May 2009

A new all-inclusive resort is due to open in November 2009 on one of the best beaches in Cape Verde, on the island of Boa Vista. The new Iberostar Club Boa Vista is now on sale through specialist tour operator, The Cape Verde Experience, and is expected to become a favourite with holidaymakers to the archipelago.

A contestant on the Channel 4 show Deal or No Deal has received support from viewers for his Gambian charity after winning just £20 on the show.

The Mediterranean island of Corsica is traditionally thought of as an exclusive and possibly fairly expensive holiday destination but this is no longer true. It remains unspoilt and uncommercialised but it is now affordable for many families with packages from £299.

Senegal fought off competition from 299 teams from across the world to win the California Beach Soccer Championship, the second largest beach soccer festival in the world.

The S’Ardia is an exhilarating horserace that takes place each year in the village of Sedilo in the Oristano province in Sardinia. Each year around 100 riders take part in this fast and frenzied race through the dusty streets to remember the battle of Milvio which took place between Constantine and the pagan Maxentius.

The new 2009/10 Gambia Experience brochure is currently at the printers and will be available from the middle of June. A number of early booking offers will be available for a limited period to coincide with the launch of the brochure so the specialist tour operator is urging travellers to request a copy in advance to ensure they don’t miss out on the deals.

Whilst the economic downturn has meant cut backs for many travel companies, and countries reliant on tourism are also suffering, Cape Verde is continuing to attract interest and a new flight has been announced.

The programme for the prestigious Calvi Jazz Festival has been announced and includes diverse acts such as a James Brown tribute, James Coltrane tribute, the Massalia New Orleans Jazz Band and a night of Cuban bands.

Strange as it may sound, there is now a little piece of Senegal in Stoke, and Stoke City supporters throughout the West African country. This is all thanks to five Senegalese footballers currently on the books for Premiership team Stoke City.

The past year has been a difficult time and many travel companies and countries which rely on tourism have been hit hard. We’re delighted to say though that the fantastic value, great weather and many attractions of The Gambia have continued to appeal and bookings for winter 2008/09 were actually up on the previous year.