The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has held an information session on three touristic sites (Leicester Peak Viewing Deck, Tacugama Innovation Centre & Bureh Beach Surf Club and Jetty) developed by the Government of Sierra Leone supported by the World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP). The event which drew government stakeholders, international investors, private sector players sought to officially present the newly developed sites to the public, explain in detail the facilities and resources available in each location and also to highlight the commercial potential and strategic vision for their long term management including opportunities for public private partnerships.
The primary goal of these sites is to enhance visitors’ experiences with facilities that have been carefully created to reflect the diverse needs of the audience, providing vibrant ambiance for adventure, relaxation, cultural enrichment, education and serenity of nature.
Senior Permanent Secretary, Edward Kwame Yankson who doubles as the chairman of the event in his welcome address mentioned that the Ministry is keen on raising awareness on the developed sites, build partnerships and promoting national pride in efforts to revitalize the sector, hence he called on private sector players to offer ideas and strengthen partnerships to ensure the long term success of these efforts. These sentiments were shared by co-chair, Chuku Emeka Eze.
Minister of Finance, Sheku Fantamadi Bangura premised his statements on his satisfaction towards this remarkable intervention by MTCA, perfectly resonating with government’s key objective of diversifying the economy. He stressed that the private sector is key in unlocking the sectors potential, offering opportunities for job creation, driving investment and revenue generation. He applauded Minister Tunis for a job well done with impressive tourism figures, while assuring government continued support to the changing narrative of the sector.
In her keynote address, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis pinpointed her consistent emphasis that private sector engagement is the strategic imperative driven by dynamic partnerships among public sector, private sector and host communities. She highlighted that the recent community consultations revealed a strong preference among local stakeholders for private operators to manage the sites, while government provides the strategic oversights, a tripartite model she believed offers the most effective path for achieving sustainability, accountability and local ownership.
These incredible developments align with the Year of Ecotourism 2025 aimed at protecting and expanding the nation’s most valuable natural and cultural assets, positioning Sierra Leone to becoming a premier Ecotourism destination, she noted.
Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Programme, Mohamed Jalloh presented in full details the facilities of each site, the resources available, the commercial potential and the various requirement for further enhancement of each sites. Director Jallohs’ presentation was followed by a video documentary of the three sites providing insights to prospective investors.
Questions posed by the audience to seek clarifications on the management of the sites were swiftly answered by sector professionals.
MTCA Communications.
