AYV News, July 30, 2026
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has brought together leaders from Sierra Leone’s tourism, hospitality, and creative industries to accelerate sector growth, strengthen collaboration, and create more employment opportunities through the establishment of a unified National Tourism Federation.
The high-level consultative meeting, held at Dove’s Nest in Aberdeen, Freetown, focused on advancing the formation of the National Federation and reinforcing the private sector’s role in driving the country’s tourism agenda and upcoming industry events.
Presenting on behalf of the Transitional Leadership Committee (TLC), Secretary General Abdul Karim Jalloh unveiled a restructured framework for stakeholder associations under the proposed federation. The categories include the Association of Small-Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET), Association of Entertainers (AE), Association of Creative Tourism Services (ACTS), Tourism Transportation Association (TAT), Association of Accommodations (AHA), Hospitality Association of Service Providers (HASP), Tourism Business Owners and Investment Network (TBOIN), Association of Tourism and Hospitality Professionals (ATHOP), Association of Community-Based Tourism Organisations (ACTO), and Tourism Civil Society Organisations and Media Platforms.
Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh outlined a roadmap for establishing the federation, including the completion of its constitution, the formation of an Electoral Committee, the conduct of elections, and the inauguration of a new executive between August 5 and September 25, 2026. He stressed the importance of adhering to the implementation timeline and preparing effectively for the federation’s elections scheduled for September.
Welcoming participants, Permanent Secretary Judith Johnson underscored the significance of the meeting, describing it as a defining moment for the future of Sierra Leone’s tourism industry. She encouraged stakeholders to work collectively and ensure that the decisions reached translate into meaningful progress for the sector.
The meeting also featured extensive discussions, with representatives from various tourism and hospitality associations contributing ideas and recommendations aimed at strengthening the federation and addressing industry challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis urged stakeholders to move beyond past divisions and build on recent achievements, particularly the establishment of a new legal framework for the sector. She described the framework as a transformative instrument capable of repositioning tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
The Minister called for innovation, visionary leadership, and stronger collaboration among industry players, encouraging stakeholders to refine the proposed activity calendar and work together to unlock new opportunities for investment, economic diversification, and job creation.
The consultative meeting marks another important step in the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen tourism governance and establish a unified National Tourism Federation capable of effectively representing and advancing the interests of Sierra Leone’s tourism, hospitality, and creative industries at both the national and international levels.
