By Salllieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, along with its agencies, the National Tourist Board and the Monument and Relics Commission, recently hosted an Exclusive Evening of Culture, Music, and Arts at the Ministry’s Forecourt Pavilion to unveil its vision for the Year of Ecotourism 2025. The event drew a diverse audience, including members of the diplomatic community, corporate institutions, the private sector, and ministry partners, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
In his opening address, Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to the environment, culture, conservation, and communities in 2025. He highlighted the gains made during the 2024 Tourism for All Campaign and explained the Ministry’s plans for the upcoming year.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, in her keynote address, thanked the distinguished attendees for their presence. She noted that the Ministry and its agencies had played an active role in shaping Sierra Leone’s tourism and cultural landscape, particularly through the 2024 Tourism for All Campaign. She described the 2025 Year of Ecotourism as a period of genuine reform and action, aiming to connect culture, conservation, and community.
Minister Tunis highlighted the achievements made with support from the World Bank and UNDP, including reaching 3.67 million people nationwide and increasing website and social media traffic. She also mentioned tangible reforms such as the launch of the Monument and Relics Fund (MFR), the first National Tourism Strategic Plan, and staff capacity building. The Ministry hosted the Women in Tourism Congress in Freetown and commissioned a Chinese-funded pavilion. She encouraged guests to join the ecotourism trail, emphasizing waste management, environmental preservation, and appreciating prime touristic spots like Tacugama.
Director of Tourism, Travel, and Exchange Programme, Mohamed Jalloh, presented on investment opportunities in the tourism and cultural sector, acknowledging the sector’s growth over the years. John Akinola from the private sector discussed profitable partnerships, highlighting tourism’s contribution to the GDP.
The event also featured a short performance by the Ministry’s theatre group, led by Director of Culture, Creativity, and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, which conveyed the significance of sustainable ecotourism practices. Other creative performances by the National Dance Troupe, Destiny Brothers Crew, and Terry K. thrilled the audience.
The unveiling of the Year of Ecotourism 2025 sets the stage for a year of environmental consciousness, cultural appreciation, and community involvement in Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.