The government has said it will accept operating license for hotels and municipal rates and that the Gambia Tourism Board is not expecting any revenue from the operational license in 2021.
In his State of Nation address, President Adama Barrow said: “The indication is that the Tourism and Culture sector contributes about 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creates employment for about 200,000 jobs. Unfortunately, it is one of the hardest-hit sectors, as a result of travel restrictions. Overall, the estimated loss to the sector from January to June 2020 was about D6.7 billion. This figure has undoubtedly increased, noting that many establishments are still struggling to get back to full operation.”
“In 2020, The Gambia Tourism Board (GTB) recorded 89,232 arrivals. The figure marks a significant decline against the NDP target. In 2021, the arrival figure further decreased to 50,000. Consequently, the loss of revenue to the GTB is high. As part of its support packages, Government gave the Tourism sector a D100 million stimulus package. This year, the Government will bear the operating license for hotels and municipal rates. The GTB is not expecting any revenue from the operational license in 2021.The National Centre for Arts and Culture experienced similar setbacks during the year under review. The closing or scaling down of social events resulted in loss of revenue; thus, it is necessary to develop the sector through innovative means,” he added.
However, he continued: “From the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, OPEC Fund for International Development and Abu-Dhabi Fund, Government secured 83 million US Dollars to upgrade the Bertil-Harding Highway into a dual carriageway of 22 kilometres. This stretches from Yundum Junction to Sting Corner. The civil works will take 24 months. Contracts have been signed as well, using local funds, for the maintenance, rehabilitation and reconstruction of selected roads in the Greater Banjul Area. They include the Bakoteh-Kotu Highway, Brusubi Phase II access road, Kanifing Estate access road and Kololi Gamtel access road. The estimated cost is D90 million. On building projects, the major rehabilitation and reconstruction work at the Banjul International Airport (BIA) is now completed, doubling the capacity of the Main Terminal Building.
“The Traffic Control Tower was renovated during the year and re-equipped with new communication facilities. Works are on-going to construct a new VIP lounge. Additional building projects include construction of the Governor’s Residence and Offices in Kerewan, both of which are progressing well and due for completion this year,” he added.”
