Gambian officials have now issued a warning to tourists saying they want to put a stop to sex tourism.
Director of the Gambia Tourism Board, Abubacarr S.Camara said: “What we want is quality tourists.
“Tourists that come to enjoy the country and the culture, but not tourists that come just for sex.”
Camara said The Gambia wants to move away from its reputation for sex tourism and promote its many attractions.
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Known as “The Smiling Coast”, The Gambia gained independence in 1965 with sex tourism surging in the 1990s.
Young male sex workers, sometimes known locally as “beach boys” have been spotted with older women on nights out.
Some are then seen accompanying the older female tourists out of clubs after enjoying a night out.
Many men working in this industry have been drawn into it due the lack
Some of the men can earn £200 for one day’s work which is equivalent to an average month’s salary in The Gambia.
Many of the older clients are thought to be tourists from the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and Germany.
Occasionally transactions are arranged online before the tourist arrives and sex workers pick them up at the airport.
Some of the men may be underage and they are also at an increased risk of exploitation.
