By Lamin Njie
Efforts to address seasonality and extend The Gambia’s tourism season are gaining momentum, with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reaffirming its commitment to strengthening partnerships that can attract visitors beyond the traditional peak season.
As part of these efforts, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Abdoulie Jobe, on Monday, August 17, 2026, hosted the organisers of the Colonie de Vacances programme for a high-level assessment of this year’s initiative.
The meeting was held at the Gambia Tourism Board office in Kotu. The discussions provided an opportunity to assess the successes of this year’s programme, identify challenges, and agree on practical areas requiring greater attention and improvement.
Management of the Gambia Tourism Board, a representative of the Gambia Hotel Association, and the General Manager of Bakadaji Hotel also participated in the meeting, reaffirming the tourism sector’s collective commitment to supporting the Colonie de Vacances programme and strengthening collaboration with its organisers and other key stakeholders.
The Minister said such initiatives are important not only for extending the tourism season, but also for promoting stronger regional tourism flows and creating additional opportunities for businesses and communities beyond the traditional tourism peak.
“The commitment remains clear: to work together, build on what is working, address the gaps, and continue positioning The Gambia as a year-round destination,” the Minister said. The Colonie de Vacances programme is seen as an important initiative in broadening the country’s tourism market and encouraging regional travel, particularly during periods when international tourist arrivals are declining. Stakeholders believe that strengthening such programmes can contribute to greater occupancy for hotels and other tourism establishments, while generating business opportunities for transport operators, restaurants, tour companies, artisans, and other service providers.
As a gesture of appreciation, a canvas painting was presented to the organisers of the Colonie de Vacances programme in recognition of their continued partnership and contribution to the growth and promotion of tourism in The Gambia.
The organisers also presented a plaque to Minister Jobe in recognition of his leadership, commitment, and continued support for the programme and the broader development of the tourism sector. The meeting underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between government and private actors in the tourism sector as The Gambia seeks to build a more resilient and vibrant all year-round tourism industry.
