Gambia tourism board warns over attacks on visitors before season

The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have raised concern over recent incidents in the Tourism Development Area (TDA) affecting the safety of tourists and visitors. The warning comes as the country prepares for the official start of this year's tourism season.

Key facts

• Who issued the warning: GTBoard and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
• What prompted it: videos circulating online showing visitors being attacked in the country
• Where: the Tourism Development Area (TDA)
• Investigation: GTBoard is working with the Tourism Security Unit (TSU) to establish the facts

What happened?

At a press briefing held on Monday at GTBoard, Director General Ida Jeng-Njie responded to what she described as disturbing videos circulating online that show visitors being attacked in The Gambia. She said the Board strongly condemns any act or behaviour that threatens the safety, security, dignity or peaceful enjoyment of the tourism environment.

The Board reiterated a zero-tolerance position towards acts that compromise the safety and security of tourists, visitors and the wider tourism community. The source does not state how many incidents have occurred, when they took place or exactly where within the TDA.

What are the authorities doing?

GTBoard said it is working with its partner, the Tourism Security Unit, and that appropriate measures are being taken to establish the facts, identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action follows. Anyone 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 Gambian law, Jeng-Njie said.

The Board and the Ministry added that they remain committed to working with the Tourism Security Unit and other relevant security agencies to strengthen security within the TDA.

What should visitors do?

The Board called on 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. It urged everyone to remain calm and responsible while the relevant authorities continue their investigations.

What this means for travellers

The Gambia Tourism Board is asking visitors and the public to report suspicious or threatening behaviour through the appropriate channels, and says security in the Tourism Development Area is being reinforced ahead of the tourism season. Travellers planning a trip may wish to follow the situation and any further statements from the tourism authorities.

No specific start date for this year's tourism season, and no details of individual incidents or reported injuries, are given in the statements issued so far.