The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has in a meeting with tourism and hospitality stakeholders called for the various associations to unite under an umbrella body for the furtherance of the sector. Tour Operators, Hotel Managers, Travel Agencies, Chef Association, Casino Managers, Restaurant Managers, and Night Club Managers among others were all part of the engagement
According to the General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Hamid Carew, the meeting was to implore industry leaders in forming an umbrella body that would be collaborating and working closely with the Ministry as critical partners for the promotion, development and advancement of Sierra Leone tourism sector.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Tunis disclosed that the Ministry has undergone a Management and Functional Review where the new structures adopted would facilitate the expansion of functions that will enable greater operational scope and efficiency. Therefore, an umbrella body from the private sector would be an absolute force that would help the ministry achieve its development trajectory for Sierra Leone’s Tourism sector, she stated. She emphasized that the full cooperation of the private sector would be a key enabler towards addressing challenges of the sector while urging them to organize a channel for easier communication as well as incorporating the Tourism for all Campaign in their activities.
Representatives from various associations extended applauds to the Minster for her thoughtfulness in coming up with such a long needed initiative. They called for full participation and cooperation of all associations in forming a formidable body that will provide the requisite support to the ministry as a private sector. For them, a clear level playing field and inclusivity should be the hallmark in forming the body.
The Minister Nabeela Tunis at the end of the meeting reaffirmed the ministry’s support towards whatever institutional arrangement they would come up with. She emphasized that all the ministry wanted from them is equality, transparency, accountability, inclusion, participation and commitment.
Sector stakeholders agreed to establish the umbrella body and promised to communicate their decision within two weeks.
Deputy Minister Khadijatu Kamara, Permanent Secretary, Kwame Yankson, Director of Culture, Foday Jalloh, Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, Deputy Secretary Sahr Philip Morsay, President of Hotel and Tourism Association, Johnny Shallop and other stakeholders made valuable input during the meeting.
MTCA Communications.
