1. Adama Bah ICRT-West Africa How Tourism Benefits The Poor ? Lessons from The Gambia

2. Tourism and In-Dependence 1965- self rule from Empire- “Independence” 1965- Investor in tourism 300 tourists 1972- White paper on tourism Tourism seen as the “black gold” 40 Km of beach

3. Impact? Increased debt burden-infrastructure Women rice and vegetable growers affected Fisherpersons affected Communities not compensated for lost of community land Cluster development “Bendula” Meeting concept Informal sector businesses created Women participation in cash trade- Traditional Craft -cast system

4. 1980s Financial Crises! Poverty increased; inflation accelerated; real per capita income declined; agricultural production failed; shortages of basic commodities (fuel, rice, etc) creditworthiness declined - donors suspended all aid except for humanitarian assistance.

5. 1985- ERP Workers in the public sector made redundant Foreign currency float – no fixed rate Agricultural subsidies cancelled Government divestiture programme started with more redundancy RESULT More dependence on Tourism

6. Question Was tourism a better option ? Wishful thinking and academic …….

7. Tourism Movements 1994 Military take over Travel advice Sustainability of Tourism an issue 1996- campaigned on fairer tourism mainly targeting consumers and Tour operators 1999- Inspiration from CSD7 on tourism and sustainability 2000- ASSET Formed 2000-2003 Informal sector project- market access

8. Agenda for Change Conflicts of interests? How can the poor better access the market? How can linkages be improved? Training/licensing/insurance requirements Formal sector participation Informal/small enterprises respect

9. Projects to Benefit the Poor 2000- ASSET – training, product design & development, marketing etc.. 2011 Tourism Regulations ratified. Government legislated the fruit vendors, local guides, juice pressers, craft market vendors and tourists taxi drivers as formal businesses. Schedule B ground operational license introduced for small operators

10. RT Projects 2005- GiG project Linking local vegetable production to hotels 2010-2012- Roots Community excursions-gate fees, employment, community development 2011- “Guaranteed Gambian” craft project Travel Foundation with tour operators

11. Moving Forward LessonsChallenges Motivated and dedicated individuals can make it happen Participation of government and tour operators key Stakeholder’s support Mass tourism can make bigger impacts in terms of economic returns. Trade and business not charity Bottom up or top down? Certification- travel life- pressure on value chain to change Changing dynamics of tourism Entrepreneurship drive Access to market for the poor Government regulations Constant monitoring Provide subsidies “in transition” –for the poor Exit strategy – who takes over when beneficiaries are “not ready” Short term project- Business mentoring