AGP Executive Report

Visitor Experience: The Gambia Tourism Board and Gambia Ferry Services have signed an agreement to improve visitor movement and service at ferry ports, including for cruise passengers with limited time to explore. Culinary Tourism: WAFFEST 2026, running through October 21, has brought chefs and tourism representatives from more than 30 countries to The Gambia. Vice-President Momodou B.S. Jallow urged investment in culinary tourism and skills to help diversify the country’s visitor offer. Cultural Exchange: China Day at the festival showcased food as a bridge for tourism and cultural ties, while Liberia’s tourism authority joined the event to promote regional culinary cooperation.

Culinary Tourism: The Gambia’s WAFFEST 2026 runs through Oct. 21, bringing chefs and delegates from more than 30 countries to showcase regional food and culture. China Day highlighted how culinary exchange can deepen international ties, while Liberia’s tourism authority joined the festival and expressed interest in hosting a future edition. Atlantic Crossing Tragedy: At least 12 people died after a migrant boat sank off Jinack Kajata in the North Bank Region; the number still missing is unknown. Survivors of a separate crossing told rescuers they had spent seven days at sea travelling from Gunjur to the Canary Islands.

Atlantic Crossings: Three people died after a boat carrying about 131 migrants from Gunjur reached Spain’s Canary Islands following a seven-day voyage. In a separate incident, at least 12 people died when a boat sank off Jinack Kajata; the number missing remains unknown. Culinary Tourism: The Gambia has opened WAFFEST 2026 in Bijilo, welcoming participants from more than 30 countries for a week of food, cultural events and skills training, with organisers promoting cuisine as a draw for visitors. Tourism Investment: The Gambia Tourism Board has warned against unauthorised land sales in tourism development areas, urging prospective buyers to check approvals. Airport Workforce: Gambia International Airlines staff staged strike action over welfare concerns and alleged mistreatment.

Atlantic Route: Three people died after a boat carrying about 131 people from Gunjur reached Spain’s El Hierro after seven days at sea. In a separate incident off Jinack Kajata, at least 12 people died and others remain missing. Culinary Tourism: The West African Food Festival is underway in The Gambia through October 21, bringing chefs from more than 30 countries for competitions, training and cultural exchange—an opportunity to promote Gambian cuisine as a visitor attraction. Airport Operations: Gambia International Airport staff have staged strike action over welfare and alleged mistreatment; travelers should check with their airlines for updates. Tourism Investment: The GTBoard has warned against unauthorised land sales in the Tourism Development Area, urging prospective buyers to verify claims before committing.

Culinary Tourism: The West African Food Festival is bringing chefs from more than 30 countries to The Gambia through Oct. 21, showcasing local cuisine and offering a chance to grow tourism beyond the coast. Tourism Season: The first tourist flight of the 2026/27 season has arrived, as the Tourism Board looks ahead to the months ahead. Land Investment: The Tourism Board warns that land in the Tourism Development Area, from Kotu to Kartong, must be verified and acquired only through authorized channels. Travel Access: The Nigerian passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 45 destinations, including The Gambia. Coastal Safety: At least 12 people died after a migrant boat sank off Jinack Kajata; the number of missing passengers remains unclear as rescue efforts continue.

Culinary Tourism: The West African Food Festival is underway in The Gambia through October 21, bringing chefs from more than 30 countries for competitions, cultural exchange and training. Coastal Tragedy: At least 12 people died after a migrant boat sank off Jinack Kajata; the number of missing passengers remains unknown as rescue efforts continue. Tourism Season: The Gambia Tourism Board welcomed the first tourist flight of the 2026/27 season, signalling the start of the winter travel period. Tourism Investment: GTBoard warned investors to verify land in the Tourism Development Area directly with the Board, saying unauthorized sales may leave buyers without valid rights.

Culinary Tourism: The Gambia is hosting WAFFEST through October 21, welcoming chefs from more than 30 countries for food competitions, cultural exchange and professional training. The festival puts Gambian cuisine in the spotlight and supports efforts to broaden tourism beyond the coast. Coastal Incident: At least 12 people died after a migrant boat sank off Jinack Kajata; the number missing remains unknown as rescue efforts continue. Tourism Season: GTBoard welcomed the first tourist flight of the 2026/27 season, signalling the start of the winter travel period. Land Investment: GTBoard warned investors that tourism-area land from Kotu to Kartong must be acquired through authorised channels, urging buyers to verify land status before paying or developing.

Culinary Tourism: The Gambia is hosting WAFFEST through 21 October, bringing chefs from more than 30 countries to compete, share skills and celebrate regional food. The festival offers a chance to grow tourism beyond the coast, but its lasting value will depend on benefits for local chefs and businesses. Tourism Season: GTBoard says the first tourist flight of the 2026/27 season has arrived, signalling the start of the winter visitor period. Land Safety: GTBoard warns investors and developers not to buy land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorised sellers, urging buyers to verify land status directly with the Board. Air Travel: Gambia International Airlines staff staged a strike over welfare and alleged mistreatment; any impact on services was not reported.

Coastal Safety: At least 12 people have died after a migrant boat capsized off Jinack Kajata, with the number of missing passengers still unknown as rescue efforts continue. Food Tourism: The Gambia is hosting WAFFEST through October 21, welcoming chefs from more than 30 countries for competitions, training and cultural exchange. Organisers and tourism advocates say Gambian cuisine could help draw visitors beyond the coast and create lasting local opportunities. Tourism Season: GTBoard says the first tourist flight of the 2026/27 season has arrived, signalling the start of the winter travel period. Land Warning: The Board cautions investors against buying land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorised sellers, urging buyers to verify plots directly with GTBoard.

Migration at Sea: At least 12 people have died after a migrant boat incident off Jinack Kajata in The Gambia’s North Bank Region. The number missing is unknown, and Red Cross teams are supporting affected communities. Food Tourism: WAFFEST is underway in Banjul until October 21, bringing chefs and culinary professionals from more than 30 countries to showcase West African food and culture. Nigeria’s chefs are among the participants, with ValueJet offering discounted fares to support their travel. Tourism Season: The first direct charter flight of the 2026/2027 season brought 139 passengers from London to Banjul. The Gambia Tourism Board expects about seven weekly UK flights, while urging the industry to spread visitor benefits beyond coastal resorts. Land for Tourism: GTBoard warns investors and developers not to buy land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorised sellers, advising them to verify land status directly with the Board.

Visitor Access: Nigerian travelers can visit The Gambia without securing a visa before departure, as Nigeria’s passport ranking rises and its visa-free destinations increase to 45. Food & Culture: The West African Food Festival opens in Bijilo today, bringing more than 30 countries together for a week of culinary events and cultural exchange. Tourism Development: GTBoard warns investors against buying land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorized sellers, urging them to verify land status directly with the Board. Season Outlook: The first London charter flight of the 2026/27 season brought 139 visitors to Banjul, with around seven weekly UK flights expected; tourism leaders are also urging the industry to spread benefits beyond coastal resorts to rural communities and local businesses.

Tourism Events: The West African Food Festival is set to bring more than 30 countries to The Gambia from October 15–21, with cooking competitions and cultural exchange in Bijilo and Kanifing. Tourism Investment: GTBoard has warned buyers and developers not to acquire land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorised sellers, urging them to verify land status directly with the Board. Aviation: The first London charter of the 2026/27 season brought 139 visitors to Banjul, and GTBoard expects around seven weekly UK flights as the season builds. Airline Workforce: Gambia International Airlines staff staged a strike over welfare, job security and alleged mistreatment; the action raises concerns about staff conditions, though no flight disruption was reported. Visitor Benefits: Tourism leaders are being urged to spread the season’s gains beyond coastal resorts by investing in rural attractions, transport and local businesses.

Tourism Investment: GTBoard warned that land in the Tourism Development Area, from Kotu to Kartong, can only be acquired through authorised channels; buyers should verify land status directly with the Board to avoid disputes and financial losses. Season Opening: The first direct London charter of the 2026/27 season brought 139 visitors to Banjul. GTBoard expects up to seven weekly UK flights, but calls are growing for tourism income to reach communities beyond the coast. Food and Culture: WAFFEST runs in The Gambia from October 15 to 21, with chefs and food enthusiasts from more than 30 countries expected for competitions and cultural events. Travel Advice: The US has partially restricted visa issuance to Gambians, including visitor visas, under a policy that took effect on January 1, 2026. Check current requirements before planning a trip.

Tourism Investment: GTBoard warned investors not to buy land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorised sellers, saying unapproved deals could lead to financial losses and disputes. Food and Culture: WAFFEST organisers say more than 30 countries are expected in The Gambia for the October 15–21 festival, with cooking contests and cultural events in Bijilo and Kanifing. Winter Season: The first charter flight from London opened the 2026/2027 season with 139 passengers; GTBoard expects UK connections to reach about seven flights a week. Visitor Safety: GTBoard and the Tourism Security Unit are reviewing security plans for the season. Beyond the Coast: Tourism leaders are urged to spread visitor spending to rural communities by investing in transport, infrastructure and local cultural and nature-based experiences.

Tourism Land: GTBoard warns investors and developers not to buy land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorized sellers, saying such deals could lead to losses and disputes. Food & Culture: Organisers say the West African Food Festival is ready to welcome more than 30 countries in The Gambia from October 15 to 21, with cooking events and cultural exchange. Winter Season: The first London charter flight has opened the 2026/2027 season, bringing 139 passengers; GTBoard expects around seven UK flights weekly as the season builds. Visitor Safety: GTBoard and the Tourism Security Unit are reviewing security arrangements for the season, including at tourism sites beyond the coast.

Tourism Season: The Gambia welcomed its first direct charter flight of the 2026/2027 season, with 139 passengers arriving from London. The Gambia Tourism Board expects around seven weekly flights from the UK as operators including TUI return. Beyond the Coast: More arrivals could benefit hotels and businesses, but tourism stakeholders say growth should also reach rural communities and showcase the country’s culture, wildlife and birdwatching. Visitor Safety: The Tourism Board and Tourism Security Unit are reviewing readiness and security gaps ahead of the winter season. Travel Alert: Gambian nationals face partial US visa restrictions, including on visitor visas, under measures that took effect on January 1, 2026.