First Choice is showing a new in-flight video on its charter flights to the Gambia designed to teach passengers how to be a better tourist.
The operator’s in-house carrier Air 2000 is the first to show the short film produced by Tourism Concern and Voluntary Service Overseaswith backing from the European Commission.
The 12min video is presented by actor Tony Robinson and encourages tourists to explore beyond the beach and their hotel bar to find out more about the Gambian people and culture.
Tourists are asked to show respect for the Muslim traditions by covering up skimpy beachwear when shopping in the markets of Banjul and to refrain from giving pens and sweets to local children as it encourages truancy from school.
The video is the first in a series of five due to be launched over the coming months. Films on Kenya and Thailand are next in the pipeline with agreements from Kenya Airways and Thai International Airways to show the videos on their scheduled flights. Dianne Stadhams who co-ordinated the video production said: “We’ve kept it lighthearted so it comes across as entertainment rather than a lecture. We don’t want to appear to be telling tourists off.”
First Choice marketing manager Denise Hibbert said she hoped the video would lead to less complaints from disillusioned customers:”Gambia is a short-haul destination and it tends to attract people who would normally opt for the Mediterranean. Hopefully this will give them some idea what to expect and how to behave before they get off the plane.”