GTBoard Raises Alarm Over Conduct Threatening Tourist Safety in Tourism Area

By Makutu Manneh

The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has raised concerns over conduct it says could threaten the safety and security of tourists, visitors, residents, and other stakeholders within the Tourism Development Area (TDA), following a recent incident in the area.

In a statement issued on September 28, 2026, the board said it was deeply concerned about the incident and warned that behavior threatening the safety, dignity, or peaceful enjoyment of people within the TDA would not be tolerated.

The GTBoard did not disclose details of the incident or identify those allegedly involved, but said the matter had raised serious concerns about safety and security within one of the country’s main tourism zones.

“The Gambia remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming and secure destination for all visitors and that any incident that undermines this commitment will not be tolerated,” the board said.

It warned that individuals or groups found to have violated the law or breached regulations governing the TDA would face appropriate action under Gambian law.

The board said it was working with the Tourism Security Unit (TSU) to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible, and ensure that appropriate action is taken.

“We further call on all tourism stakeholders, businesses, residents, and members of the public to cooperate with relevant authorities and report any suspicious, unlawful, or threatening behavior through appropriate channels,” the statement said.

The GTBoard said ensuring the safety and security of visitors was a shared responsibility, adding that protecting the reputation and integrity of The Gambia’s tourism industry would require cooperation among businesses, residents, security agencies, and other stakeholders.

The board and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture also reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Tourism Security Unit and other security agencies to strengthen security within the TDA and ensure that tourists and other visitors can enjoy the country in a safe and peaceful environment.

The GTBoard urged the public to remain calm and act responsibly while investigations continue, reiterating what it described as a zero-tolerance approach to conduct that compromises the safety of tourists and the wider tourism community.