Tourism in an LEDC

1
Tourism in an LEDC
The Gambia
2
Where is the Gambia?
The Gambia is a tiny country in West Africa. It
is surrounded by Senegal and has an Atlantic
coastline It stretches for about 150km along the
Gambia river and is about 30km wide.
3
The country in detail
It is a former colony of the UK its population
is about 1 million it is very poor (GDP 560)
main export groundnuts tourism brings in 10
of income
Capital Banjul
It has a mixture of coastline, rainforest,
savannah and estuary environments.
4
Why has tourism grown?
An all year round tropical climate
Wildlife
Interesting culture Ease of access from
Europe Hospitality of Gambians English spoken
A spectacular coastline
5
The Benefits of Tourism
New infrastructure eg airport at Banjul
Direct employment of 5000 people
Indirect employment of 6000 people
Gambians can benefit from increased income
Increased awareness of the Gambia
100,000 tourist arrivals, 50 from UK
Contributes 130 million to economy
6
The problems of tourism
Most Gambians dont benefit from tourism-
foreigners do not spend money directly in local
economy
Many Gambians drawn away from inland, splitting
families into exploited jobs
Bumster/ bomsa/beach boy problem
Lots of the tourist developments are
unsustainable eg overuse of water, destruction of
habitats
Most of the profits go back to tour operators.
Electronic currency transfers means less foreign
currency into The Gambia
Problems caused by tourists sex tourism,
paedophiles, hostility, racism, cultural
indifference.
Most Gambians dont benefit from infrastructure
improvements eg airport
7
Strategies to reduce problems

• Educate Tourists
• all flights to Gambia show Video on being a
  responsible tourist
• Brochures tell people how to help the locals eg
  buying local produce and souvenirs.
• The tourist code promoted by various
  organisations
• Dress codes
• No photos without permission
• No racist comments
• Dont be judgemental
• Buy local goods etc etc

Ethical and ecotourism Gambian Government and
tour operators working towards sustainable and
responsible tourism
Benefit locals Training schemes for
Bumsters. Encourage tourists to spend money in
markets Reduce overuse of resources
Tourism policy Gambian Government reducing all
inclusives