Improving access for the informal sector to tourism in The Gambia

This paper describes a study in the Gambia that attempted to increase the benefits of tourism to the informal sector, and by extension, to poverty reduction. Tourism in the Gambia is primarily controlled by the 'formal sector' - tour operators in originating countries and nationally in the Gambia. This project aimed to increase the access of informal sector traders and service providers to income from tourism.

In particular, the approach focuses on the use of a multistakeholder strategy for addressing problems and implementing solutions. It demonstrates partnership approaches between the formal and informal sectors, including licensed and unlicensed guides, ‘bumsters’, fruit and juice sellers, craft market stallholders, the taxi drivers, ground handlers, hoteliers, UK tour operators and their representatives in the resort. Actions that have proved effective include badging, licensing, marketing and advertising of poor producers’ products in hotels, and codes created and policed by the informal sector.

The paper describes the tourism sector in the Gambia generally, the objectives and methodology used for this three year study, the initiatives taken by informal sector players to increase linkages with the industry and lessons learned which can be applied to other, similar destinations. A number of initiatives proved successful

• codes of conduct for groups like market traders and guides that stopped tourists being hassled and consequently improved trade
• basic marketing assistance for traders to better display their goods
• working with UK tour operators to change the information and advice they give to tourists, to encourage local buying and use of local services
• official registration of trader groups, which has allowed them to get loans and improve their services
• improved hygiene awareness for those handling food and drink

Problems remains however: tour operators retain primary access to tourists and their advice tends to be heeded. The operators are keen to sell their own excursions and competition between them and local guides still creates tensions. Equally, tour operator fears over health and safety liability may mean that they do not recommend fresh juice sold on the beach, despite high standards on the part of the new juice sellers organisation.

Overall, a significant increase in the income and organisation of informal sector members was seen as a result of small scale and mainly self-organised schemes. It is felt that many of these could be applied in other sun, sea and sand destinations where package tours and tour operators currently prevail.