Specialist tour operator The Gambia Experience has thanked the trade for its support after the FCO downgraded its travel advice to the country.
The FCO removed its advice "against all but essential travel" to the West African destination yesterday, stating it believed “the situation has stabilised and the possibility of military intervention is no longer likely”.
The Gambia Experience has confirmed it plans to relaunch twice-weekly charter flights to the Gambian capital Banjul with Titan Airways from Gatwick on Friday (January 27).
The FCO originally put its travel warning in place after former president Yahya Jammeh refused to accept the country’s election result on December 1, sparking the threat of military intervention from neighbouring states.
Jammeh eventually stepped down and left the country over the weekend allowing new president Adama Barrow to take office.
In a statement, Chris Rowles, managing director of Serenity Holidays, said the operator had seen “strong interest” for the destination over the weekend and into Monday as the political situation cooled.
“Flights for next week and into February are also selling well as consumer confidence in The Gambia returns," he said.
“We are already receiving enquiries from agents in response to customer enquiries which is great to see."
Gill Synnuck, trade relations manager added: “We’ve been inundated with messages of support and best wishes from the trade.
“It’s times like these that make me proud to work for such a wonderful company, with the support of so many lovely agents whose patience and understanding over the last week has been overwhelming.
“We’re delighted with the outcome and are looking forward to welcoming many more people to The Gambia in 2017.”