Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its agencies, National Tourist Board and Monument and Relics Commission have at an Exclusive Evening of Culture, Music and Arts organized at the Ministry’s Forecourt Pavilion unveiled its vision for the year of Ecotourism 2025. This remarkable event drew diplomatic community, cooperate institution, private sector and partners of the Ministry, underscoring the significance of the gathering.
Permanent Secretary, Edward Kwame Yankson in his opening courtesies highlighted that the Ministry’s 2025 Year of Ecotourism focus aimed at focusing the Ministry’s attention to the environment, culture, conservation and communities, as well as building on the gains made by the 2024 Tourism for All Campaign. He maintained that the event was geared towards explaining to their esteemed guests what the Ministry have been doing and what they intend to do in 2025.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis in her keynote address appreciated their distinguished attendees for gracing the occasion. She pinpointed that the Ministry and agencies have been actively involved in shaping the tourism and cultural landscape of Sierra Leone, an effort that considerably intensified in 2024 with the Tourism for All Campaign that brought the sector unaided awareness and value in a productive and peaceful way, she stated. She noted that the 2025 Year of Ecotourism is a reflection of genuine reform and action where all Sierra Leoneans aspire to be ecoconscious by connecting, culture, conservation and community.
Minister Tunis explained that with the World Bank and UNDP remarkable gains were made in the sector reaching 3.67 million people nationwide with increased website and social media traffic and also support to local talents. Tangible reforms, including, launching the MFR and the first National Tourism Strategic Plan, staff capacity building were achieved in the Ministry. Hosting the Women in Tourism Congress in Freetown under the auspices of the Ministry was eye-catching and also the commissioning of the Chinese funded pavilion. She encouraged all to join the ecotourism trail to understand that waste management, preserving our environment and appreciating prime touristic spot such as Tacugama is paramount, while calling on esteemed guests to use their networks to help broaden their reach.
Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Programme, Mohamed Jalloh tailored his presentation on the investment opportunities in the tourism and cultural sector, taking into cognizant the laudable growth the sector has experienced over the years.
John Akinola from the private sector presented on profitable partnership, highlighting tourisms contribution to the GDP.
A short performance by the Ministry’s theatre group led by the Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh conveyed the significance of sustainable ecotourism practices. Other creative performances by National Dance Troup, Destiny Brothers Crew, and Terry K. thrilled the audience.
MTCA Communications
