The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has disowned the Federation of Allied Tourism Association (FATA), insisting that the body is not recognized as the official representative organization for stakeholders in Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
Instead, the Ministry says it only recognizes the proposed National Tourism Federation (NTF), which is currently undergoing formal processes to become the legitimate umbrella body for tourism players across the country.
Speaking during a press briefing in Freetown, Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh said the Ministry was surprised by reports and documents circulating on social media suggesting that FATA had already been endorsed as the official federation for the tourism industry.
According to Jalloh, authorities had already been working on the formation of the National Tourism Federation before the emergence of FATA.
“We were shocked to see letters on social media claiming that FATA is the official umbrella body for the tourism sector,” he said.
Jalloh further disclosed that some tourism bodies recognized by the Ministry have also distanced themselves from FATA.
“Other bodies that even the ministry recognizes have already disassociated themselves from FATA,” he stated.
FATA has reportedly presented itself as a coalition representing stakeholders within the tourism industry, but the Ministry maintained that it neither recognizes the organization nor its leadership.
“As a ministry, we have to make the position clear — the only body we recognize is the National Tourism Federation,” Jalloh declared.
He explained that the Ministry has been collaborating with tourism stakeholders to complete the legal and administrative procedures required to establish the National Tourism Federation as the sector’s official advocacy and coordinating body.
According to him, the proposed federation is expected to protect the interests of tourism operators while strengthening collaboration and representation within the industry.
Jalloh noted that private sector participation remains essential to the growth of tourism in Sierra Leone, stressing the need for a credible and inclusive umbrella organization.
He added that work is currently ongoing to finalize the federation’s constitution and verify membership records.
Also speaking at the briefing, General Manager of the National Tourist Board (NTB), Fatmata Mida Carew, said the Board serves as a link between government and tourism stakeholders.
She disclosed that efforts are being made to ensure all tourism-related associations are included within the National Tourism Federation to promote broad representation and inclusiveness.
Carew further revealed that an interim transitional body is currently overseeing the process ahead of the federation’s official formation.
She explained that elections would be conducted after the completion of the formation process to establish the executive leadership of the federation.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to restructure and strengthen coordination within Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.