The perceptions of managers of SMEs operating in the tourism industry on sustainable development in the Gambia

• Main Author: Foday Yaya Drammeh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AfricaJournals 2015-01-01
• Series: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
• Subjects: sustainable tourism development; managers; SMEs; perceptions
• Online Access: http://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_10_vol._4_1_jan-june_2015.pdf

Despite the prolific representation of Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) in tourism activities in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), there seems to be little attention given to their perceptions of sustainable tourism development. Despite their large presence, few, if any tourism products are still said to be truly sustainable, or few, if any destinations can be called sustainable (Mckercher, 2003). They are now the subject of interest with a particular interest and focus on their ability to a changing environment, and how they adjust to change fast enough for their survival (Ball, 2005). Hence the importance of tourism in LDCs, and understanding the perceptions of such an important investor group in sustainable tourism is essential. The aim of this paper is to present the diverse perceptions of managers of SMEs in the tourism industry in The Gambia on sustainable tourism development (Drammeh, 2014). Data was collected from 73 participants, using a self completed questionaire. It asked questions on business practices, awareness and understanding of sustainable tourism and what it means for SMEs, and knowledge of sustainable tourism. Findings show fragmented views among managers of what sustainable tourism means. They are fragmented in their perceptions of whether tourism in The Gambia is operated in a sustainable manner. Their ethical business strategies are also not clear. The majority of the managers do not agree that most of the establishments are aware of sustainable tourism. Hence, the diverse perceptions that exist. It thus seems that the concept of sustainable tourism development does not seem to be universally understood.