hands with the opposition leaders in The Gambia during that meeting.

What are we waiting for? Politics is over. It is now the time for nation building and we all should do our quota in any form in our communities in order to attain Vision 2020," Mr Gassama remarked. He further went on to appeal to the NEA to assist them with wheelbarrows, rakes and cutlasses.

Mr Gassama finally thanked the management of the Daily Observer Company and Alhagie Jawara, the manager of Sun Beach Hotel for complementing his efforts.

For his part, Mr Kebba Jobe, the headmaster of Bakau Lower Basic School, thanked Mr Gassama and his tour guides for continuously cleaning the school. He described them as true sons of The Gambia and role models.

Speaking at the venue, the assistant chief guide, Mr Alieu ‘Alex’ Darboe, on behalf of the tour guides, commended Mr Basiru Gassama for initiating the cleaning exercise.
"He (Basirou Gassama) has changed our lives by convincing us to stop bumsing the tourists and becoming self-employed tour guides," Mr Darboe remarked.

Author: by Nfamara Drammeh

First tourist flight arrives

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:25:52 GMT

Monday, October 20, 2008

This year’s tourism season has kicked-off in ground style with the arrival of 201 (two hundred and one) tourists via Thomas Cook Northern Europe’s first flight, which arrived at the Banjul International Airport last Thursday.

The first flight arrived at the Banjul international Airport at exactly 1505 hours. Nancy Njie, the secretary of state for Tourism and Culture, Alieu Mboge, director general of the GTA, and Kaliba Senghore, permanent secretary, Department of State for Tourism and Culture, were at the airport to receive the flight from Scandinavia.

Speaking to reporters at the airport, Kaliba Senghore said that the Thomas Cook flight is a regular flight that will bring 201 passengers to The Gambia on a weekly basis throughout the season.

Alieu Mboge, director general of the GTA said the "statistics for this year’s tourist season are very impressive and the season is going to be a colourful one".

The tourists were also welcomed by the Kabakel Cultural Group and other cultural performers.

Author: By Yunus S Saliu

Tourisphere: Monthly analysis of tourists arrivals

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:31:17 GMT

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Wednesday, September 03, 2008

The number of tourists arrivals into The Gambia for the month of July, 2008, stands at 4,277, slightly lower than what was recorded in July 2007 -4,980. This information was contained in a dispatch from the Gambia Tourism Authority.

Tourism in The Gambia started in the early 1960s with a group of Scandinavians from Sweden. They were followed by some other tourists from American and European countries, and later from all over the world.

The Gambia tourism market records some thousands of holiday makers yearly, and this has made a significant achievement in the socio-economic development of the country.

The Gambia, fondly referred to as the Smiling Coast of Africa, continues to serve as a haven for visitors coming to Africa, many of whom recommend it for its safety. Tourists enjoy the nature of the country with her warm and great hospitality. The Gambia is a well positioned tourist’s destination. Based on research, visitors to the Gambia continue to show high level of satisfaction with its products on offer.

According to the GTA’s July analysis of tourists’ arrival, out of the recorded 4,277 arrivals, British tourists were the most registered 1,061 (24.8%), followed by the Dutch 862 (20.2%), with the Spanish registering – 458 (10.7%). The Belgians came close with 207 (4.8%), while the Germans who are one of the country’s major markets, registered only 106, 2.5% of the total arrival figure. In addition, male visitors for the month total 52.2 per cent while females scored 47.8 of the total arrival figure.

Different tourists visit the Gambia for different purposes; while some come on business missions, others come for purposes of educational, leisure and so on. However, this latest release by the GTA indicates that most visitors are on pleasure/holiday, even though the youth travelling for study purpose is on a growing trend. The businesses segment is also growing, as well as visits to family and friends while visits for religious and health reasons takes the rear seat.

Author: by Yunus S. Saliu

Tourisphere: Essential guidelines for tourists

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:22:59 GMT

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

To make your holiday or visit a memorable one either you are an outbound or inbound tourists in or to any part of Africa or West Africa in particular there are many things that should be put into consideration to guide you from any unexpected incident.

Visit The Gambia comfortably at any time, especially during the season and enjoy river cruising,, fishing, village tours, bird watching,horse and camel riding, and adventure trips.You can also have a taste of local musical events, family visits, evening entertainment, cultural orientation and other sporting events. You will enjoy all these only with proper planning of your holiday.

Your holiday arrangement starts right from your home. Since accommodation is heavily booked during the season, in some parts of Africa, where prices can be more than double.

Therefore, it is important to book in advance and acquaint yourself with your tour operator who can avail you some guidelines and give you more knowledge of the place you desire to visit. As a first time visitor to any place, it is prudent that you join an escorted tour where all your accommodation, excursions and so on will be handled by a professional tourist guide employed by a reputable tour operator.

To avoid abuses, never let your guard down.The safety of your journey begins with the when you start packing your luggage. Make your travel light, in that way you will be less tired and more agile to move quickly. This would allow you to keep such luggage well within reach and sight. Your vigilance and alertness can most certainly contribute to a safer holiday.

It is good to avoid been flashy, so always dress conservatively and carry the least amount of valuables required for your trip. Leave your expensive jewelry at home. Better still, you can ask your hotel management to lock these expensive items in the hotel safe for you whenever you bring them along. It is always advisable to travel with credit card, traveler’s cheque rather than cash. And if you do carry them, it is wiser to keep record of your card or cheque details in your luggage and trust no one with it.

Avoid the use of handbags, because it is easy to get lost or snatched away. Instead carry your valuables in either your inner pockets or a strong bag that can be hanged across your shoulder. Also a pouch or moneybag worn under your clothes could be more reliable.

Keep medicines with there original label inside boxes/containers in your luggage and the prescription of medicines in order to avoid been disturbed by the custom officials at the airport or your port of entry. Moreover, if your medication is unusual or contains narcotics, please carry a letter from your doctor testifying your need to take the drugs. Such pre-emptive action on your part will save you of problems with any custom officials who are amongst the best in the world not only in Africa.

On your arrival and departure at the airport and or the hotel, keep your luggage in view at all times. On your arrival at the hotel or place of accomodation, decide exactly where to park your car, if you are using one, before you offload your luggage. Always make sure that you assume full responsibility for whatever valuables you have by carrying it yourself.

The hotel, lodge or whereever you are been accommodated, ensure that you are well acquainted with the rules and regulations of the establishment,so as to protect yourself from any embarrassment, misunderstanding or confusion as a result of your lack of awareness and clarify, with the management of your hotel, lodge or wherever you stay.

Should in case you are driving yourself, it is important that you always obey the traffic rules and regulations. All countries in West Africa drive on the left side of the road including The Gambia. Road signs are in English in the Anglophone countries and French in any of the Francophone countries and they all agreed to international standards.

It is necessary to strictly abide by the speed limit which is in kilometers. Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substances as it is a criminal offence for any one to be arrested for such offences. Long journeys can sometimes be risky without proper planning for the trip. Some times you might run out of gas so check the condition of your vehicle very well for safety purposes. And also, when driving or riding, request a vehicle equipped with safety belts, and other necessary tools to use when the need arise.

, it is prudent that you inform your co-travelers, friends, relatives if you travel with any and your hotel staff of the route you intended to take plus your exact destination, possibly with approximate time to expect you back. Since we are in the world of modern technology, your personal cell phone should always be charged and fully loaded with credit and ready to use should there be any emergency. Giving and accepting of help or lift should be to your best discretion. Remember not all informations about yourself should be given out without utmost judgment of whom you are discussing with.

But to acquire more knowledge about your visiting destination, traveling via public transports could be more colorful, informative and enjoyable because it will help you to experience more. It is vital that a tourist guide from your tour operator is by your side.

Which means it is not advisable that you use public transport on your own ,unless you are a frequent visitor of your destination (place of visit). Watch out how you spend and always make your calculation before leaving your hotel if you are not familiar with the currency in use and never exposed your purse or the content of your luggage to others.

You should always take note of the address to keep you inform about where you are going before leaving your hotel or place of abode if you find it difficult to remember or pronounce the name of the area you are going to. This can easily be shown to cab drivers or the passers by for easy recognition and direction to avoid getting yourself lost. Better still, you can make a verification or request for more information from the hotel staff or your tour guide.

Avoid making a sudden friendship with unknown faces or people as this can endanger your life. Also do not isolate yourself much if you are traveling without a tour guide. Instead sit among the respectable male and female passengers in the vehicle in case you are going for long distance.

Remember to know some useful phone numbers for emergency purpose. Example of such are police emergency number, your hotel or accommodation number, your tour guide or tour operator’s number. These will greatly safe you time and trouble.

Author: by Yunus S. Saliu

Africa: Pure and fascinating continent

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 03:59:46 GMT

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The continent of Africa is the world's second largest continent after Asia, with a total surface area, including several surrounding islands of 30,313,000 square kilometers. It stretches from 40 degrees latitude in the north to 34 35' degrees south and has 54 independent countries - 48 mainland and 6 island states - with an estimated total population of 700 million.

The Africa is a continent full of contrasts; you can find here blacks and whites, rainforests and desserts, animists, Christian and Muslims. Poverty-richness, war-stability, cities-wilderness areas, democracy-autocracy and you can go on for hours. But one thing is sure, this is the most pure and fascinating continent on the world for tourists.

As I do, many will still prefer the regions below the Sahara desert, black Africa as they call us. In your travel guide or inside any atlas you can find a list of all the independent African states.

As a tourist, it is always amazing to reach this wonderful continent, for a tourist from Europe many thought which region should be first to touch in part of Africa, as north Africa is very closer to some European countries. Still when you touch any of the country in the continent of Africa you will be so happy.

Africa is huge, but you will see more countries when you step into the continent because you will never be satisfied what you see will always keep you in suspense. Most tourists that have visited some of the African countries are always fascinated about the land. Africa is a continent of history, accorded to Darwin’s theory; it is a land where the first humans were raised from!

Africa is immense and there are lots of paradise places like in no where on earth, there are some historical arenas, sacred areas, you will see some perfect places and wanted to start experience what you have read or watched on a documentary and share the beauties you see in any of the region be it north, west, south or east side of it snap pictures and write useful general tips of any of your trip for friends relatives and other acquaintances to see and read.

Africa is a huge continent, full of wonders, colors, life, marvelous as life, but also terrible as life. Africa can be very extreme, you can find there incredible sunsets and unbelievable massacres, humid jungles and arid deserts, forgotten cultures or empires and some highly undeveloped countries.

Maybe that's why this vast continent is so touristy undeveloped. Apart from some spots along the coasts of Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, some places in West Africa like Gambia, Senegal, Mali the majority of the place is generally unknown to tourists in the past but now there are little changes in Africa touristy area.

Have you ever been in Africa? Spend one part of your holiday in Africa know what I am talking about and see what we have to offer you. Although not everyone that has visited this wonderful continent will have same experience because individual are different in appraisal and taste, all Africa are not the same when it comes to culture, landscapes, gastronomy but homogenous across Africa.

Africa is not a continent of big monuments, architecture, temples as you can see in other continents as Asia, Europe, and America. The highlights of Africa are normally its people, culture and tradition, history, and its landscapes, still unspoiled, wide open, friendly and unforgettable people.

However, the majority of Africans may be black, but that doesn't mean they share the same culture, speak the same language or even dress the same. But there is a feeling that all the people subscribe to - it's the pride in being called an African.

Africa straddles the equator and has many climate areas. It is the only continent to stretch from the northern temperate to southern temperate zones. The climate ranges from tropical to sub-arctic on its highest peaks. Its northern half is primarily desert or arid, while its central and southern areas contain both savanna plains and very dense jungle (rainforest) regions. In between, there is a convergence where vegetation patterns such as Sahel and steppe dominate.

Africa boasts perhaps the world's largest combination of density and "range of freedom" of wild animal populations and diversity, with wild populations of large carnivores such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs and herbivores such as buffalo, deer, elephants, camels, and giraffes ranging freely on primarily open non-private plains. It is also home to a variety of jungle creatures including snakes and primates and aquatic life including crocodiles and amphibians.

Author: by Yunus S. Saliu

TOURISPHERE - One more night in The Gambia

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:01:01 GMT

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

As this year tourist season is wind-up, more tourists to the Gambia still want to stay for more night to increase their knowledge and enjoy to their fullest due to the friendly, peaceful and hospitable environment of the country.

The Gambia is one of the very small countries in West Africa with an area of 11,295 sq. km, speaking about eight national languages with English as the official language. The Gambia is a secular state but Muslim still have the highest per cent of the population. This small country of ours is situated at the two banks of the river Gambia and enclosed by Senegal at three sides.

The Gambia is an easy doorway into Africa; the people are so welcoming that it will make your stay and passage easy. One thing to remember is that you can leave as deep an impression on the Gambians as they will do on you.

Coming to the Gambia when you have facilitated and ready for your journey, first of all check if you have in your luggage your light sandal/slippers-to walk around freely because of the sand, light wears because of the beautiful sunshine weather, your camera to snap some photographs as many as you can and few items like writing materials for the kids who will always admire you on the street or at sight by shouting ‘toubab, toubab, toubab!’ Whether you are a boy or girl, young man or woman, old or not, mature or whatever, the populace must admire you, this is one of the friendly manner they will first accord you.

Tourists traveling to some other country always go out and buy travel books to guide and familiarize themselves with the country of their choice- to visit, but tourists to The Gambia do not need to shoulder much burden of searching for travel book on the Gambia hence there are a lot of tourist guides to take you around and explain ever than such book will do.

Therefore, if you are a surfer, you don't want to find out about the perfect point-break B&B at the end of your trip. If you're a birder, you'd like to know where to find the elusive blue swallow long before you hit these shores. And if you like to drink a lager and enjoy yourself at sunset with the best bathing in the Smiling Coast of Africa at your feet, it's nice to have a tourist guide who will take you round everywhere on your first visit to the shore of the Gambia.

Anyway your travel guide or book is still very useful because your admiring the Smiling Coast of Africa start with immediate you start hearing the name. So once you're in The Gambia, all the major tourism practitioners have well-run tourist offices. Nose around in there, and you'll find the particular set of pamphlets you need to tailor-make your trip.

You will not experience boring throughout your stay like wise will you face any stress in moving around the cities like Banjul, Greater Banjul among, even at the provinces always use the public transport system, get a cab or hire a car. In The Gambia, there are lots of standard hotels accommodations with good and moderate rates that are astoundingly cheap in this country.

Your choice of where to stay depends on what you want out of the trip, to pound a cliché, a great smorgasbord of tourism opportunities for you to feast on. Gambians are very kind people, within hours of your arrival; you're going to discover that the Gambia is a small but a grate nation, having melting pot of cultures, languages and traditions. Oh, here in the Smiling Coast of Africa, we're very proud of our diversity.

Prepare yourself for African grub; you will enjoy different dishes. Everyone is a family to each other, eating together is parts of us because in togetherness we are one. Eating is made easy either at your hotel or outside. So the service industry is on a fast track, and you'll have no problems eating out or self-catering. All the cities have their different club houses catering to various youth with irrespective of their background, tribes, visitors and tourists.

It depends on where you like to be and who you like to watch during live performances from the entertainers and musicians. Access to adequate information is easier; there are lots of media in the cities that are informative and educative either printing or electronic so if you want to catch up on national news from home, stay glue with your television set and most supermarkets also carry offshore publications.

Internet cafes have blossomed all over the Gambia, and you'll find them not only in the cities but also in many of the small rural towns you'll be passing through. Take time off to keep in touch with the family. Encourage them to come over and join you because the Smiling Coast of Africa is sweet.

The Gambia is full of history which is the only legacy colonial masters cannot take away from us. Among the historical places that can complete your visit to the Gambia are the Wasu Stone Circles located on the north bank of the river, Janjangbureh, James Island, Sanneh Samatering, numerous festivals both national and international, among other things that will make you to spend one more and more night in the Gambia. You must visit and spend more night in the Gambia, the Smiling Coast of Africa.

Author: by Yunus S. Saliu

TOURISPHERE: Express your innermost thought with gift from The Gambia

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:15:51 GMT

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Wednesday, May 07, 2008

As the 9th edition of the Home Coming International Roots Festival is moving closer, it is important that visitors and tourists to the Gambia during and after this event should know more about some of the local but globally known items having in our country.

There are more than enough of valuable and durable items that tourists can buy in The Gambia for their personal use or as a gift to their friends and families left behind at their destination before journey to The Gambia. Among those things are craft materials local hand woven fabric, leather goods, jewelry, sand painting and basketry, tie-and dye and batiks, wood carvings among other. But one of the most popular at the craft markets among this handicrafts is wood carving which capture the attention of everyone at the entrance of any craft market in the Gambia.

There are some major craft markets in the country where you can do your shopping without stress. Among such major places are Bakau, Fajara, BB, Senegambia, Brikama, Banjul craft markets respectively, all are very interesting markets if you can visit them. Learn everything you will like to know that pertain to any of the item at your sights without reluctance. Almost all of the popular hotels in the country have located places outside the main hotels for the sales of craft materials.

Of recent, Gambian carvers are receiving more applause from tourists mostly those that normally bring along with them different catalogues and engage the services of carver to carve items of their choice for them. On a visit to Bakau Craft Market at Cape Point, Abdoulie Jawara Jome, one of the old men, a carver as well as a seller, was instructed to take us round by Saine Singateh and Alieu Njie, Bakau Craft Market President and Vice President respectively.

Jome explained the advent and usefulness of most of their displayed art works to Tourisphere, examples are bowl called ‘Kela’ in Wollof and ‘Kunam’ in Mandinka languages. ‘Kela’ is a traditional bowl first carved by a tribe called Laobe many years ago before the advent of bowl. It was carved and well designed from a thick wood or mahogany tree. It is very strong.

Since art works is a simple way of expressing the innermost thoughts of the people and describing of action and view, among this is a ‘thinking man.’ It is like a shadow of a human being, it does not possessed eye, nose, mouth, ear or whatever that can identify the status it takes but it is envisage to be an old man sorting for a solution to a problem in a family.

Another robust carved is portrait of a hunter. They are special people with special knowledge. Hunters are the king of forest but back in the community we have someone called ‘Kekuroba’-wise man. This was carved with full concentration that reflects in the image. It really speaks about the authenticity of a wise man. Kekuroba, in a community, is the oldest and wisest, everyone believes that he have solution to every problem before him.

Well its knowledge is inherited from its forefather. Such old person is common in the provinces. They can talk and invoke spirit, they are traditional healers.

In this 9th edition of Home Coming International Roots Festival, you can learn more about those art works and buy different types of these craft materials for yourself and present them to your friends and love ones as well.

African arts has gone far beyond expectation in recent years in the Gambia, tourists are the major patronize of this craft markets. Wood carving or art works is effusive of what is in mind. Their job always expresses what is in man’s mind.

Therefore, make your visit a memorable one in The Gambia and after, visit any of the craft market. Simple ways of expressing the innermost thoughts are through carved items.

Author: by Yunus S. Saliu

Gambia is a Tourist heaven

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:35:48 GMT

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

One of the smallest West African countries, The Gambia is becoming more popular among tourists due to her hospitality and safety enjoying by not only the citizen but the tourists and visitors to the country as well. It is heaven on earth to tourists especially those that have visited the country more than one time. Ton Van Hinte and his spouse, Jose, both Dutch, who has some years of experience in the country on their various visit noted that Gambia is one of the safest country in West Africa for tourists to visit.

Mr Ton Van Hinte commended the Gambia government for the rapid development in the country, adding that the role of the Department of State for Tourism and Culture and the Gambia Tourism Authority is very significant. Ton Van pointed out that some tourists in the country that he had met are of the opinion of having their personal houses in the Gambia where they will like to live and spend the rest of their life. He told Tourisphere that he has traveled to different countries across the globe to look for a better country to live “but I choose Gambia as my abode of destiny where I will spend the rest of my life.”

The Dutch man advised some foreign investors to come and invest in this safe and reliable country. He added that “within the next five years under the leadership of the visionary leader, President Yahaya Jammeh, The Gambia will become a developed country no doubt about that,” he stressed. It is not only Gambians who recognizes his developmental aspiration, but the entire tourists visiting the country.

In his love for the country, Ton Van Hinte with some other nationals has formed an association called Winkle Club, with the aim of raising fund for emergency problems like fire outbreak, flood, among other things.

Author: by Sheriff Barry

tourisphere - Traveling made easy

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:20:50 GMT

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Tourists to the Gambia continue to enjoy their holiday without sufferings due to the ease and accessible mobility and good infrastructures makes available in the country. The road in the country is over 3000 km (2000 miles) which is about 450 km (280) miles of which are surfaced.

Most of the highways in the cities are well illuminated and greatly improved especially Kombo Coastal, Brusubi, Kairaba Avenue, Brikama-Banjul Highway Roads amongst. This has enhanced free movement of visitors from one place to another till day break without notice that it is late or dark during their holiday in The Gambia. Traveling around the nook and crane by tourists can be done easily with or without former arrangement since transportation system is in order.

To start with tour operators available in the country use reliable and comfortable air-conditioned coaches to carries tourists or holidaymakers from one destination to another during their excursion or research. However there are some open high vehicles used that will enable tourists to sit comfortably and watch the vicinity as they are traveling within the cities or to the provinces. But the only disadvantage of such vehicle is dust that puff everywhere should in case they are traveling on the terrain or untared road.

Crossing the ocean or river is made easy either in the city or at the provinces you will find ferries at various crossing points. The busiest of this point is Banjul-Barra and it has the biggest ferries in operation and works till late. Ferries in the upcountry are of small sizes they can only carry at most four vehicles at a time. Crossing with ferry by passengers is not costly although it is of different tariff for the vehicles they carry depend on there capacity.

Tourist can continue enjoying cruising around with cars. Commercial vehicles are categorize into three classes: the popular taxi painted yellow and green licensed to carry four passengers are meant for everyone to hire. They are of different salon cars like Mercedes Benz, Toyota, and Renault among. The second class is tourist taxis which are licensed by the Gambia Tourism Authority. They are mainly serving the tourists and some other visitors. Tourist taxis are always finding parking at the front of hotels, airport, and resort area among other places.

Tourist drivers are experienced and well versatile with the knowledge of the Gambia. They are friendly, patient and helpful. The last category of these commercial vehicles is collective taxis, locally called ‘bush taxi.’ It can be van, mini van, bus without a restricted color. Some tourist students and average old people prefer riding bicycle around the city to make some shopping and sight viewing of the city. Also it is another way of combining pleasure with sport and adventure in to the bush and villages. Bicycles are available for rent in some of the hotels and outside hotel. If you need one consult your tour guide or your hotel attendant for arrangement.

Some tourists find it interesting to stroll round the city before or after their siestas. During this period they will meet and make friend with series of people. At such time they stand a chance to know more about the environment and the culture of the Gambia. ‘Toubab-toubab,’ this is the most cheerful name the children always shout at the sight of any white man or woman. Tourists – ‘toubab’ always response with smile and wave back.

So, if you love true adventure you probably already know this and can see through the hype to find the real thing for yourself, travel as far as you like to explore the surrounding villages and enjoy The Gambia tourism facilities.

Author: by Yunus S Saliu

MAURITANIA: Tourism industry suffers financial fallout after spate of attacks

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:55:35 GMT

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mauritania is facing financial fallout in the wake of three terrorist-related attacks between December and February, with the cancellation of the Paris-Dakar Rally, investors turning away, and the halving of tourist numbers.

“We were expecting 15,000 tourists this year, but we will find it difficult to reach even 6,000,” said Ba Madine, the Mauritanian minister of tourism. “The government is trying to figure out what to do about this crisis.”

The attacks included the murder of four French tourists near Aleg in southern Mauritania on 24 December 2007, followed by the killing of three Mauritanian military officers in the northeast of the country, and a machine gun attack near the Israeli embassy in Nouakchott in which three people were injured.

“On 23 December I employed 50 drivers and 23 guides. By 13 January, I had only 13, and by 27 January I called just four to work. These tragic events have turned Mauritania into a ghost town,” said Kadi ould Mehdi, director of Mauritanides Travel Company in Adrar, the most-visited region of the country.

The Azougi oasis lies 7 km from Atar, the regional capital, where charter flights fly directly from France between November and April. Khadija mint Ba, patron of the Medina hostel, usually houses up to 30 travellers at a time, but now she has only five.

“The situation is worsening by the day. I haven’t fired anyone yet, but if it continues this way I’ll be forced to.”

Financial fallout

The tally of the financial loss has not yet been calculated but is sure to hit northern Adrar region hard, where tourism is the biggest income source, according to Sall Seydou, the governor of Adrar. The cancellation of the Lisbon-Dakar rally alone led to losses valued at more than US$4.7 million, according to Cissé Mint Cheikh ould Beide, director at the tourism ministry.

Visitors brought in US$42.7 million to Mauritania in 2007, representing almost four percent of the annual budget.

But the impact also goes beyond tourism. “The economic fallout from these attacks touches on business investments in the country. Potential investors are starting to be scared off,” a diplomat who wishes to remain unnamed, told IRIN.

Easing tourists’ fears

To reassure potential visitors, the regional government is putting more police on the streets and setting up new road blocks on major roads. “Our best argument is to ensure that such events do not happen again,” Seydou told IRIN.

Westerners who live in Mauritania are doing their part to drum up interest. Despite dwindling numbers, Christian Neuville, a Frenchman who has worked in northern Mauritania for 15 years, recently opened a restaurant, ‘La Gazelle’ in Atar.

“I can assure you that since 1974 I have never had any problems here. This is a peaceful country... Tourists need to stop being afraid and return soon.”

Ould Beide remains upbeat. Her ministry is launching its own offensive, by financing a ‘Mauritania tourism week’ in Paris in May to attract visitors.

“This industry is fragile and is always subject to political or climatic changes. But these are only temporary shocks. It’s always possible to catch up.”

Source: IRIN