Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe has warned that aggressive bumster activities are damaging The Gambia’s reputation as a tourism destination, saying persistent harassment of visitors risks undermining the country’s image.

Jobe made the remarks during the Mansa Kunda press conference, where he stressed the need for stronger collective action to address behaviour that discourages tourists from visiting the country.

While acknowledging that some former bumsters have been successfully transformed into licensed tour guides through programmes led by the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), the minister said others continue to tarnish the country’s reputation.

“Some of the bumsters have been transformed into tourist guides. That has been done by GTBoard and a lot of projects. But you have bumsters that are a horrendous nuisance, causing havoc to this country in terms of giving visitors a wrong impression of this country,” he said.

Jobe cited the case of two female tourists from Spain who were allegedly robbed of their money and mobile phones while walking along the beach between Dunes Resort and African Princess Hotel.

He also referred to a social media post by a solo female traveller who described The Gambia as “the worst place for a woman solo traveller” because of the harassment she experienced on the beach.

“So, is that what we want for this destination? No, let’s be serious,” the minister said.

According to Jobe, officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the GTBoard intervened to support the affected tourist, including helping her obtain a new mobile phone and providing financial assistance after the incident.

“We transformed the bad experience into something positive for the destination,” he said.

He disclosed that he had personally experienced harassment despite serving as Tourism Minister, saying an individual approached him while he was in his vehicle with his family.

Jobe urged Gambians to take collective responsibility for protecting the country’s image, arguing that ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for visitors cannot be left to the Tourism Security Unit or government institutions alone.

“It is our responsibility to work towards making this destination a destination of choice. Anybody you see doing wrong and spoiling the name of this country, we should stand up,” he said.

He also criticised resistance to efforts aimed at improving the tourism environment, revealing that some operators had petitioned against attempts by the GTBoard and the National Roads Authority to remove encroachments along the Senegambia tourism strip.

Jobe said preserving The Gambia’s reputation requires cooperation from government, businesses and citizens, stressing that everyone has a role to play in making the country a preferred destination for visitors.

By Adama Makasuba