VP Launches the First-Ever National Tourism Plan
In a historic moment for Sierra Leone, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on behalf of President Brig. Rtd. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in collaboration with the World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), has launched the country’s first-ever National Strategic Tourism Plan. The landmark event drew government officials, Parliamentarians, the Mayor, and international partners, underscoring the significance of this milestone.
Crafted by Journey and Keios Consultants, the National Strategic Tourism Plan signifies the government’s unwavering commitment to providing a clear vision, developing strategies, and formulating a realistic roadmap for the tourism sector’s development over the next decade, supported by a detailed five-year action plan.
Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank Country Manager, commended the Ministry for its initiative in creating a master plan to propel tourism in Sierra Leone forward, emphasizing the importance of effectively showcasing the country’s opportunities for marketing purposes.
Finance Minister Sheku Fantamandi Bangura hailed the strategy as a masterpiece plan to promote sector growth, highlighting collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Finance and the Tourism Ministry in capacity building, policy formulation, and sites development.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development Kenyeh Ballay emphasized the plan’s role in job creation and pledged her Ministry’s support for its implementation.
Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh delivered a comprehensive presentation of the plan, while Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Kadijatu Grace Kamara shared a congratulatory message from UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, expressing strong support for Sierra Leone’s tourism development endeavors.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis hailed the plan’s launch as a significant milestone in promoting tourism for socio-economic development. She expressed gratitude to President Bio for prioritizing tourism and highlighted its pivotal role in achieving development goals.
Acknowledging her staff, predecessor, Memunatu Pratt, and thanking partners for their support, Minister Tunis called for united commitment to unlocking Sierra Leone’s tourism potential.
A short stage performance by staff led by the Director of Culture Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh conveyed the importance of preserving Sierra Leone’s natural and heritage sites.
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, in his remarks, congratulated the entire tourism sector for the launch of a roadmap for sustainable tourism development. He highlighted infrastructure investments and increased international publicity for Sierra Leone as a tourist destination, advocating for soft loans for tourism establishments and reaffirming government support for the plan’s implementation. On reforms the government is undertaking to boost tourist arrivals, he hinted that entry restrictions will be eased further and effective and safe means of crossing the estuary will soon commence.
The event, chaired by Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson, featured statements by SL tourism and Hospitality and Association President John Shallop and a captivating display of Sierra Leone’s landscapes and culture by Spark Media Group.
The event culminated in President Bio being named the National Tourism Champion for his dedication to promoting tourism in Sierra Leone.
