The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has called on stakeholders in the Central River Region (CRR) to transform the region's rich tourism assets into sustainable economic opportunities. This call was made at a Tourism Stakeholders' Consultative Meeting held on September 22, 2026, at the Regional Education Centre in Janjanbureh. The meeting brought together various stakeholders, including CRR Governor Ousman Bah, Janjanbureh National Assembly Member Omar Jammeh, and representatives from the Gambia Hotel Association.
Permanent Secretary Amie Njie, speaking on behalf of the Minister, emphasized that the forum reflects the government's vision to harness upcountry tourism as a driver of inclusive growth. While coastal tourism remains a key pillar of the national economy, she noted that there is significant scope to expand opportunities to other regions, particularly CRR. The region is endowed with diverse tourism assets, including rivers, waterways, wetlands, forests, wildlife, historic sites, traditional communities, cultural festivals, crafts, agricultural activities, local cuisine, and heritage.
The Permanent Secretary challenged stakeholders to transform these resources into sustainable tourism products that generate employment, support local businesses, preserve heritage, and improve livelihoods. She stressed that tourism development must go beyond visitor numbers to generate meaningful benefits for communities while protecting the resources on which the industry depends. Stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, civil society, development partners, traditional authorities, and communities is necessary.
GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng Njie stated that The Gambia's tourism industry should no longer be seen as concentrated along the coast. The consultations aim to diversify the country's tourism products. She emphasized that tourism development cannot be achieved by government or GTBoard alone but requires partnerships involving regional authorities, traditional leaders, private operators, women, youth, and communities.
Governor Ousman Bah highlighted that CRR is endowed with remarkable assets, including the historic significance of Janjanbureh, its cultural traditions, waterways, wildlife, and heritage. However, he stressed that tourism cannot be developed by government alone and called for active participation by communities, traditional authorities, private operators, tour guides, artisans, hospitality businesses, and women's and youth groups.
Chairman of the GTBoard Governing Board, Momodou Bamba Saho, said the consultation was intended to understand local priorities and spread tourism benefits more widely. He cited Janjanbureh's history and living traditions, the Wassu and Kerr Batch stone circles, River Gambia National Park, and the Kankurang Festival as major assets. He urged stakeholders to develop products that encourage visitors to stay longer and support livelihoods.
The forum, held under the theme "Strengthening Partnerships for a More Competitive and Sustainable Destination," forms part of GTBoard's nationwide stakeholder engagement. Stakeholders were challenged to identify what makes CRR distinct and to encourage domestic tourism and greater participation of women and youth in the tourism value chain. Key areas needing attention include infrastructure, accessibility, marketing, skills development, investment, heritage preservation, environmental sustainability, and stronger links between tourism and local businesses.
Key points
- The Gambia Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism challenge stakeholders to transform CRR's tourism assets into sustainable economic opportunities.
- CRR stakeholders are called to collaborate to develop tourism products that generate employment and support local businesses.
- The region's diverse tourism assets include rivers, waterways, wetlands, forests, wildlife, historic sites, traditional communities, cultural festivals, crafts, agricultural activities, local cuisine, and heritage.
