Tourism Ministry Clarifies its Position on Tourism Representation

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs held a press conference to clarify the government’s position following reports of a newly formed group known as the Federation of All Tourism Associations (FATA). The meeting brought together Ministry officials, representatives from the National Tourist Board, members of the media, and stakeholders from across Sierra Leone’s tourism sector to address concerns, explain institutional procedures, and encourage cohesion as the country works to establish a unified National Tourism Federation.
Speaking at the event, Director of Tourism, Travel, and Exchange Mohamed Jalloh reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to bolstering Sierra Leone’s tourism, culture, creative, and entertainment sectors. He stated that the Ministry has long organised initiatives and activities to create job opportunities for young people across the country, and that collaboration between public and private stakeholders is still essential to that work. Director Jalloh stated that the Ministry learned of FATA’s formation via a circulated letter and reminded attendees that, while citizens have the constitutional right to form associations, tourism-related bodies must obtain proper approval and official recognition from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
Director Jalloh made it clear that the Ministry currently recognises only the National Tourism Association as the legitimate representative body for the tourism industry. He explained that consultations and engagement processes to establish the proposed National Tourism Federation are ongoing, and he urged stakeholders to continue participating in the Ministry’s framework development to achieve unity, coordination, and national development goals.
Fatmata Mida Carew, General Manager of the National Tourist Board, also spoke at the conference, emphasising the importance of a formally recognised umbrella institution that allows government and private stakeholders to effectively engage. According to Carew, the intended National Tourism Federation will act as the coordinating body once the current consultation and approval processes are completed. She emphasised the importance of adhering to established procedures to ensure that any umbrella group has broad legitimacy and can represent the sector’s interests both domestically and globally.
The press conference served as a clarification exercise, aimed at reducing public uncertainty, promoting sector cohesion, and reinforcing institutional guidelines for recognising associations in Sierra Leone’s tourism industry. Officials urged all parties to continue participating in the consultative process to create a unified, well-regulated tourism industry that promotes economic growth and employment.