With a clarion call made by NTB to stakeholders, IOM has responded to an urgent crisis management mitigation plan, as they have today, the 8th August, 2023, donated assorted cleaning logistics: ranging from rain boats, rain coats, Wheelbarrows, Shovels, tarpaulins, brooms, head pans, giant rakes, gloves, machetes as their continuous support towards the beach cleaning.

The Intergovernmental organization provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants. The IOM was established in 1951 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It operates in over 100 countries and has a broad range of activities related to migration, including providing humanitarian assistance to migrants, promoting international cooperation on migration issues, conducting research and analysis on migration trends, and offering migration-related training and capacity-building programs. It is against this background. They have responded to the environmental needs of the National Tourist Board long before the seaweed outbreak. They have also supported in capacity for beach cleaning.

The General Manager Mrs. Fatmata Mida Carew and her team received the assorted cleaning equipment from the IOM team lead. In her statement to the IOM team lead, she extended her profound thanks and appreciation unbehalf of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis and the Deputy Minister Dr. Kadiatu Grace Kamara.

The General Manager reiterates the timeliness of the items donated to fight the seaweed and other domestic wastes, especially now its raining.Taking her time in explaining the complexity of the menace, she said seaweed, is also known as macroalgae, and it a type of marine plant that grows in the ocean or other bodies of saltwater, that Sierra Leone faces today. It is a broad term that encompasses various species of algae, which can range in size from small, single-celled organisms to large, complex multicellular forms.

Seaweeds are classified into three main groups based on their pigmentation and structure: brown algae (Phaeophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta), and green algae (Chlorophyta). Each group has its own unique characteristics and adaptations to marine environments.

Sierra Leone is faced with the Brown algae, the largest and most complex seaweeds, commonly found in colder waters. They can vary in size and shape, ranging from small filamentous forms to large kelps that form underwater forests.

Therefore, during her reception note, she also encouraged other environmental stakeholders to join the war in combating this environmental outbreak as a nation and sector.

Finally, Mrs. Carew also called on the attention of the team lead of IOM to also include other coastal beaches in their schemes for cleaning exercise that will aid the efforts of the Ministry and Board.

The Ministry of Tourism and National Tourist Board is calling on every stakeholder and sector related institution to join the national battle against seaweed in order to restore sanity and healthy ambiance to our coastal lines.

Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs – Conference Room In a formal ceremony held on the 8th August 2023 the outgoing Minister, Outgoing Mrs Pratt handed over the responsibilities to the newly appointed Minister, Mrs. Tunis.

The event marked a significant transition in the leadership of the ministry and emphasized the continuity of efforts in promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage.

During the ceremony, Mrs. Pratt expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and highlighted the achievements made during their tenure.

They emphasized the importance of a thriving tourism sector in Sierra Leone and the need to preserve and showcase its rich cultural heritage to both domestic and international visitors.

“I am proud of the progress we have made in developing our tourism industry and promoting our diverse cultural heritage,” said Minister Pratt “Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, we have seen an increase in tourist arrivals, the establishment of sustainable tourism practices, and the preservation of our cultural treasures. I have full confidence that will continue to build upon these accomplishments and take our tourism sector to new heights.”

Taking over the reins of the Ministry, the incoming minister expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and outlined their vision for the future. She emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism development, community engagement, and the integration of cultural affairs to enhance the overall visitor experience.

“It is an honor to be appointed as the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs,” stated Mrs. Nabeela Tunis. “I am committed to leveraging our country’s tourism potential while ensuring the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage. By fostering collaboration with local communities, industry stakeholders, and international partners, we can create a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector that contributes to our socio-economic growth.”

The handover ceremony also included the exchange of official documents, reports, and key information regarding ongoing projects, initiatives, and challenges faced by the ministry. This exchange aimed to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure that the incoming minister is well-equipped to address the priorities and issues at hand.

As the tourism sector plays a vital role in Sierra Leone ‘s economy, the successful handover of responsibilities between the outgoing and incoming ministers is crucial for the continuous growth and development of this important industry.

The ministry looks forward to the leadership of Mrs. Nabeela and is confident that their expertise and vision will further propel Sierra Leone’s’s tourism and cultural affairs to new horizons.

The 2023 Global Peace Index (GPI) has ranked Sierra Leone 3rd among the top eleven Safest Countries in Africa at present. Sierra Leone trails slightly behind Botswana, scoring 1.792.

In 2022, the country was ranked the 50th safest country worldwide but improved to the 47th spot in 2023. The country’s GPI has been improving over the previous four years.

The GPI 2023 listed 12 safest countries in Africa today, helping visitors make informed travel decisions. In these safe countries, travelers can focus less on potential dangers and more on the awe-inspiring landscapes and rugged beauty that Africa has to offer.

The 2023 GPI said: “Renowned for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, Sierra Leone also contends with a relatively high crime rate. The most common threats to tourists are pickpocketing and muggings, which occasionally involve weapons. That said, most visitors complete their journey without facing any issues.

“Despite significant progress towards improving democracy in recent years, Sierra Leone can occasionally face periods of political instability. In 2022, several cities in the country witnessed violent demonstrations. Visitors are advised to steer clear of political gatherings and comply with any local regulations in effect.

“As per the U.S. State Department, Sierra Leone experiences frequent violent crimes like robbery and assault, particularly in its capital, Freetown. The local police force often struggles with limited resources to efficiently manage serious criminal activities.

“Even though Sierra Leone may not be as safe as Botswana or Mauritius, its crime rate is still lower than in many other African nations”.

The GPI gives some indication of the safest countries in the world. It ranks every country from 1 to 5, with 1 being the safest and most peaceful.

We have done four peaceful elections and we will soon get the 5th in 2023 as a nation, free of wars and social imbalances.

Mrs. Carew in a session without prejudices stated, The 2022 GPI highlights Sierra Leone in the second colour category (light Green), with clearly indicating that Sierra Leone is among the most peaceful countries in the world. Stating that on the 2022 GPI list of 163 countries, Sierra Leone was ranked and placed 50th position with a score of 1.801, indicating clear upward mobility progress of 2-step from the 2021 GPI.

To be precisely only Ghana and the Gambia were ahead of Sierra Leone in West Africa subregion, with Sierra Leone taking 3rd in the West African sub-region. Absolutely, Sierra Leone is among 90 countries that recorded improvements in peacefulness and acceptance from the 2021 to 2022 GPI assessment and scores.

One should note, positions and status is shared with great industrialised and advanced nations like; Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom (UK), as the list goes on.

She reiterates Peace through tourism refers to a number of data analysis which suggests tourism may contribute to cross-cultural understanding, tolerance and even peace between communities, cities, nations arround, and Sierra Leone is now taking the bold steps using Tourism for Peace in major destination campaigns.

Her submission to the tourism representatives for Germany, UK, Canada, America and other international tourism stakeholders clear doubts and ill feelings about Sierra Leone been a destination.

In her conclusion she listed the different tourism projects undertaken so far, in a continous effort to raise the tourism profile and destination image.

She also lamented, that the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs through the leadership of Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt and the Tourism Directorate have done massive Community engagement and youths  empowerment, capacity building and training, as  public/private sector partnerships  key  fundamental factors in advancing a culture of peace through tourism in post-conflict society as Sierra Leone.

Kai Bockarie-Saquee

PR005WTM

National Tourist Board

Communications and Public Relations Unit.

As MTCA, NTB all Set for the 2022 event…First Lady, Fatima Bio Launches 2022 Budapest-Bamako Freetown Challenge

15th May, 2021

The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio has launched the 2022 Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally at a Cocktail organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown.

Giving the opening remarks, the Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mohamed Jalloh said that he is excited that the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Challenge 2022 would he hosted in Freetown for the second time. He recalled that in 2020 Sierra Lone played a significant role in hosting more than 700 participants from more than 80 countries of the Budapest-Bamako rally which was amazing and a rare scene that would only be seen on Television.

He pointed out that the rally holds tremendous benefits for Sierra Leone; raising the profile of Sierra Leone to host international events, opportunity to demonstrate the safety and peacefulness of Sierra Leone as a Tourist destination, induced word of mouth publicity and a platform for cultural exchange and also publicity to host major international events.

The Honorary Consul of Hungary in Sierra Leone Jihad Eter in his statement thanked the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Memunatu Pratt for her continued effort in making the event a success, while noting that the Minister’s effort is to improve tourism in Sierra Leone by implementing government policies under the New Direction with particular emphasis on promoting, marketing and improving the international image of Sierra Leone. He maintained that Sierra Leone was confirmed by the UN World Tourism Organization as one of the world fastest growing tourist destination.

He thanked the organizer of the rally, Andew Szabo, a Hungarian for choosing Sierra Leone again as the finish line for the Budapest-Bamako Freetown rally 2022.

He revealed that the participants of last year’s event told him that they were overwhelmed with enthusiasm by which the people of Sierra Leone welcomed and accommodated them. He noted that Sierra Leone and Hungary have strengthened their bi-lateral relationships in many development sectors particularly in education..

The Minister of Sports, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Africell, Joe Abass Bangura and the Internal Affairs Minister, David P. Noah all pledged their continued support to making Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally 2022 a success.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt in her address said the launched of the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally 2020 is another historic event for Sierra Leone going forward. She said lot of positives are visible in Sierra Leone especially in the tourism sector that has been revived by the political will of President Bio.

She stated that because of the hospitality of Sierra Leone, we will be hosting the Budapest Rally for the second time in 2022 and that Sierra Leone image is being portrayed positively in the world especially in Europe. He called on all to play their roles for Sierra Leone to continue to be the host country for the finish line.

Minister Pratt maintained that apart from the natural resources that Sierra Leone possesses, the Country is higly ranked in the Global Peace Index; 46th in the World and 4th in West Africa, hence the country continues to play host to the Budapest finish line. She commended President Bio for strides made in promoting the hospitality industry and also dedicated the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally to President Bio. She said 2022 will be a golden year for Sierra Leone as we will be playing host to more than 2000 participants of the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Challenge.

Launching the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Rally 2022, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio said the 2020 event will not only change the face of Sierra Leone but will also sell Sierra Leone internationally.

She commended Minister Pratt for the tremendous strides in changing the narrative in the tourism sector, noting that President Bio did not make a mistake in making her the Minister of Tourism.

She called on the Tourism Ministry to sell the beauty of Sierra Leone especially taking the guests to the beautiful beaches in the provinces. She admonished all to embrace the guests, make them feel comfortable as the benefit is for all Sierra Leoneans devoid of region, tribe or political party.

The Managing Director, Rokel Commercial Bank, Walton E. Gilpin launched the Tourism Traveltainment Magazine and the Sierraously Surprising “Mama Salone” video/song done by Rozzy Sokota entertainment.

The event was climaxed by the presentation of PATWA (International Travel Award) to the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt for her strides in making Sierra Leone a travel destination.

Tourism Ministry, NTB Sign Contracts for Small Grants Programme (SGP) with Tiwai Island, Banana Island and Wara Wara Hills

21st May, 2021

Kai B. Saquee

Marketing and Publicity

There are three project sites:

1. Banana Island Sierra Leone, one of the main tourist attractions in Sierra Leone. Although it cannot reveal all the beauty of this exotic and extraordinary destination, it provides a clear perspective of the culture, history, natural surroundings, accommodation, guided tours, sport fishing, scuba diving, excursions and beach sports in of one of the most beautiful islands in West Africa. The beauty of the country with unspoiled beaches, friendly people, exciting tourist activities, charming beach resorts and rewarding encounters while traveling, will make Sierra Leone a truly memorable experience.
2. Tiwai Island in Mende language means big island. Tiwai Island is Sierra Leone’s first community conservation programme. At 12 sq kms, Tiwai is one of Sierra Leone’s largest inland islands. Tiwai has one of the highest concentration and diversity of primates in the world with 11 species. The Gola Forest Reserves, which host the last significant patches of rainforest in Sierra Leone, spread east of Tiwai to the Liberian border.
3. The Wara Wara Mountains are found in Koinadugu District, immediately northwest of the District capital of Kabala. The area is characterized by sharp hills reaching up to 1000 m in elevation. The natural vegetation of the area is characterized mostly by woodland savanna. The savanna is dominated by elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The hills are covered with woodland savanna, short submontane grassland, and bare rock. The slopes of the hills and the lowlands have riverine or gallery forests along streams and rivers

Against these backgrounds. The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board (NTB) have officially signed the contracts for Small Grant Programme (SGP) with Tiwai Island, Banana Island and Wara Wara Hills under the repackaged sustainable tourism development programme supported by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Tier II.

Explaining the overview of the project, the General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Kroma said they have come a long way in reaching this historic milestone for the three tourism sites. She gave a brief background of the SGP noting that the project aims at creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth of the tourism sector with strong emphasis on ecotourism, capacity building and contribution to local and marginalised communities.

She stated that the main goal of the SGP is to support ecotourism communities and sites to enhance their engagement in providing and delivering quality ecotourism related products and services in their respected destinations while pointing out that the sites were chosen on regional balance. She explained the facilities that will be installed in all the three sites.

The Director of Tourism at the Ministry, Mohamed Jalloh maintained that the project has been long overdue but grateful that it is happening with the leadership of Minister Pratt in ensuring that the project becomes a reality.

He said this is the first of five pilot projects they are undertaking. He explained that the funding is not a corporative funding but they are ensuring that the project is implemented in time and due process must be followed.

In her keynote address, the Tourism Minister, Dr. Memunatu Pratt expressed her delight toward the signing of the contracts between the ministry, NTB and the three communities. She said the tourism industry was operating in darkness and projects meant for the people were not actualized, but maintained that since 2018, the industry has manifested change, hence the signing of this long awaited project.

She added that there were serious challenges with the EIF project when she took office, but with the commitment of her team they were able to deliver the project. She revealed that the government of Sierra Leone contributed 4 billion Leones as part of the grant for the project.

Signing the contracts, the project coordinators for the three communities expressed delight that at last the long awaited project is signed assuring the Ministry and the Board of their commitment to making it a success.

DR. MEMUNATU PRATT GIVES PRESIDENT MAADA BIO THE IMPETUS FOR DOMESTIC TOURISM AS TOBANDA BEACH BEEN DECLARED AND CLASSIFIED AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION AND DESTINATION

Catch: President Bio amazed with Tobanda Beach but made stronger emphasis on Sustainable Tourism development.

News Content: Tobanda beach discovered and declared a new tourist site.

As the year 2021 been declared as a the year of return and domestic tourism, Sierra Leone as a unique tourism destination is no longer  a secret but rather a showcase to the world with a stronger and smart competitive edge to other regional destinations. So therefore, these attractions only need national endorsement by the right people.

Tourism development is a continuous and a relentless activity that requires the right approach and leadership mindset and these Dr. M.B. Pratt has been doing over the years.

In just two weeks when the Deputy Minister of Tourism Mr. I.K Robinson and team reported to the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on the beautiful standards of Tobanda beach, the Hon. Minister has left with no better option but to introduce the Tobanda beach to the first gentleman after her own feasibility to the site.

Finally on the 5th April H.E Maada Bio made his first visit Tobanda Beach visit, were hundreds of local people from Bonthe, Tobanda, Tihun joined the President and Minister of Tourism to officially declared the Green Gem Tobanda as a spotlight to tourism.

The Minister of Tourism in her delivery made no mistake to called the site a Green Gem, that needs attention and access to be reached by every indigenous and international beach lovers and tourists.

Tobanda Beach is a Green Gem garnished with a scenic backdrop icing with clean white sand awaiting to be tapped by every one.

The President in his interview encourages investors to reach out to the Ministry and National Tourist Board, but as well guided the Ministry to give attention to Sustainable Tourism investment plans, that will maintained the ecological content development than rather those that will not give the prior and needful approach.

“Sustainability is a key and we must and always give it that premise as a nation so our country’s greem gem will be intact for the future”

As President Bio concluded he drew the audience to understand that the journey towards domestic tourism has just begun, and we will take it far, but as Sierra Leoneans we must first demonstrate the kind move to reach and visit the various tourism sites we have as a nation then others will follow.

Dr.Memunatu Pratt, is well pleased to see the President believing in her trajectory as the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, who has made plentious strives to reach this level.

Toanda Beach now open and can be reached via Bumpen Town and then down to the small wonder village Tobanda then backroad leading you to the lush Beach of green gem….see nature, see amazement.

Kai B. Saquee
Marketing and Publicity
National Tourist Board
info@ntb.gov.sl
ntb.gov.sl
https://ntb.gov.sl/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SaloneHiddenGems_LOGO-1.jpeg@ntb.gov.sl
077347810

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The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board in collaboration with the Monuments and Relics Commission with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Sunday 27th September 2020 at Family Kingdom Resorts, Aberdeen in Freetown wrapped up a week-long public sensitization in celebration of World Tourism Day with the theme: Tourism and Rural Development.

In celebration of the event, the Ministry and its agencies toured the eastern, southern, and northern headquarters towns organizing symposiums in sensitization about the significance of tourism and rural development in creating the enabling environment for the sectors to thrive in the country. The ministry highlighted the various strides made with the support of President Julius Maada Bio for prioritizing the tourism industry as a growth sector for diversification of economic growth in Sierra Leone.
Making the keynote address in all the three cities, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt has disclosed to the people in the provinces that tourism cannot thrive if rural development is lacking in that country.

She said that poor infrastructures in many West Africa Countries are affecting the tourism sectors while appealing to the government to improve on rural development settings so that it would attract tourists in the country.

The Minister further reiterated the beauty and benefits attach to engaging in tourism saying with tourism people could make themselves comfortable by just being innovative with the local resources available within.
She further explained her ministry collaboration with line ministries especially the Works Ministry in making touristic attraction sites accessible and makes the sector thrive in the country.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, National Tourist Board, Alieu Kokobe noted that tourism is not for the Urban settings but also for the rural areas.
He said that tourism is an industry that can create a lot of job opportunities for young folks. He appealed to the rural people to protect the wild animals as they can a lot of attraction for tourists.

The event was climaxed with a lot of entertainment by top Sierra Leonean musicians including Star Zee, Drizikik, and Rozzy.

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