The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has urged hotels, guesthouses, lodges, rental apartments and other tourism-related businesses to regularise their operational licences, warning that failure to comply with licensing requirements could attract legal penalties.

In a press release, the Board reminded proprietors, managers and operators working both within and outside the Tourism Development Area to settle their licensing obligations and ensure their businesses operate in accordance with the law.

The GTBoard said continued operation without the required licences contravenes Part VII, Sections 32 and 33 of the Gambia Tourism Board Act, 2011.

The Board further warned that businesses that fail to regularise their licences could face enforcement action under Section 48 of the Act, which provides for a fine of up to D50,000 upon conviction for an offence under the legislation.

The Act sets out licensing requirements for specified tourism-related establishments, including hotels, nightclubs, casinos and restaurants. Its definition of a hotel also covers guesthouses, rest houses, tourist villages, flat-hotels, inns and lodging houses, subject to the exclusions provided under the law.

The Board also clarified that restaurants include premises where food or beverages are sold to the public, while nightclubs cover establishments operating at night with a bar and disco or other entertainment.

The GTBoard said the exercise is intended to ensure that tourism businesses comply with the country’s regulatory framework.

It also advised guests and tourists against staying in apartments, guesthouses, lodges or motels that are not registered with the Board.

The reminder comes as the tourism sector continues to serve as an important part of The Gambia’s economy, with accommodation providers and other tourism enterprises expected to meet applicable operational and licensing requirements.

By Adama Makasuba