• Flights

Gambia Kicks Off 2025/26 Tourism Season with Maiden Flight and Renewed Optimism Gambia Kicks Off 2025/26 Tourism Season with Maiden Flight and Renewed Optimism

The 2025/26 tourism season in The Gambia has officially launched with a vibrant and warmly received maiden flight arriving at Banjul International Airport, carrying 189 passengers. Operated by the UK-based tour operator Gambia Experience, this inaugural flight was greeted with a colorful cultural display that highlighted the nation’s rich heritage and the genuine warmth of its people, setting an inviting tone for the season ahead.

The arrival ceremony was attended by key figures including the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Abdou Jobe, senior members of the Gambia Tourism Authority (GTA), and the British High Commissioner to The Gambia, Harriet King. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit driving the sector’s growth and the shared commitment to positioning The Gambia as a premier destination in West Africa.

Minister Jobe expressed his delight at welcoming the first flight and emphasized that the tourism sector’s success is a collective responsibility. He urged all Gambians and stakeholders to actively contribute to enhancing the country’s appeal, reminding that tourism is not solely the domain of the Ministry or GTA but a national endeavor. Highlighting The Gambia’s advantages—its secure environment, favorable climate, and famously friendly people—he called for unified efforts to build on the country’s reputation as the “Smiling Coast of Africa.”

Echoing this sentiment, Batch Fye, Chair of the GTA Board, highlighted the country’s readiness to offer visitors an authentic experience marked by warm hospitality and cultural richness. He noted that while East Africa is renowned for its wildlife, West Africa—and The Gambia in particular—is celebrated for its people and their welcoming nature.

British High Commissioner Harriet King shared her personal admiration for The Gambia’s charm, recalling her affection for the country’s hospitality during her tenure. She pointed out the diverse attractions that make The Gambia increasingly popular among British travelers, including its incredible wildlife, delicious cuisine, pristine beaches, and excellent weather. Her remarks reinforced the strong ties between the UK and The Gambia, a relationship that remains vital for the tourism sector’s continued growth.

Local tour operators like Discovery Tours are also keen to showcase the destination’s broader offerings beyond sun and sand, encouraging visitors to explore the country’s cultural and natural treasures. First-time visitor Tony from Manchester expressed his excitement about experiencing The Gambia’s renowned beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming people firsthand.

This season’s launch reflects a broader momentum within The Gambia’s tourism industry, which is benefiting from strategic investments in infrastructure, marketing, and community engagement. The government and tourism stakeholders are working closely to ensure that the destination not only attracts more visitors but also delivers memorable and sustainable experiences.

As The Gambia embraces its role as a leader in West African tourism, the 2025/26 season promises to build on its unique selling points—its authentic cultural heritage, safe and friendly environment, and natural beauty. The collaborative efforts of public and private sectors, combined with the country’s enduring appeal as the Smiling Coast of Africa, set the stage for a vibrant and successful tourism season ahead.