The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has warned that conduct threatening the safety and security of tourists, visitors, residents and other stakeholders within the Tourism Development Area (TDA) will not be tolerated following a recent incident in the area.
In a statement issued on September 28, 2026, the board expressed concern over the incident, saying any behaviour that threatens people’s safety, dignity or peaceful enjoyment of the tourism zone would attract appropriate action.
Although the GTBoard did not disclose details of the incident or identify those allegedly involved, it said the matter had raised concerns about security within one of the country’s key tourism areas.
“The Gambia remains committed to providing a safe, welcoming and secure destination for all visitors, and any incident that undermines this commitment will not be tolerated,” the board stated.
The GTBoard warned that individuals or groups found violating Gambian law or regulations governing the TDA would face appropriate action in accordance with the law.
It said it was working with the Tourism Security Unit (TSU) to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify those responsible and ensure that necessary measures were taken.
The board also urged tourism operators, businesses, residents and members of the public to cooperate with the relevant authorities and report suspicious, unlawful or threatening behaviour through appropriate channels.
According to the GTBoard, maintaining security within the TDA requires collective responsibility and cooperation among tourism stakeholders, residents, security agencies and the wider public.
It added that protecting visitors was essential to safeguarding the reputation and integrity of The Gambia’s tourism industry.
The board and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reaffirmed their commitment to working with the TSU and other security agencies to strengthen security measures within the TDA and ensure visitors can enjoy their stay in a safe and peaceful environment.
The GTBoard called on the public to remain calm and act responsibly while investigations continue, reiterating its zero-tolerance approach to conduct that compromises the safety of tourists and the wider tourism community.
