The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs convened a press conference following reports of a newly formed group known as the Federation of All Tourism Associations (FATA), amid ongoing efforts to establish a unified National Tourism Federation for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. The engagement brought together officials of the Ministry, the National Tourist Board, members of the media, and stakeholders within the tourism industry to clarify the Government’s position and encourage unity within the 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 strong collaboration with both public and private stakeholders. He noted that the Ministry has over the years organized numerous initiatives and activities that have created employment opportunities for young people across the country. He further disclosed that the Ministry became aware of the formation of FATA through a circulated letter, emphasizing that while citizens have the constitutional right to form associations, all tourism-related bodies must seek proper approval and recognition through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs

Director Jalloh stated that the Ministry currently recognizes only the National Tourism Association as the legitimate body representing the tourism sector, while consultations and engagement processes toward establishing the proposed National Tourism Federation remain ongoing. He called on all stakeholders to continue working collectively within the framework being developed by the Ministry in the interest of unity, coordination, and national development.

Also speaking at the event, General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida Carew, emphasized the importance of establishing a recognized umbrella institution through which Government and tourism stakeholders can effectively engage. She explained that the proposed National Tourism Federation is intended to serve as that coordinating body once the ongoing processes are concluded.

The press conference therefore served as a clarification exercise aimed at addressing public concerns, promoting cohesion within the sector, and reinforcing institutional procedures for association recognition in Sierra Leone’s tourism industry.

*MTCA Communications*