Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for tourism are set, e.g. what type of tourism to
encourage, how impacts will be controlled, who
will be responsible for tourism development, etc.
FOCUS ON INDUSTRY
2.
Marketing and promotion - this is often the most
GAMBIA TOURISM AUTHORITY (GTA)
important function of the NTO, with responsibilities
for marketing planning, market research, travel
trade promotion and producing promotional
materials such as brochures and websites;
The Gambia Tourism Authority was set up by an Act
of the National Assembly in July 2001 as a statutory
body to develop, regulate and promote the tourism
industry in the Gambia in line with the national
Vision 2020. That is to develop the Gambia into a
world class tourist destination and business centre.
As the executing arm of the Department of State for
Tourism and Culture, the GTA is responsible for the
licensing and regulation of tourism enterprises and
provision of advice to potential investors. The core
responsibility of the GTA is marketing and promotion
of the Gambia as a tourist destination. As part of the
mandate of the Authority the provision of quality
control systems, standards, investment and security
play a crucial role in the activities of the Agency.
3.
Infrastructure provision - either independently or in
partnership with the private sector, public bodies
provide funding for many infrastructure projects
that are directly or indirectly associated with
tourism, for example road schemes, airports, ferry
terminals and rail systems;
4.
Tourism facilities - some national and local
government departments run their own tourist
attractions and facilities, such as museums, parks,
historic houses, ancient monuments and galleries;
5.
Tourist information services - NTOs usually co-
ordinate tourist information centres (TICs) and
other services for visitors;
Weblink
Check out this website for more
information on the role of the Gambia
Tourism Authority.
www.visitthegambia.gm
6.
Legislation and regulation - public agencies
implement a wide variety of laws and regulations
relating to tourism, e.g. passport and visa
requirements, planning regulations, health and
safety, licensing, etc.
private sector to support the development of tourism
and the promotion of destinations.
7.
Finance for development - NTOs can offer grants,
loans, tax concessions and tariff reductions as
incentives for tourism development;
National and Regional Tourist Boards
8.
Business advisory services and training - many
Tourist boards play a vital role in tourism development
in both developed and developing countries. The
UK has four National Tourist Boards - VisitBritain,
Visit Wales, Visit Scotland and the Northern Ireland
Tourist Board. They are funded mainly from central
government sources, channelled through the DCMS,
Welsh Assembly Government, Scottish Executive and
Northern Ireland Assembly. In developing countries,
tourist boards encourage new tourism developments
and promote their destinations abroad.
public bodies at national, regional and local levels
provide advice, support and training as a way of
raising standards in the tourism sector.
Local authorities
Local authorities use their resources to provide as wide
a range of tourism facilities and services that fi nances
will allow. In a typical area in the UK, this might include
promotional leafl ets, brochures and websites, parks
and gardens, theatres, museums, tourist information
centres (TICs), accommodation booking services,
sports and leisure centres, outdoor activity centres,
and art and craft galleries. In developing countries,
local agencies work with national governments and the
Regional Tourist Boards work with Regional
Development Agencies (RDAs) in England to develop
and promote tourism. RDAs are funded from central
government to promote economic development,
including tourism, in their areas. There are currently 9
