By Adama Makasuba
The Gambian government has announced an exciting initiative to transform Kanilai, the home village of former president Yahya Jammeh, into a vibrant tourism destination. This strategic move aims to revitalize the country’s tourism sector, which has encountered several challenges in recent years.
Situated in the southern part of The Gambia, close to the Senegalese border, Kanilai is poised to be a central part of the government’s efforts to rejuvenate the tourism industry and attract visitors back to the region.
With a population of around 2.7 million, The Gambia’s economy significantly relies on tourism and agriculture. However, these sectors have faced obstacles due to a need for innovative policies and global events that have disrupted markets.
Tourism is particularly vital, contributing nearly 20% to the nation’s GDP, but it experienced a challenging period. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported a 41% drop in the sector’s economic contribution in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, The Gambia’s tourism industry experienced losses amounting to approximately $108 million, and tax revenue from the sector fell by $57.9 million. The subsequent effects of the pandemic, coupled with the economic impact of the war in Ukraine, further complicated global travel dynamics.
Recent data from The Gambia Tourism Board (GTB) revealed a 41% decrease in tourist arrivals in 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels. This decline has prompted a shift towards promoting domestic tourism and exploring new initiatives, including the development of Kanilai.
Hamat Bah, who previously served as Minister of Tourism and Culture and is now part of the Ministry of Lands, emphasized the government’s dedication to making Kanilai a premier tourism site. “We aim to enhance this village as a tourism hub,” Bah stated. He added that the Ministry of Arts and Culture will ensure these projects become major attractions, providing significant revenue for the local community and the national government.
The proposal to develop Kanilai into a tourism hotspot is part of a broader strategy to increase revenue and create job opportunities as the sector seeks to recover and thrive again.
