The first tourist charter flight from Europe has arrived at the Banjul International Airport last week carrying 154 Dutch tourists.

They were received by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture led by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Cordu L. Jabang-Jobe.

Among the tourists were journalists, who are expected to write about their experiences to help attract more Dutch tourists to the Smiling Coast.

Speaking to GRTS, the director general of The Gambia Tourism Board, Abdoulie Hydara said they are happy that the first badge of tourists arrived a month earlier.  He described it as a significant development.

Deputy Permanent Secretary, Cordu L. Jabang-Jobe is very optimistic about the 2015/16 tourist season. She said the number of arrivals in the last winter season was very small because of the Ebola scare.  

Holland is one of the biggest markets for Gambian tourism. More than 20,000 Dutch tourists are expected to visit the Gambia in the coming months.