The Gambia is a safe and sunny winter destination
The Gambia s assets are its people and the excellent security situation in the country, despite the omnipresent effects of the global impediments to travel. The people of Africa s smallest country are genuinely warm and friendly. Again and again, a white person is asked „Where do you come from sir?“ and if you then answer that you come from UK, Luxemburg or Switzerland, you are sure to have the sympathy of the Africans. For us it was very exciting to find out what makes the population of this friendly country tick in December 2021. Africa expert Frank Müller from Rostock also speaks appreciatively: „The Gambia is certainly the country with the best development opportunities in tourism, because the security situation is very relaxed and a Gambian has a very friendly nature. Here you are still welcomed with open arms – and the people are happy about us holidaymakers.
What do the people in The Gambia expect from the future?
All people in The Gambia naturally hope that tourism in the country will return to its old strength. In 2019, almost 620,000 holidaymakers visited this attractive country in western Africa. Due to the global Corona pandemic, The Gambia s main industry, tourism, collapsed from March 2020 and everyone is suffering: taxi drivers are selling fewer tours, the roadside fruit seller is selling less fruit and hotels have much lower occupancy rates than before 2020. Restaurants are also selling only 20% of their food and have had to lay off many staff. Gradually, local travel and accommodation businesses in The Gambia are recovering from the crisis and one senses that more and more people are allowed to work in tourism. It is important to know that the sensitive sector of tourism is the No. 1 economic sector of Africa s smallest country. Natural resources are not (any longer) available, other job opportunities are almost non-existent and, above all, very low-paid. The average income of teachers, policemen or workers is well below 100 EUR per month.
It is high time to draw the attention of holidaymakers from English-speaking countries to the small Gambia!
In my opinion, a holiday here is particularly recommendable in the winter of 2021/22. The climatic and geographical peculiarities allow bathing and swimming in the sea even at Christmas and the beautiful river landscapes and mangrove forests make ornithologists and nature lovers here freeze with excitement. The partly endemic fauna and flora of The Gambia s riverine landscapes are of a special kind, as this small article also proves:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hbw_P6IoTQ
Harmony Resort Manager reveals her vision of her Harmony Resort Boutique Hotel in an interview
Now I speak exclusively to Cecilia, the owner of Harmony Resort Boutique Hotel. Cecilia was born in The Gambia, worked for years in London in England in a leadership position came to The Gambia in 2019 to take over the fantastically located Harmony Resort Boutique Hotel. It is considered one of the best boutique hotels in the country and demonstrates this quality not only through its location but also the garden setting and goodness of the cuisine. The currently 13 very nicely appointed suites offer all comforts for families, couples or singles.
The Harmony Resort shines through its location and facilities
British-born Cecilia, who hails from The Gambia, has realised her vision of an exclusive boutique hotel in 2019. The stately building is designed for up to 25 suites, currently there are 13 very pleasant suites with quiet ceiling fans, efficient and thankfully very comfortable air conditioning. All of the suites have a nice terrace, and it also makes holidaymakers happy. For example, Harmony Resort holidaymaker Agah, who lives in Dublin, says that „he had an extremely good rest here“ in November 2021. Agah: „When I landed in Dublin on 1st of December, I suddenly realised how nice it was at Harmony Resort and in The Gambia.“
The good climate of The Gambia promises relaxation and the feel-good atmosphere of Harmony Resort boosts this effect
The whole resort is very quiet and offers a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. Between the pool and the beach there is a large garden, which invites you to sunbathe and also to do yoga or other activities. The concept of this boutique hotel is coherent, friendly staff takes care of the well-being of the international guests. Europeans feel particularly at home here; British, Germans, Austrians or Swiss are always relaxing at the pool or in the garden, armed with a book or a laptop. The wifi is strong and offers everywhere in the Boutique Hotel a good connectivity. The endless soft sandy beach is only 2 minutes away and brings you fast to another world.
Reasonable weekly or two-week packages make the stay affordable
The low weekly rates at Harmony Resort might be interesting for long-term guests, especially in winter. One night costs up to six nights from 60£ incl. breakfast for up to two persons in the cheaper suites. An upgrade to one of the better and larger guest rooms may be granted from seven nights. One week incl. breakfast costs only 350£ in the high season (for example January or February) and two weeks are on offer for only 650£. Since a second person is already included, the night costs only 24£ for two-person occupancy and a two-week stay, and that includes a tasty breakfast. Half-board rates are also affordable, only 13£ / person extra per night. Guests can also dine à la carte. If you stay for three weeks or more, Cecilia also makes special long-term offers, which you can only accept.
Cecilia s visions for Harmony Resort and The Gambia
The smart boss Cecilia leads her staff with a lot of empathy and the guests are also taken care of accordingly. She says in our interview on 4 December 2021 about her visions for her boutique hotel:
„In 2025, I see our Harmony Resort with 20 exclusive suites and an occupancy rate of 70% on a good track. Our main market will be Europe and guests will make Harmony Resort one of the top addresses in The Gambia. We will have a second infinity pool and more islands of well-being on our large property. An outdoor restaurant will also become one of the top addresses for fine dining. And we will promote organic farming and be able to offer a whole part of the food in organic quality.“
My final assessment about HARMONY RESORT and the destination The Gambia:
The plans of Harmony Resort are promising and Gambians will also benefit from the boom in tourism. The country is safe, has a very good climate and friendly people. You can also stay here for the winter. This is my special recommendation for those who can afford it and do not want to support the C-theatre in Europe any more.