AGP Executive Report

Regional Travel Tech: ECOWAS is rolling out public awareness campaigns for its biometric identity card (ENBIC), aiming for mutual border acceptance across air, land and sea by December 2026—Gambia is among the member states already launching the card. Tourism Safety & Regulation: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) says it has launched investigations after an attack on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning violators will face action; it has also faced pushback over a suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA. Direct Flights to Banjul: The Gambia Experience and Jet2 will add direct charter flights from London Gatwick to Banjul for the 2026/27 winter season (3 Nov 2026–27 Apr 2027), with twice-weekly services. Sports Tourism Boost: CAF has appointed three Gambian officials for beach soccer and WAFU-A U-20 AFCON qualifiers in October, while the Young Scorpions step up preparations in Faraba Bantang ahead of the Mali tournament. International Spotlight: A UN expert on extrajudicial executions will visit The Gambia from 5–16 October to assess right-to-life protections and accountability measures.

Tourism Safety & Security: GTBoard DG Ida Jeng-Njie says safety concerns in the Tourism Development Area (TDA) have intensified after videos of visitors being attacked; the Board and the Tourism Security Unit are investigating and warn violators will face action. TDA Entertainment Crackdown: GTBoard has suspended beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA, drawing pushback from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh who questions the legal basis and asks for clear details on the threats. Tour Operator Flights: The Gambia Experience confirms Jet2 direct charter flights from London Gatwick to Banjul for the 2026/27 winter sun season (3 Nov 2026–27 Apr 2027), plus regional departures from Manchester and Birmingham via TUI. Tourism Demand Signal: UK travel-price research flags Gambia as one of the biggest winter-sun drops in cost, with average package prices down nearly 27%. Regional Peace: ECOWAS VP Oluwatosin Ogunjimi visited The Gambia to advance regional peace, security and development, including inspections tied to the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute. Global Recognition: Gambia ranked 4th safest in Africa in the Global Peace Index 2025, climbing 16 places—boosting confidence for investment and tourism. Sports Tourism Boost: Gambia’s volleyball federation received CAVB honours for its contribution to African volleyball, adding another positive spotlight for visitors.

Tourism Safety & Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) says it has launched a full investigation after videos showed visitors being attacked in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning that anyone breaching TDA rules will face action under Gambian law. TDA Entertainment Crackdown: GTBoard has also suspended beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA, with critics questioning the legal basis and how the move will protect tourism jobs and businesses. Tourism Development Focus: GTBoard DG Ida Jeng-Njie raised fresh alarms over safety in the TDA and vowed action against violators. International Rights Watch: A UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions will visit The Gambia from 5–16 October 2026, starting in Banjul, to review right-to-life protections and progress since the democratic transition. Missing Persons Role: The Gambia takes on a two-year co-chair role (with Switzerland) in the Global Alliance for the Missing, starting 1 October 2026, aiming to strengthen information-sharing and support for families. Travel Business Courts: Ejabah Travel and Tours’ D36m Hajj slots fraud case resumed in Banjul Magistrates’ Court with testimony from a prosecution witness.

Tourism Safety & Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) says it has launched a full investigation after videos showed visitors being attacked in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning that anyone breaching TDA rules will face decisive action. TDA Entertainment Crackdown: GTBoard has also suspended beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA, with critics questioning the legal basis and warning the move could hit tourism jobs and local businesses. Regional Peace Mission: ECOWAS Commission Vice-President Oluwatosin Ogunjimi wrapped up a two-day visit to The Gambia focused on regional peace, security and development, including inspections of projects such as the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI). Tourism Demand Signal: UK travel research suggests winter sun packages to The Gambia are cheaper this year, with average prices dropping by nearly 27% versus last year. Missing Persons Focus: The Gambia is set to serve as Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), starting Oct 1, aiming to strengthen support for families of people who disappear while travelling.

Tourism Safety in TDA: The Gambia Tourism Board says it’s investigating a recent attack on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning that anyone breaching TDA rules will face action, while urging operators and the public to report threats. Beach-Party Ban Sparks Pushback: GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA has drawn criticism from a human rights activist, who argues the board hasn’t clearly explained the security threats and warns an indefinite shutdown could hurt tourism workers and businesses. Regional Peace & Tourism Training: ECOWAS’ vice-president visited The Gambia to advance peace and development, inspecting projects including the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute and a fish smoking complex. World Tourism Day & Product Diversification: The Gambia marked World Tourism Day with a focus on AI and digital transformation, while moves to diversify tourism products were highlighted. Missing Persons Role: The Gambia became Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing, with a mandate starting Oct 1 to strengthen support for families of people who disappear while travelling. US Visa Bond Update (Travel Planning): A US State Department list of 50 countries now faces refundable visa bonds of $10,000–$20,000 for B1/B2 visas; the bond amount is set during the visa interview, and applicants are told not to pay before consular instructions.

Tourism Safety & Order: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) says it has launched a full investigation after videos showed visitors being attacked in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning anyone breaching TDA rules will face action. TDA Entertainment Crackdown: GTBoard has also suspended beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA, drawing pushback from a human rights activist who questioned the legal basis and called for clearer details on the security concerns. Regional Peace Push: ECOWAS Commission Vice-President Oluwatosin Anthony Ogunjimi wrapped a two-day visit to The Gambia focused on regional peace, security and development, including inspections tied to the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) and a fish smoking complex. Tourism Growth Moves: The Gambia is set to diversify tourism products, and World Tourism Day coverage highlighted a focus on AI and digital transformation. Travel Costs Watch: UK travel deal coverage flags Gambia as one of the winter sun destinations that got cheaper this year, with average package prices dropping notably. Missing Persons Role: The Gambia begins a two-year mandate as Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), aiming to strengthen international action on people who disappear while travelling.

Tourism Safety in TDA: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and other violators they will face action, while the GTBoard DG says investigations are underway with the Tourism Security Unit and that safety and peaceful enjoyment won’t be tolerated. Beach-Party Crackdown: GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA has sparked pushback from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, who questions the legal basis and demands clearer details on the security concerns. World Tourism Day 2026: The Gambia marked World Tourism Day with a focus on AI and digital transformation, including a march-past and tree-planting in the TDA, with tourism leaders and institutions backing the shift toward tech-enabled travel. Tourism Growth Plans: GTBoard also moved to diversify tourism products, aiming to broaden what visitors can do beyond traditional offerings. International Spotlight: The UN’s OHCHR says a Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings will visit The Gambia from 5–16 October, starting in Banjul and the Greater Banjul Area. Travel Business Court Case: Ejabah Travel and Tours’ D36M fraud case over failed Hajj slots resumed in Banjul Magistrates’ Court with testimony from a prosecution witness.

Tourism Safety & Regulation: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning “bumsters” and others who break the rules will face action, while its DG Ida Jeng-Njie says a full investigation is underway after disturbing videos circulated. Beach-Party Crackdown: GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA has drawn pushback from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, who questions the legal basis and demands clearer details on the security concerns. Tourism Strategy: On World Tourism Day, The Gambia marked the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” and the government also outlined plans to diversify beyond the main tourism areas through ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy. Travel Business Watch: A D36 million fraud case involving Ejabah Travel and Tours resumed in Banjul Magistrates’ Court over failed Hajj slots promised to pilgrims. Football & Travel Links: Young Scorpions U-20 stepped up preparations for WAFU-A qualifiers in Mali, with the draw due soon—good news for sports travel interest. Regional Spotlight: Akwaaba African Travel Market will again exhibit at Kenya’s Magical Kenya Travel Expo (Oct 6–8).

Tourism Safety & Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), with DG Ida Jeng-Njie warning that anyone breaching TDA rules will face action, while investigations continue with the Tourism Security Unit. TDA Beach-Party Crackdown: GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA is drawing pushback, with critics questioning the legal basis and warning it could hit tourism jobs and coastal businesses. Tourism Growth Plan: The government says it’s moving to diversify beyond the main tourism areas, focusing on ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy to encourage longer stays. World Tourism Day Focus: The country marked World Tourism Day 2026 with events highlighting AI and digital tools reshaping how travellers plan and book trips. Missing Persons Role: The Gambia has taken on a two-year international responsibility as Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), starting Oct 1. Sports & Travel Link: The Young Scorpions stepped up preparations for WAFU-A U-20 qualifiers in Mali, with the draw due soon.

Tourism Safety & Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning “bumsters” and others who break the law that they will face action, with the Tourism Security Unit involved. World Tourism Day: Gambia marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a focus on AI and digital transformation, including a march-past and tree planting in the TDA. Tourism Diversification: The government is pushing to diversify beyond the main beach areas, with plans for ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy to encourage longer stays. Travel & Sports (Gambia-linked): In AFCON 2027 qualifying, The Gambia’s comeback win over Ghana (4-2) has intensified pressure on Ghana’s camp, while The Scorpions prepare for another clash in Accra. Gambian Football Pathways: Winger Bakary Jammeh has left for a two-week trial in Sweden with Kalmar FF, supported by Modoustic Sports PR. Local Court Case: Ejabah Travel and Tours’ D36M fraud case resumed in Banjul with a prosecution witness describing payments for promised Hajj slots. Visa/Travel Notes: The UK published an airport transit visa list that includes Gambia among nine West African countries.

Tourism Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning “bumsters” and others who violate the law that they will face action, in coordination with the Tourism Security Unit. World Tourism Day: The country marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a focus on AI and digital transformation, including a march-past and tree-planting in the TDA. Tourism Diversification: Government says it will broaden The Gambia’s tourism beyond the main areas, pushing ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy to encourage longer stays. Travel Deals: A UK travel study flags Gambia as one of the winter sun destinations that’s cheaper this year, with average package prices down about 27%. Sports & Travel: Gambian winger Bakary Jammeh has left for a two-week trial in Sweden with Kalmar FF, while The Gambia and Ghana’s AFCON qualifier clash is set to shape regional travel plans. Budget Pressure: Hotels association calls for urgent intervention over multiple levies and rising costs, warning operators are squeezed by expenses. Visa Update: The UK lists Gambia among West African countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa when passing through UK airports.

Tourism Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning “bumsters” and others violating the law will face action, with the Tourism Security Unit involved. World Tourism Day: Gambia marked World Tourism Day with a focus on AI and digital transformation, featuring a march-past, tree planting in the TDA, and talks with tourism institutions. Tourism Growth Plan: The Ministry of Tourism says The Gambia will diversify beyond the main areas, pushing ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy to encourage longer stays. Sports & Travel Link: The Gambia begin AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 2-1 win over Somalia, then travel to Accra to face Ghana; meanwhile, Gambian winger Bakary Jammeh is on a two-week trial in Sweden with Kalmar FF. UK Transit Visa Update: The UK lists Gambia among West African countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa, even when not entering the UK.

Tourism Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning “bumsters” and others who violate the law will face action, with the TSU working alongside the board. World Tourism Day: Gambia marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a focus on AI and digital transformation, including a march-past and tree-planting in the TDA, plus talks with tourism and training institutions. Tourism Growth Plan: The government says it will diversify beyond the main beach areas, pushing ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy to encourage longer stays, with community consultations guiding what gets implemented. Hotel Costs Pressure: The Gambia Hotel Association is seeking urgent intervention over multiple levies and rising operating costs, echoing wider hospitality affordability concerns. Sports & Travel Demand: The Scorpions open AFCON 2027 qualifying with a win over Somalia, then travel to face Ghana in Accra—good news for regional visitor movement and matchday tourism. Regional Travel Policy: The UK published an updated airport transit visa list that includes Gambia, affecting how travelers plan connections. Diaspora/Travel Inspiration: A Hampshire-based travel firm is promoting school trips to The Gambia, using hands-on learning in ecosystems, wildlife, culture and community experiences.

AFCON Qualifiers (Gambia vs Ghana): The Gambia’s assistant coach Abdul Jammeh says the Scorpions will be without five key players for Tuesday’s Matchday 2 clash in Accra, arguing their impact (24 goals combined) outweighs Ghana’s own absentees. Ghana’s Black Stars are also missing several big names, including Jordan Ayew, Alexander Djiku, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire left them under pressure to respond at Accra Sports Stadium. Tourism & Travel (Gambia-linked): Sweden reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with The Gambia, highlighting cooperation areas including migration, education and tourism. Travel Costs Watch: Hotels across the region are facing heavy pressure from multiple levies and rising power costs, with operators forced to rely on expensive diesel when electricity fails. Visa/Transit Update: The UK published updated guidance for carriers listing Gambia among West African countries whose citizens need an airport transit visa when passing through UK airports.

Gambia–Sweden Diplomacy: Sweden reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with The Gambia, highlighting cooperation on international law, migration, development, education and tourism after a high-level courtesy visit to the Gambian Embassy in London. AFCON 2027 (Travel-Spotlight Match): Round two of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers runs 28 Sept–1 Oct, with Ghana hosting The Gambia on 29 Sept—an important fixture for fans planning travel around Accra. Gambia Tourism Push: The Gambia Tourism Board’s Ida Jeng Njie urged Nigerians to “come to the Gambia” for leisure, learning and experiences, stressing destination visibility and visitor numbers. Budget & Border Costs (Regional Context): UK guidance for carriers lists nine West African countries—including Gambia—requiring an airport transit visa, while The Gambia’s 2027 budget estimates project D16.17bn for debt servicing, with tourism cited among growth supports. Education Travel: A UK-based travel firm is promoting bespoke school trips to The Gambia, linking classroom subjects to mangroves, wildlife, culture and community experiences.

Gambia Tourism & Travel: The Gambia Tourism Board’s DG, Ida Jeng Njie, renewed calls for Nigerians to “come to the Gambia” for leisure, business and culture, stressing destination visibility and growing visitor numbers. Sports & Travel (Region): Ghana’s Black Stars host The Gambia at Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday, Sept 29, after a 2-0 opening loss to Côte d’Ivoire; Ghana’s camp faces multiple injury withdrawals and fresh call-ups, while The Gambia arrive on the back of a 2-1 win over Somalia. Tourism Policy: The International Trade Centre validated Green Public Procurement guidelines for The Gambia’s tourism and creative industries, aiming to steer public spending toward environmentally preferable goods and services. Budget & Economy: Finance Minister Seedy Keita tabled the 2027 estimates, projecting D16.17bn for debt servicing (up 20.2%) while targeting 5.6% real GDP growth, with tourism cited among growth supports. Migration Safety (Travel Risk): A deadly English Channel migrant dinghy capsized with two women and a child dead, underscoring ongoing dangers on irregular routes.