GCSE Geography (IGCSE Edexcel) – Case Study: tourism in the gambia

8.10 - Case Study: Tourism in the Gambia

4 min

Geographical and economic background of The Gambia

The Gambia, located in West Africa, is the smallest country on the continent, covering an area of approximately 11,300 km². Despite its small size, it has a population of around 2 million, resulting in a high population density of about 180 persons per km², making it one of the more densely populated countries globally.

Economic reliance on agriculture and other sectors

About 75% of the population depends on agriculture, which contributes 30% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). However, it employs a significant 70% of the labour force.

Other economic contributors:

Remittances, money sent back by Gambians working abroad, account for 20% of GDP.
Tourism also accounts for 20% of GDP, playing a crucial role in the economy alongside agriculture.
The Gambia possesses few natural resources, making economic diversification challenging and increasing reliance on sectors like agriculture and tourism.

The role of tourism in The Gambia's economy

Tourism is a vital sector for The Gambia, attracting approximately 120,000 visitors annually, primarily from Europe due to its proximity, with flights taking around seven hours. Known for its 'sand, sea, and sun' appeal, tourism brings in foreign currency and creates employment opportunities for the local population.

Key features of the tourism industry

Economic benefits - Tourism provides a significant source of income, contributing 20% to GDP, and supports jobs in hospitality, transport, and related services.
European influence - The majority of tourists come from Europe, drawn by the accessible coastal resorts and warm climate.
Concentration on the coast - Most tourist activities and infrastructure are focused along the coastal areas, where major resorts and hotels are located.

Challenges in making tourism sustainable

While tourism is an economic boon for The Gambia, achieving sustainability remains difficult due to several structural and environmental issues. The current model of tourism often fails to retain benefits within the country and poses risks to natural and cultural resources.

Obstacles to sustainable tourism

Profit leakage - A large portion of tourism revenue is lost to foreign package tour operators based in Europe, meaning much of the profit does not stay in The Gambia to benefit the local economy.
Limited untouched areas - There are few pristine regions left that could be protected as natural reserves, restricting opportunities for conservation-focused tourism.
Dependence on imports - Many goods and services required to support tourists, such as food and luxury items, are imported rather than sourced locally, reducing the economic impact on local producers.
Coastal focus - Tourism is heavily concentrated on the coast, limiting the spread of economic benefits to inland areas. Efforts to draw visitors upriver with eco-lodges and camps aim to offer a more authentic African experience but are still developing.

Strategies to minimise negative impacts of tourism

To ensure tourism does not harm The Gambia's environment or cultural fabric, steps must be taken to address its negative effects. This involves balancing economic gains with environmental protection and respect for local traditions.

Approaches to reduce tourism's adverse effects

Environmental protection - Hotels and resorts should implement measures to prevent pollution of the Gambia River and coastal waters, preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.
Cultural respect - Given that The Gambia has a predominantly Islamic population, tourism practices must align with local cultural traditions and codes of conduct to avoid social tensions.
Promoting inland tourism - Developing eco-lodges and camps along the river, such as those surrounded by mangrove forests, encourages tourists to explore beyond the coast, spreading economic benefits and reducing pressure on coastal areas.
Local sourcing - Encouraging the use of locally produced goods and services for tourists can help retain more economic benefits within the country, supporting local farmers and businesses.

Geographical and economic background of The Gambia

Economic reliance on agriculture and other sectors

About 75% of the population depends on agriculture, which contributes 30% to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). However, it employs a significant 70% of the labour force.

Other economic contributors:

Remittances, money sent back by Gambians working abroad, account for 20% of GDP.

Tourism also accounts for 20% of GDP, playing a crucial role in the economy alongside agriculture.

The Gambia possesses few natural resources, making economic diversification challenging and increasing reliance on sectors like agriculture and tourism.

The role of tourism in The Gambia's economy

Key features of the tourism industry

Economic benefits - Tourism provides a significant source of income, contributing 20% to GDP, and supports jobs in hospitality, transport, and related services.

European influence - The majority of tourists come from Europe, drawn by the accessible coastal resorts and warm climate.

Concentration on the coast - Most tourist activities and infrastructure are focused along the coastal areas, where major resorts and hotels are located.

Challenges in making tourism sustainable

Obstacles to sustainable tourism

Profit leakage - A large portion of tourism revenue is lost to foreign package tour operators based in Europe, meaning much of the profit does not stay in The Gambia to benefit the local economy.

Limited untouched areas - There are few pristine regions left that could be protected as natural reserves, restricting opportunities for conservation-focused tourism.

Dependence on imports - Many goods and services required to support tourists, such as food and luxury items, are imported rather than sourced locally, reducing the economic impact on local producers.

Coastal focus - Tourism is heavily concentrated on the coast, limiting the spread of economic benefits to inland areas. Efforts to draw visitors upriver with eco-lodges and camps aim to offer a more authentic African experience but are still developing.

Strategies to minimise negative impacts of tourism

Approaches to reduce tourism's adverse effects

Environmental protection - Hotels and resorts should implement measures to prevent pollution of the Gambia River and coastal waters, preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Cultural respect - Given that The Gambia has a predominantly Islamic population, tourism practices must align with local cultural traditions and codes of conduct to avoid social tensions.

Promoting inland tourism - Developing eco-lodges and camps along the river, such as those surrounded by mangrove forests, encourages tourists to explore beyond the coast, spreading economic benefits and reducing pressure on coastal areas.

Local sourcing - Encouraging the use of locally produced goods and services for tourists can help retain more economic benefits within the country, supporting local farmers and businesses.