GTBoard raises alarm over beach attacks ahead of tourism season
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), together with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has raised concern over recent incidents within the Tourism Development Area (TDA), which have raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of tourists and visitors.
The move comes as The Gambia prepares for the official start of this year’s tourism season as Destination Gambia continues to pride itself as preferred spot in Africa.
At a press briefing held on Monday at GTBoard, Director General Ida Jeng-Njie strongly reacted to disturbing videos being circulated online showing visitors being attacked in the country, assuring that the Board strongly condemns any act or behaviour that threatens the safety, security, dignity, or peaceful enjoyment of the tourism environment.
“The Gambia remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and secure destination for all visitors, and incidents that undermine this commitment will not be tolerated,” she said.
“We wish to assure the public, tourists, visitors, tourism operators, and other stakeholders that the GTBoard, in collaboration with our partner, the Tourism Security Unit (TSU), is taking the matter seriously. Appropriate measures are being undertaken to establish the facts surrounding the incident and to ensure that those responsible are identified and that appropriate actions are taken,” Jeng-Njie said.
She warned that any individual or group found to have violated the law or breached the standards and regulations governing the Tourism Development Area will face severe and appropriate action in accordance with the laws of The Gambia.
“We further call on all tourism stakeholders, businesses, residents, and members of the public to cooperate with the relevant authorities and report any suspicious, unlawful, or threatening behaviour through the appropriate channels. The security and safety of our visitors is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play in protecting the integrity and reputation of The Gambia’s tourism industry.”
The Board and the Ministry, she added, remain fully committed to working closely with the Tourism Security Unit and other relevant security agencies to strengthen security within the TDA and ensure that tourists and visitors can continue to enjoy The Gambia in a safe, peaceful, and welcoming environment.
“We urge everyone to remain calm and responsible while the relevant authorities continue their investigations,” she said.
The Gambia Tourism Board reiterated its zero-tolerance position towards acts that compromise the safety and security of tourists, visitors, and the wider tourism community.
Source: The Point
