GTBoard Suspends Open-Air Music and Beach Parties in Tourism Area Over Safety Concerns

By Makutu Manneh

The Gambia Tourism Board has suspended open-air music and other public entertainment activities, including beach parties, concerts and festivals, across the Tourism Development Area, citing concerns about public safety.

The suspension, announced in a statement issued by the board’s management on Sept. 29, takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

“The suspension is a precautionary measure to safeguard the tourism industry, maintain public order and protect the safety and security of tourists, residents, workers, businesses and the wider public within the TDA,” the board said.

The Tourism Board directed event organizers and promoters to comply with the measure and suspend any planned activities falling under the restrictions.

It also urged tourism operators, local communities and residents to cooperate with security agencies and other authorities as they work to maintain public order and safety within the country’s main tourism zone.

The board said it would continue to monitor the situation in consultation with security agencies, tourism stakeholders, local authorities and other partners. Any decision to modify or lift the suspension, it said, would be announced through official channels.

The directive follows a warning issued by the Tourism Board a day earlier over a recent incident in the Tourism Development Area that it said threatened the safety of tourists and others in the area.

In that statement, the board condemned conduct that could endanger the safety and dignity of tourists, visitors, residents and other stakeholders, and warned that violations of regulations governing the tourism zone could result in enforcement action.

The board said the latest suspension was part of its effort to maintain what it described as a safe, peaceful and welcoming environment for tourists and the wider public.