The first-ever Up-Country Tourism Stakeholders Forum, organized by the Gambia Tourism Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, concluded successfully in Mansakonko, River Region, on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and priorities for tourism development in the region.
The closing session featured remarks from the representatives of the Governor of the Lower River Region and the Chairman of the Mansakonko Area Council, who welcomed the forum as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among government institutions, local authorities, tourism operators, and other stakeholders.
Other speakers included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gambia Tourism Board, and the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board, who spoke on many salient areas in tourism and the roadmap towards tourism growth in The Gambia.
The speakers underscored the importance of tourism to local economic development, job creation, cultural preservation and the promotion of the country’s tourism assets beyond the traditional tourism areas. They also highlighted the need for continued collaboration between national and regional authorities, communities and private-sector actors to unlock the tourism potential of the Lower River Region and other parts of the country.
The closing session was followed by cultural entertainment from the region and an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants raised issues and sought clarification on salient areas affecting tourism development in the region. Discussions covered matters of concern to tourism stakeholders and provided an opportunity for participants to engage directly with senior tourism officials.
The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange views, identify key areas requiring attention, and strengthen dialogue on the development of sustainable and inclusive tourism in the region.
The successful conclusion of the forum reaffirmed the importance of continued stakeholder engagement in shaping a tourism sector that contributes meaningfully to local communities and the wider socio-economic development of The Gambia.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
