GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng-Njie said tourism benefits should not be measured solely by arrivals.
"Tourism benefits should not be measured solely by the number of visitors arriving in the country," she said, noting that visitor spending and its impact on local communities matter more.
She said domestic and regional tourists, whose numbers often go unrecorded, contribute significantly by buying local goods and engaging with attractions. She called for collaboration among local authorities and stakeholders to unlock the North Bank's potential.
Board Chairperson Momodou Bamba Saho said tourism development must translate into tangible benefits for communities.
He highlighted the North Bank's rich cultural and historical heritage, including Kunta Kinteh Island, and called for sustainable practices that preserve sites while enhancing community participation and ownership in tourism planning.
Yusupha Keita, Country Representative for ITC-Gambia, outlined an EU-supported programme to boost tourism and the creative industries through product development, skills training and destination promotion.
The initiative seeks to turn community assets into competitive tourism offerings. Keita urged stakeholders to voice their needs and priorities, stressing collaboration as key to growth.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Amie Njie, reinforced the call for sustainable inland tourism that protects natural and cultural resources while supporting livelihoods.
She urged stakeholders to jointly create viable tourism products that attract visitors and deliver economic returns to local communities.
The Kerewan meeting forms part of GTBoard's nationwide consultations to address sector challenges, identify opportunities, promote community-based tourism and strengthen partnerships as The Gambia seeks to diversify its tourism pathways and spread benefits beyond traditional zones.
