Officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, led by Minister Nabeela Tunis, visited the refurbished Lungi International Airport hotel and commended the extensive improvements made by Sierra Leonean proprietor Abubakarr Archie Fofanah. The Minister, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Director of Culture, and Ministry and National Tourist Board staff, expressed satisfaction with the hotel’s 75 rooms, two restaurants, two bars, pool, gym, and ongoing construction of a large conference room.
Minister Tunis stated that the purpose of the visit was to tour the hotel facilities, explore potential partnerships, and support the Ministry’s private sector-led approach to the tourism industry. She appreciated the impressive transformation of the hotel by Archie and encouraged other Sierra Leoneans to invest in the tourism industry. She emphasized that the hotel, once fully completed, would host international conferences, accommodate crew changes, and provide essential facilities for travelers. She also highlighted the hotel’s cultural aesthetics, which aligns with the Tourism for All Campaign’s theme of Create and Innovate, and noted that it would promote Sierra Leonean culture.
Proprietor Abubakarr Achie Fofanah expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit, emphasizing that it demonstrated the Ministry’s support for the hotel’s transformation. He explained that his decision to refurbish the hotel stemmed from a negative experience and praised his dedicated staff for their commitment to improving the facilities.
The Permanent Secretary and Director of Culture also lauded the hotel’s impressive transformation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for the project.
Additionally, Fofanah took the Minister and her team to Urika beach and its river creek in Lokomasama, Port Loko District to view its current status. Urika was once a popular tourist destination during the period before the civil war and still holds great potential.
MTCA Communications
