23/08/2026
The National Tourist Board appreciates the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs for its constructive engagement on advancing Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
We remain committed to strengthening collaboration, promoting accountability and driving sustainable tourism development.
Parliamentary Tourism Committee Engages National Tourist Board on Tourism Development
The Parliamentary Committee on Tourism and Cultural Affairs, chaired by Honourable Tom Issac Tucker, has engaged the management of the National Tourist Board (NTB) as part of Parliament’s constitutional oversight responsibility and efforts to strengthen Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
The engagement, held on Wednesday, 12th August 2026, at the NTB Boardroom on Beach Road, Freetown, focused on the Board’s activities, achievements, challenges, financial management, revenue generation, marketing strategies, tourism products, ongoing projects and future plans.
Deputy Chairman Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara said the Committee was not at the NTB to “police” the institution but to understand its operations and identify areas where Parliament could provide support. He stressed that tourism remains critical to the government’s economic diversification agenda and that the success of the sector would contribute significantly to national development.
The NTB General Manager, Madam Fatmata Carew, outlined the Board’s mandate, which includes tourism marketing and promotion, licensing and grading of hospitality establishments, product development and management of tourism sites.
Despite significant funding constraints following the end of World Bank support for marketing activities in 2024, the Board reported notable progress in 2025. Tourist arrivals reportedly increased to approximately 150,000 visitors, compared with about 94,000 in 2024, with the NTB attributing the growth partly to its marketing and promotional strategies.
The Board also highlighted its engagement with major international tour operators, including G Adventures and Intrepid, which have begun promoting and selling Sierra Leone as a tourism destination. International marketing campaigns were conducted in key tourism markets, including Europe, Africa and the United States.
The NTB further reported progress in promoting gastronomy and eco-tourism, with events held in Kenema, Bo and Pujehun to showcase Sierra Leonean cuisine, culture and community-based tourism.
Another area highlighted was Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, particularly following the opening of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre. The Board said the facility presents an opportunity to attract international delegates and promote tourism packages alongside major conferences.
The Committee also received updates on the NTB’s digital and promotional efforts, including its tourism websites, social media platforms and acquisition of modern communication equipment such as a drone and professional camera equipment.
Significant attention was also given to the management of Lumley Beach, one of Sierra Leone’s most prominent tourism assets. The NTB reported cleaning and sanitation activities, beautification, tree planting, security coordination, solar installation and the restructuring of beach facilities. The Board disclosed that 66 beach bars were demolished, while 33 others were directed to restructure their facilities in an effort to improve standards and the overall appearance of the beach.
However, funding remains one of the major challenges confronting the NTB. Management told the Committee that its approved budget was insufficient to implement several planned activities and tourism projects. The proposed Tourist Information Centre at Balamuya, Kambia, was cited as one project affected by inadequate funding.
The Committee also questioned the status of previous tourism projects, including those at Tawai Island, Banana Island and Kabala. NTB officials explained that the Tawai Island and Banana Island projects had been completed and handed over to communities under their community-based development arrangements, while concerns were raised about damage to the Kabala facility following a wildfire.
Financial accountability and documentation also formed a major part of the engagement. Members raised concerns about missing figures, unsigned documents, page numbering and inconsistencies in some financial reports. The Finance Department confirmed that financial statements for 2025 were available and that the Board was undergoing an audit for the period.
Chairman Tom Issac Tucker commended the NTB for providing additional information and said the Committee would carefully examine the Board’s achievements and challenges before determining areas where parliamentary intervention and support may be required.
The engagement forms part of a broader oversight programme by the Committee, which also intends to engage the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and other tourism-related institutions, establishments and sites across the country.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Ministry and the National Tourist Board to strengthen tourism, improve accountability, attract more visitors and ensure that the sector contributes meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and national development.
*Parliamentary and Public Relations* *Department*
*Parliament of Sierra* *Leone*
📞 +23278495023 / +23276625960 / +23278426851 / +23278697776 / +23277473804 / +23275710747
www.parliament.gov.sl
