By Mariama Bundu
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has held a press conference in Freetown to clarify government’s position on the representation of tourism associations in Sierra Leone.
The briefing followed reports of a newly formed group known as the Federation of All Tourism Associations (FATA), amid ongoing consultations to establish a unified National Tourism Federation for the country’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the press conference, Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange, Mohamed Jalloh, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s tourism, culture, creative, and entertainment industries through collaboration with public and private stakeholders.
He noted that the Ministry became aware of the formation of FATA through a circulated letter and emphasized that while citizens have the constitutional right to form associations, all tourism bodies must seek proper approval and recognition from the Ministry.
Mr. Jalloh stated that the Ministry currently recognizes only the National Tourism Association as the legitimate body representing the sector, while consultations are ongoing to establish a proposed National Tourism Federation.
He called on stakeholders to continue engaging within the Ministry’s framework in the interest of unity, coordination, and national development.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida Carew, stressed the need for a recognized umbrella institution to coordinate engagement between government and tourism stakeholders. She explained that the proposed federation would serve this role once consultations are completed.
The press conference was aimed at clarifying government policy, promoting cohesion within the tourism sector, and reinforcing proper procedures for association recognition in Sierra Leone.
