European countries have sent in a number of aircrafts to The Gambia to jet the European holiday makers back home following what appears to be a highly credible fear that the security situation in The Gambia can deteriorate today, January 18.
The UK tour operator, Thomas Cook has sent in aircrafts to return British holiday makers in The Gambia back to The UK. Other European countries like Holland have also made a similar move. “All the tourists were picked up from their various hotels by their travel agents this afternoon, even the ones who came in yesterday” A source told The Fatu Network. “They were very sad and some were even crying, it’s a very sad day for us” He added.
Correndo, TUI, Gambia Experience, Rainbow Tours are among the operators who flew their guests out of Banjul. “Our hotels are deserted already. Tour Operators are evacuating all their guests from the country due to the state of emergency this greedy soul declared”. A hotelier said. “This is sad for the country as Tourism plays a main role in the development of our economy. What happens next?? Does this mark the end of 2016/2017 Tourist Season? How will The Gambia get back on to the market? How much resources will be spent on reviving the Destination as a “safe destination??” He asked
Many local staff at the various tourism facilities are dejected and shocked by what they say will be a serious crisis on their families. Most of the local hotel workers as we speak are served with layoff notices until the situation is reaccessed and safe for the tourists to return to The Gambia.
