Stellar Stevens

The focus of this investigation will be to establish if tourism economically benefits the poor of Gambian society. In carrying out this investigation economic linkages between the tourism industry and local community will be explored.

As you can see from the model below, in considering how tourism creates economic benefits for the masses, it is essential that the linkages between the tourism sector and the local economy are developed as they will have the greatest direct impact in terms of poverty reduction and wealth creation for the disadvantaged in developing countries (Ashley 2006).

When considering the economic impact tourism has on the poor of Gambian society, the overall influence that tourism has on the Gambian economy must be taken into account. Tourism plays a significant part in Gambia's economy providing employment for 5000 people directly and 6000 of the population indirectly. It also contributes to 30% of export earnings making with it the largest service export (WTO 2006).

In combating this issue of supply and quality of agricultural produce, a collaboration between Haygrove (a UK fruit and flower grower) and a local Gambian charity, Concern Universal has been set-up. This initiative Gambia is Good (GiG) was started in Yundum, November '2005' to initially research the Gambian fresh produce market.

Their work identified a high value tourist hotel and restaurant market with a desire to buy high quality Gambian-grown produce.

In regards of the benefits that tourism brings to the poorer members of Gambian society the data sourced from (Mitchell & Faal 2006) poor illustrates the areas of food and beverage, accommodation, shopping, local excursions and transport as being the main contributors.

Linkages made with Tourist Service Industry

Economic benefits for the poor in this area are found in the employment of large numbers of local people in the hotels and restaurant industry, these benefits also extend to informal sector workers such as taxi drivers, licensed guides and arts and craft retailers.

Below are case studies for each of the projects visited, drawn together from the information provided in the interviews with the women.

Old Jeshwang

This project was set up without funding from the Gambian authorities or NGOs. The owner of an abandoned farm has given local women permission to use his land. Each of the women raised their own start-up capital, mainly through loans.

Each of the projects has been established for at least two decades and the women continue to be able to grow crops successfully. It would therefore appear that there is no immediate danger of reduced soil fertility leading to falling crop yields. It seemed that Bakau and Yundum were the more successful of the projects.

Of the four projects studied, only the one at Yundum was still receiving support from sponsors.

One of the most popular European destinations served by cross channel is France, with its welcoming culture and interesting history. Ferries to France from the UK are one of the easiest ways to get to the country and after disembarking from your ferry, you are free to explore the museums and galleries, grand architecture and tasty cuisine.

Ferries are a popular means of transport from the UK, with Dover and Portsmouth being the most used English ports offering numerous daily crossings to different parts of France.