FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Handover of the River Jetty Assessment Report: Paving the Way for Sustainable Tourism in The Gambia

Banjul, The Gambia – 8 April 2025 – The Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is pleased to announce the completion and official handover of the River Jetty Assessment Report, a comprehensive study aimed at enhancing access to The Gambia’s interior via the River Gambia. The report was delivered as part of the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP), funded by the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA).

The assessment, conducted by a team of experts, focused on the current state of the country’s river jetties, identifying their capacity for supporting tourism activities and exploring options for development. The goal of the study is to foster a more competitive, inclusive, and resilient tourism sector by improving the accessibility of key tourist areas located along the river.

Honorable Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mr. Abdoulie Jobe, stated:
"The River Gambia holds immense potential for eco-tourism, community development, and economic growth. This report marks the culmination of months of rigorous assessment, and its findings will serve as a guiding framework for the development of sustainable and resilient tourism infrastructure along the River Gambia."

Key Findings and Recommendations:
The assessment covered 21 jetties, with 10 identified as priority sites based on their tourism and cultural significance. Key findings include:

1. Current State of Jetties: Many existing jetties face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor access roads, and environmental issues like sedimentation and vegetation encroachment, which hinder the growth of river-based tourism.
2. Potential for Tourism Development: The River Gambia offers immense potential for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural experiences, particularly in areas like the Ninki Nanka Trail.
3. Proposed Improvements: Recommendations for structural upgrades, safety enhancements, and infrastructure development around jetty sites are outlined, with a focus on sustainability and climate resilience.

Impact on Sustainable Tourism
These improvements are expected to significantly contribute to green tourism, including activities like bird watching, wildlife excursions, and visits to national parks. The River Jetty Assessment Report aligns with The Gambia's National Tourism Policy and Strategy (2022-2032), which emphasizes sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and community involvement.

The River Jetty Assessment Report is a crucial step toward realizing the full potential of The Gambia’s river-based tourism sector. It will provide new opportunities for rural communities and help preserve the nation’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

For more information, please contact:
Lamin Njie – Communication Officer, MOTC
+220 7709579 | [email protected]

Rohey Samba-Jallow – Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, TDRGP
+220 7471327 | [email protected]

Ministry of Tourism and Culture | Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP)