The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has vowed to take appropriate action against anyone found responsible for a recent incident in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), amid concerns over the safety and security of tourists, visitors and residents.

GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng Njie made the remarks during a press conference held at the GTBoard office in Kololi on Monday, September 28.

Njie said the tourism authorities were deeply concerned about the incident, which she said had raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of tourists, visitors, residents and other stakeholders within the TDA.

“The GTBoard strongly condemns any act or behaviour that threatens the safety, security, dignity, or peaceful enjoyment of our tourism environment,” she said.

She said The Gambia remained committed to providing a safe, welcoming and secure destination for visitors, adding that incidents that undermine the country’s tourism environment would not be tolerated.

According to Njie, the GTBoard, in collaboration with the Tourism Security Unit (TSU), is taking the matter seriously and working to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

She said efforts were also underway to identify those responsible and ensure that appropriate action was taken.

“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,” Njie said.

The GTBoard director general called on tourism stakeholders, businesses, residents and members of the public to cooperate with the relevant authorities by reporting suspicious, unlawful or threatening behaviour through the appropriate channels.

She said the safety and security of tourists was a shared responsibility and urged everyone to play their part in protecting the integrity and reputation of The Gambia’s tourism industry.

Njie said the GTBoard and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture would continue working closely with the TSU and other security agencies to strengthen security within the TDA.

She urged the public to remain calm and responsible while the relevant authorities continue their investigations.

The GTBoard, she added, maintains a zero-tolerance position towards acts that compromise the safety and security of tourists, visitors and the wider tourism community.

By Adama Makasuba