Tourism in African countries not affected by Ebola is being brought to its knees because of ignorance about the geography of the continent, it has been claimed. Holiday-makers terrified by the outbreak of the deadly virus are turning their backs on the Gambia in West Africa - even though it does not border countries where thousands have died from the disease. Dr Marina Novelli, reader in the School of Sport and Service Management at the University of Brighton, said panic caused by misinformation has had a huge impact on tourism in Ebola-free countries. Tourism in African countries not affected by Ebola is being brought to its knees because of ignorance about the geography of the continent, it has been claimed . She said: 'I want to appeal to everyone to spread the word. 'This country is open for business and is not affected by the Ebola outbreak - otherwise I would not have travelled there.' Ms Novelli, who was in the country working on tourism and sport capacity building projects, said: 'It broke our hearts seeing the industry on its knees; hotels closing and staff being laid off as a result of tourists' cancellations and tour operators reducing scheduled flights. 'This is all due to ignorance about the geography of Africa and panic caused by misinformation. 'The Gambia is shielded within Senegal and both countries are Ebola-free. 'Air links with countries affected by Ebola have been suspended as they have in many other parts of the world. 'The UK Government itself has declared the Gambia to be Ebola-free, but spreading this message is proving incredibly difficult, and businesses and people here are suffering as a result.' Holiday-makers terrified by the outbreak of the deadly virus are turning their backs on the Gambia (pictured) in West Africa . Ms Novelli said tourism was about 65 per cent down since last year and charter flight arrivals as of November this year, the start of the high season, were about half what they were last year. She said: 'Some hotels have closed and those which have remained open are doing their very best to keep staff on rota, but there is uncertainty about what is going to happen in the next few months. 'Anecdotal evidence shows that every person employed in tourism usually supports between seven and 10 people, so the reality is that the impact on an economy, which relies so heavily on tourism is dramatic. The Sierra Leone government declared a five-day lockdown in the country's Northern Province today to step up efforts to contain the Ebola epidemic. 'Within this period, no shops will be opened. No market will operate. 'No unauthorised vehicles or motorcycle taxis will ply the route in or outside towns and villages except those officially assigned to Ebola-related assignments,' Alie Kamara, resident minister for the Northern Region, told AFP. 'Generally, people will rely on the support of their families but because so many people depend on tourism the intrinsic impact is difficult to measure. 'Families are already suffering hardship and businesses are at risk, and this is a tragedy that is worsening and unfolding before our eyes.' Ms Novelli said only Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have been significantly affected by the current Ebola outbreak to date. She added: 'Ask yourself, if the Ebola virus had spread to Italy would people be frightened to travel to the nearby UK? Probably not. 'Africa is a huge continent and there is absolutely no reason not to travel to non-affected West African destinations. 'Whether you are travellers, tourists, educators or experts in aspects of development, I urge everyone to keep informed and to continue travelling to countries like The Gambia. 'The Gambian tourism industry and the Gambian people need us all.'
Travellers turning backs on the Gambia in West Africa over Ebola fears .
But country does not even border the nations affected by deadly outbreak .
Expert claims tourism in the Gambia has since been brought to its knees .
The British government has declared the Gambia to be Ebola-free .
But charter flight arrivals are currently about half what they were last year .
Tourism in African countries not affected by Ebola is being brought to its knees because of ignorance about the geography of the continent, it has been claimed. Holiday-makers terrified by the outbreak of the deadly virus are turning their backs on the Gambia in West Africa - even though it does not border countries where thousands have died from the disease. Dr Marina Novelli, reader in the School of Sport and Service Management at the University of Brighton, said panic caused by misinformation has had a huge impact on tourism in Ebola-free countries. Tourism in African countries not affected by Ebola is being brought to its knees because of ignorance about the geography of the continent, it has been claimed . She said: 'I want to appeal to everyone to spread the word. 'This country is open for business and is not affected by the Ebola outbreak - otherwise I would not have travelled there.' Ms Novelli, who was in the country working on tourism and sport capacity building projects, said: 'It broke our hearts seeing the industry on its knees; hotels closing and staff being laid off as a result of tourists' cancellations and tour operators reducing scheduled flights. 'This is all due to ignorance about the geography of Africa and panic caused by misinformation. 'The Gambia is shielded within Senegal and both countries are Ebola-free. 'Air links with countries affected by Ebola have been suspended as they have in many other parts of the world. 'The UK Government itself has declared the Gambia to be Ebola-free, but spreading this message is proving incredibly difficult, and businesses and people here are suffering as a result.' Holiday-makers terrified by the outbreak of the deadly virus are turning their backs on the Gambia (pictured) in West Africa . Ms Novelli said tourism was about 65 per cent down since last year and charter flight arrivals as of November this year, the start of the high season, were about half what they were last year. She said: 'Some hotels have closed and those which have remained open are doing their very best to keep staff on rota, but there is uncertainty about what is going to happen in the next few months. 'Anecdotal evidence shows that every person employed in tourism usually supports between seven and 10 people, so the reality is that the impact on an economy, which relies so heavily on tourism is dramatic. The Sierra Leone government declared a five-day lockdown in the country's Northern Province today to step up efforts to contain the Ebola epidemic. 'Within this period, no shops will be opened. No market will operate. 'No unauthorised vehicles or motorcycle taxis will ply the route in or outside towns and villages except those officially assigned to Ebola-related assignments,' Alie Kamara, resident minister for the Northern Region, told AFP. 'Generally, people will rely on the support of their families but because so many people depend on tourism the intrinsic impact is difficult to measure. 'Families are already suffering hardship and businesses are at risk, and this is a tragedy that is worsening and unfolding before our eyes.' Ms Novelli said only Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia have been significantly affected by the current Ebola outbreak to date. She added: 'Ask yourself, if the Ebola virus had spread to Italy would people be frightened to travel to the nearby UK? Probably not. 'Africa is a huge continent and there is absolutely no reason not to travel to non-affected West African destinations. 'Whether you are travellers, tourists, educators or experts in aspects of development, I urge everyone to keep informed and to continue travelling to countries like The Gambia. 'The Gambian tourism industry and the Gambian people need us all.'
is being brought to its knees because of the outbreak of the deadly virus are turning their backs on the Gambia in West Africa - even world. 'The UK Government itself has declared the Gambia to be Ebola-free, but spreading this last year and charter flight arrivals as of were about half what they were last year. She significantly affected by the current Ebola