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

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.1″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” hover_enabled=”0″]

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.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its sub-vented Agencies, the National Tourist Board (NTB) and the Monuments and Relics Commission (MRC) have successfully conducted a workshop for press attaches with the theme “The role of Press Attaches in Rebranding and Promoting the Image of Sierra Leone as a Tourist Destination” on Thursday 3rd September, 2020 at the Ministry’s Conference Hall.

The event was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Hon. William I.K Robinson whilst welcoming all present explained the importance of the Workshop to the Ministry and the Nation as a whole. He encouraged the Press Attaches to represent the country in their different countries of postings and that they should asked the Ministry for whatever information they needed and not rely on social media information as they are also there to play advisory role to the Embassies on information that goes out and those that should not. He also stressed that they should always give out positive information to the public as this will attract more tourists into the country which will contribute to economic development.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Hon. Mamadi Gobeh Kamara in her statement encouraged all Press attaches that when they arrived at their various posting destinations, they must ensure to represent the country well. She furthered that tourism is a tool for economic diversification and bridge for a lasting peace, and that tourism brings peoples together and it is the largest economic industry today. She added that it is the responsibility of all Press Attaches to promote the culture of their homeland and that this training will provide them with the requisite knowledge to represent the country.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon. Solomon Jamiru Esq, revealed that their Ministry has organized an orientation program for all appointed Press Attaches and that this workshop is to complement the previous orientation. He further noted that, the 8 clusters of the Medium Term National Development Plan must be mastered by all of them as they are key to government, and that as press Attaches they should take advantage of Economic Diplomacy, Foreign Relations that revolves around economic intelligence in their host country for potential investment in Sierra Leone. He also encouraged them to be conducting Visit Sierra Leone sessions in their Embassies as they are expected to have knowledge of key government priorities.

Madam Betty Milton one of the Press Attaches to Brussels, in her statement on behalf of her colleagues, expressed that as Press Attaches to the different destinations they would ensure that they remove the stigma of war, Ebola, Mudslide and Corona pandemic and replaced them with our beautiful beaches, monument and relics, the recent Mambo waterfall etc. she also stated that before the outbreak of Covid-19 they saw the giant step by the Ministry in rebranding the image of Sierra Leone as it is reflected by the 300 Danish tourists and the over 700 participants of the Budapest Bamako Rally with Sierra Leone as the end destination. She concluded that with this crop of Press Attaches the image of Sierra Leone would be portrayed in a positive light.

The Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt in her keynote address noted that the training is a fulfillment of the promises of the New Direction Manifesto by His Excellency the President Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio by diversifying the economy through Tourism and rebranding the image of Sierra Leone internationally by engaging foreign service mission. She also stated that “when the right people, policy and investment decisions are made in the Tourism sector, exponential growth is assured”. She further mentioned the immense natural, cultural and historical resource we have as destination adding that the peace we have as a nation has ranked us among the most peaceful, stable and friendly nation to visit in the world.
The Minister encouraged the Attaches to rebrand the image of Sierra Leone abroad stressing that they should also explore opportunities for joint cooperation and cultural exchange programs between the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the private sector. She also assured them that “we will constantly use the social media platforms to create access to up-to-date information on tourism and culture.”
In conclusion, she stated that “as Press Attaches, you should tell the beautiful stories about Sierra Leone through the media and promote Sierra Leone as a tourist destination”

On the South Eastern coastal line is Sulima a unique town in the extreme south east of Sierra Leone, lying at the lips of the great Moa river. This cultured town, Originally was a fastlane trade post  in the nineteenth (19th) century, it used to hold a large population of neighborhood Liberia refugees.

But what’s the beautiful story?

I heard it clearly, Far beyond they said, it’s beautiful and it’s a awesome wonder. I tried to come myself to see her awesomeness. Sulima indeed you are beautiful. The Lushness of sand speak volume of your beautiful stretch and your clear segmented shape gives hope to your visitors. This beauty is must you possess must not be isolated but rather we have come to join the shells, the mabbles, the sands, the grooves and the different birds to chirp that beauty aloud, so the world will know you here oh SULIMA.

From a distance you are still embracing nature with motherly calmness, your poise is different from all I have seen, this liberty and true freedom you have must be shared with children of Sierra Leone so they/we can explain your joy of motherhood to our friends, relatives and loved ones especially our kids.

Sulima my Sulima, our Sulima, yes! what a magnet of true ambiance of nature and splendor, this appearance signal hopes of new beginning for true beach lovers, who need to see you, because you are unique and many will join you soonest to enjoy and have a genuine feel exotic grandeur of richness in all aspect. Sulima Beach you are indeed a true awesome wonder.

Just when I turned right from afar I saw flapping waving flag on a local boat just arrive from beyond nautical miles, but amazing I heard different dialects, this sounded like Peoole from Liberia, and the other like from Ghana, then I also ours. This unification gives you Sulima an international face and present Hospitality to the highest end of life.

Sulima you afar but I sensed thorough oness among people of the heart. Oh!! another surprise, at Sulima you can as well use Liberian Liberty or you use Sierra Leone Leones to transact any form of business you wish, so this also great regional diversity.

MAMA Sulima, you are a true mother to those who have been with you for years but cannot phantom your uniqueness, for us who come afar your beautiful scenery has capture our hearts, our mind and we feel to come back pretty soon, to enjoy this warm touch from the sea, and listen to the birds chirpiness.

You are 40km long in height oh! yes! mama you are indeed amazing. This sand I step on is so smooth and it’s white and brown colours send us happiness and for this we will stand together to get you out of oblivion.

What on my backdrop? a local town know as SOROGBEMA along which Sulima dwells with ease. difference types of birds flying over the yonder fetching, crustaceans of all class showed up…local canoes aligned for trips to the estuaries and sandbars that romance with lagoons, the rocks on the corners encrouch over the palm trees and coconut thatches flipped hello and Hi to seabed.

WELL THIS IS SULIMA ON THE SOUTH EAST OF SIERRA LEONE SIERRAOUSLY AWAITING YOU.

PORTLOKO CROWNS SOCIAL SAFETY NET AS THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND TEAM DROP SAFETY NET ANCHOR

Port Loko launching: The Guru on the Mic calling the programme to order was done by the able Deputy General Manager- Mr. J.M. Moijueh- National Tourist Board

Chairman and master of ceremony for the Launching was the political macho, Mr. William Robinson, who dropped his smart wise words, to preach peace and tourism, to the minds of the Beneficiaries.

Just after a well and prudent done job for the people of Makeni, the feed backs sent a alert readiness to people of Port Loko, that happens to be the fifth and final station on the Safety Cash Galore Transfers, to workers within the Tourism and Hospitality Sectors respectively.

Many ill thoughts and still thinking whether the Social Safety Cash Transfer (SSNCT) is a gimmick or a mind game, but realities on the four and fifth stations paid so far has generated different views on the positive side of the SSNCT.

The cash Transfers so far has aid the livelihood of the sector players and workers and as well mitigate the internal tensions from staff on Hotel owners and similar establishment.

Thanks and Appreciation, from mostly women in Port Loko, had no reasons to withhold thanks to the President for a timely intervention with such needful package to mend their lives, during this pandemic and pandering moments.

Mothers and father’s within the sector, that have been long awaiting for the light to shine and finally God has answered their prayers, with the SSNCT amounting to Le. 1.8 million for beneficiaries within the sector to be precised

The Director of Tourism Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, served as an eye opener to detailed the essence of Tourism to the people of North-West on how Tourism and Hospitality can can change the face of the country and Port Loko in particular, he admonished them, to place relevance on the things that will attract investment and increased tourism perspectives within the region at all times.

The Hon. Minister of Tourism in her key Net statement, implored the audience and key stakeholders of the the region to sing the national pledge, before addressing them. She clearly stated, that peace for development is a core, that every one must be committed to it, that posterity will not judged us based on our actions towards our beloved Sierra Leone.

The SSNCT is here to bail out workers within the Sectors of Tourism and Hospitality.

Therefore, they the Beneficiaries must be thankful to God and the government for such a time like in our era.

This manner of chestures has never happened in this country, so this is the first maiden SSNCT to the people of Sierra Leone. She concluded by calling on all tourism players and actors to take registration and taxations very serious, has she said, these monies are generated from these avenues.

The ceremony sent moments of emotions to the people of Port Loko and it’s environs, as must of the Beneficiaries and hotel owners underated the due process.

This just completed prudent and effective process sent a clear indication of the seriousness of Government to the Sectors.

The vote of thanks was given by a smiling beneficiary, who took his time to extend appreciation to the President for the father role he has shown.

To the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs for her professional leadership in carefully carrying out this critical work.

To the deputy Minister of Tourism for giving his relentless support to the Hon. Minister. We must not forget the Ministry of Finance for also believing in the justification submitted by the Minister.

Our Director of Tourism, I must boldly say, you are a tourism lover and Hospitality Guru for also giving your time.

National Tourism Board, the work began with them we on this part will continue to give our best to the entire team.

The Minister also extended appreciation to: ACC,NCRA, MOF, NTB, MTCA STAFF, INTERNAL AUDIT TEAM and the entire team for pulling out this manner of project.