Africa-Press – Gambia. The 2025/2026 Winter Tourism Season officially kicked off on Saturday, 4th October 2025, with the arrival of The Gambia, Experience’s maiden flight at the Banjul International Airport.
The aircraft, a G-NOLA Boeing 737 BMAX, flew directly from London Gatwick with 189 passengers on board. The flight was warmly received by Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, who was joined by Dr. Batch Fye, Chairman of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard); Her Excellency Harriet King, the British High Commissioner to The Gambia; Oumie Sise, General Manager of Discovery Tours; senior GTBoard officials, governing board members, and other key tourism stakeholders.
Speaking at the airport, Minister Jobe commended The Gambia Experience for launching the season earlier than usual. He lauded the collaborative efforts of the GTBoard and all partners in ensuring readiness for the new season, expressing optimism that this year would surpass the previous one.
“The GTBoard, together with all relevant stakeholders, has worked tirelessly to prepare for the season, and we are hopeful that this year will be even better than last year,” he said.
The Minister emphasised the collective responsibility of promoting Destination Gambia, noting that tourism is not limited to the Ministry or the GTBoard alone.
“Tourism is everyone’s business. As Gambians, we all have a role to play in making our destination attractive to visitors just as our neighbours are doing,” he said.
He highlighted The Gambia’s unique appeal, citing its favourable climate, security, safety, and the warmth of its people. “That impeccable Gambian smile, the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’ is our brand identity and our strongest selling point,” Minister Jobe added.
Dr Batch Fye, Chairman of the GTBoard, assured that the country is well-prepared to host visitors throughout the season. He thanked the Ministry of Tourism and the British High Commission for their continued support in promoting Destination Gambia.
“I want our visitors to truly experience the hospitality of the Gambian people, our friendliness, culture, and rich historical heritage,” Dr. Fye said.
In her remarks, Her Excellency Harriet King, the British High Commissioner to The Gambia, described the country as one of the most welcoming and delightful destinations for British travellers.
“Gambia has the most charming people and so much to offer in terms of holiday experiences,” she said. “The maiden flight from the UK marks a strong start to the season, and we are committed to promoting The Gambia to British families, individuals, and communities across the UK.”
Highlighting the country’s diverse attractions, she added: “There’s so much to do and see here, incredible wildlife, amazing food, wonderful beaches, and great weather. The Gambia truly deserves its reputation as ‘The Smiling Coast of West Africa.’”
Oumie Sise, General Manager of Discovery Tours, also the grand handler of The Gambia Experience, disclosed that before, the season would start around the end of November. But in the last couple of years, The Gambia’s Experience has started at the end of October, mid-October, and now at the very beginning of October.
“That’s just a reflection of the marketing efforts and all the work that has been put into selling The Gambia as an all-year-round destination. So as we move on, we’re hoping we get the flights coming in September and then the rainy season. But we have to present products that would be interesting to a market that is willing to visit destination Gambia during that period,” she added.
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