By Mariama Bundu
The Women in Tourism Leadership African Committee (WITLAC) has concluded a two-day intensive training for female journalists in the Western Area, aimed at strengthening tourism reporting and promoting positive storytelling about Sierra Leone.
The training, held from March 30–31 at the Dove’s Nest Hall in Freetown, brought together journalists from various media institutions to deepen their understanding of the intersection between media and tourism.
Coordinated by Antonia Howard, with support from guest co-facilitator Kinsley Uranta, the sessions focused on equipping participants with practical skills to effectively report on tourism while projecting a balanced and constructive image of the country. Speaking during the training, facilitators emphasized the critical role journalists play in shaping narratives that influence how Sierra Leone is perceived internationally. They encouraged participants to move beyond
predominantly negative reporting and instead highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential.
The training objectives included enhancing participants’ understanding of the media tourism link, building tourism storytelling skills, inspiring positive narratives, and promoting ethical reporting practices.
Day one of the training featured interactive sessions, including group work where participants were divided into teams to develop and pitch tourism story ideas. The presentations were critically reviewed by facilitators, providing constructive feedback to improve storytelling techniques.
On the second day, participants engaged in a recap session followed by a statement delivered on behalf of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting tourism development through strategic media engagement.
A key highlight of the training was a field visit to the Lumley Beach Arts and Crafts market, where participants gained hands-on experience in tourism reporting. The visit exposed journalists to locally made crafts and cultural artifacts, offering insight into how such stories can be packaged to attract both local and international tourists.
Participants described the training as inspiring, educative, and eye-opening particularly for those involved in multimedia and video storytelling.
“This training has changed the way we see tourism reporting. It has shown us that we have a responsibility to tell our stories in a way that promotes our country while remaining truthful and ethical,” one participant noted.
The program concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants in recognition of their active engagement.
WITLAC’s initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening the capacity of female journalists in Sierra Leone to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the tourism sector through impactful storytelling.
