By Yunus S. Saliu
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has organised a day-long stakeholder sensitisation workshop on the legal status and administration of the Tourism Development Area (TDA), aimed at improving understanding of the area’s regulatory framework and strengthening collaboration among institutions responsible for its management.
The workshop, held on Monday at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, security personnel, local authorities, geologists, tourism operators and community representatives from across the TDA.
Participants described the engagement as timely, noting that a similar forum involving key stakeholders had not been held for more than two decades.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Abdoulie Jobe said the workshop was designed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the legal status of the TDA and clarify the responsibilities of institutions involved in its administration.
He explained that the Tourism Development Area was established during the administration of former President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara as a strategic initiative to promote tourism-driven economic growth, create employment opportunities, attract investment and contribute to national development.
“The Tourism Development Area was legally designated under title deeds SR No. 18 of 1974 for Kombo North and SR No. P-714 of 1974 for Kombo South, covering the coastal belt from Kotu to Kartong for a period of 99 years,” Minister Jobe said.
He clarified that land within the TDA belongs to the Government of The Gambia and not the Gambia Tourism Board.
“The GTBoard is mandated under the Gambia Tourism Board Act 2011 and the Tourism Regulations 2011 to administer and manage the TDA on behalf of government,” he stated.
The minister stressed that effective management of the area requires strong cooperation among relevant institutions, including the Ministry responsible for Lands, the Department of Lands and Surveys, the Department of Physical Planning and Housing, the Geological Department, regional authorities, district chiefs, alkalolu and other stakeholders.
He noted that while general land administration laws apply within the TDA, tourism-specific legislation provides an additional framework governing development activities within the area.
Minister Jobe said improved coordination among institutions would promote legal certainty, transparency, responsible land governance and sustainable tourism development.
He also raised concerns over reported cases of encroachment and unauthorised land transactions within the TDA, stressing the need to protect the area as a national asset.
“It is important that we work together to protect what belongs to the Gambian people and preserve the Tourism Development Area for national development,” he said.
Also speaking, Gambia Tourism Board Director General Ida Jeng Njie described the workshop as a significant step towards strengthening governance within the country’s main tourism zone.
She said tourism remains a major contributor to The Gambia’s economy through employment creation, foreign exchange earnings and investment opportunities.
“The Tourism Development Area occupies a central place in our tourism industry. It hosts many of our hotels, tourism establishments, recreational facilities and supporting infrastructure. Its proper planning, management and regulation are therefore critical to maintaining The Gambia’s competitiveness as a preferred tourist destination,” she said.
Njie said the workshop was aimed at improving stakeholders’ understanding of the legal framework governing the TDA, clarifying institutional mandates, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and ensuring compliance with planning standards.
She urged government institutions, local authorities, investors, tourism operators, landowners and communities to work together to ensure that developments within the TDA comply with the law and serve the national interest.
The GTBoard Director General reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to strengthening governance, improving transparency, reducing conflicts and creating a more predictable environment for investment in the tourism sector.
The workshop forms part of GTBoard’s ongoing efforts to protect and effectively manage the Tourism Development Area while promoting sustainable tourism development in The Gambia.
During the session, Pierrette Mendy Sarr, Senior Manager for Legal and Compliance at GTBoard, presented on the legal status of the TDA.
Abba Jammeh, Technical Manager, made a presentation on waste management within the area, while Mamut Saine, Quality Control and Enforcement Manager, outlined the physical boundaries of the Tourism Development Area.
The event also included interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions, allowing participants to seek clarifications and contribute ideas on improving the management of the country’s key tourism zone.
About the Author
