The Gambian government has assured that it is working with partners to increase the frequency of flights to destinations in The Gambia by other carriers as a direct measure to minimise the impact of Thomas Cook’s collapse on The Gambian tourism market.
According to a statement received by The Voice, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture convened an emergency meeting on Thursday with all stakeholders, including the International Monetary Fund, the European Union, the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance to device a strategic response.
The statement added that the meeting came up with an Emergency Response Team which has recommended a strategy to immediately mitigate the shock on the job market and the impact on the overall economic situation of The Gambia.
Thomas Cook, the oldest and one of the most popular names in leisure travel with a track record of over 150 years, flew in British tourists to The Gambia for over two decades.
The Gambia annually receives some 30% of its tourists from the UK, the company found it appealing and profitable to fly to the Destination.
Although the Airline only operates in The Gambia during the Winter Season (6 months), it has contributed significantly in addressing air access challenge and accounts for a staggering 45% of tourists visiting the destination during the tourism season.
The statement pointed out that Gambian President Adama Barrow recognises the worrying effects of Thomas Cook’s collapse and assured Gambians and the generality of holiday makers to the country that the situation is under total control and there is no cause for alarm.