By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with its agencies, the National Tourist Board and Monument and Relics Commission, has officially unveiled its vision for the “Year of Ecotourism 2025” during an exclusive evening of culture, music, and arts at the Ministry’s Forecourt Pavilion.
The event, which attracted a diverse audience, including the diplomatic community, corporate institutions, private sector stakeholders, and ministry partners, marked a significant step towards enhancing Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Edward Kwame Yankson, emphasized that the 2025 focus on Ecotourism is designed to prioritize the environment, culture, conservation, and community development.
He acknowledged the ministry’s past efforts, particularly through the successful 2024 “Tourism for All Campaign,” which raised awareness of the importance of tourism in fostering national unity and economic growth.
Yankson further explained that the event was a platform to share the ministry’s ongoing work and its future plans to make ecotourism a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s tourism strategy.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, delivered a heartfelt keynote address, thanking the distinguished guests for their presence and support.
She outlined the ministry’s initiatives aimed at shaping the country’s tourism and cultural landscape, noting the significant strides made in 2024.
The Tourism for All Campaign, she stated, effectively brought attention to the sector, raising its profile both locally and internationally, and was a precursor to the ambitious plans for 2025.
Minister Tunis described the “Year of Ecotourism” as a moment of genuine reform, with a focus on fostering eco-consciousness among Sierra Leoneans by connecting the pillars of culture, conservation, and community.
The minister highlighted that the collaboration with the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had led to remarkable achievements, including reaching 3.67 million people nationwide through increased website and social media engagement. Additionally, the launch of the MFR (Ministry’s Fiscal Reform) and the first-ever National Tourism Strategic Plan, alongside staff capacity-building efforts, were significant milestones in the Ministry’s development. The successful hosting of the Women in Tourism Congress in Freetown and the commissioning of the Chinese-funded pavilion were also notable accomplishments that have contributed to the sector’s growth.
Minister Tunis emphasized the importance of ecotourism in promoting sustainable practices such as waste management and environmental conservation, particularly at prime tourist destinations like the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
She urged all stakeholders, including the private sector, to use their networks to help expand the reach and impact of the Ministry’s initiatives.
In his presentation, Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Programme, Mohamed Jalloh, focused on the investment opportunities within the tourism and cultural sector, pointing out the remarkable growth it has seen in recent years. He underscored the potential for continued development, particularly through partnerships that can contribute to the national economy.
John Akinola, representing the private sector, presented on the profitable partnerships within the tourism industry, emphasizing the sector’s contribution to Sierra Leone’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the importance of fostering a strong relationship between the public and private sectors to drive further growth.
The event also featured creative performances that highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism practices. The Ministry’s theatre group, led by Director of Culture, Creativity, and Innovation Foday Jalloh, performed a short play to underscore the significance of ecotourism. The National Dance Troupe, Destiny Brothers Crew, and Terry K also entertained the audience with vibrant performances that showcased Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage.
The evening’s unveiling of the “Year of Ecotourism 2025” has set the stage for a transformative year in Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, bringing together government, private sector, and community stakeholders to foster a more sustainable and eco-conscious future for the nation’s tourism industry.
