Challenges for our tourism industry
The tourism sector in Sierra Leone is one of the most important in Sierra Leone, and apart from the mining and extractive industries, it might well be the greatest bread winner in the country for any government. Unfortunately, governments in the past have seen the tourism industry as located way down the list of priorities, and this has been the bane of the industry in the country, notwithstanding our great potentials, tourist-wise.
In government, the position of Minister of Tourism and Culture had always been seen as a place to wait for better positions or as an exit point for those cabinet ministers who are being shown the door.
That is why under the past government of Mr. Tejan-Kabbah, the position of Tourism and Culture Minister had been moribund and was later given to a medical doctor who to say the least, regarded the position as a place to warm up for a better posting.
Under Mr. Hindolo Sumanguru Trye, the present minister of Tourism and Culture, a new life has been injected into a moribund ministry and with the right support, the charismatic minister might well prove to be the leader who will move this ministry.
On taking office, Mr. Trye has shown he is a no-nonsense personality as he ordered all sub standard beach entertainment bars and restaurants to cease operation. The minister knew what he was working against and this work can only be achieved if the whole house is cleaned up, to give way to development and new initiatives.
Detractors had a field day but for those who have had the opportunity of traveling elsewhere on the globe, what was existing on our beaches was little less than shanties and hovels presented as entertainment ‘complexes’ on our sandy and natural beaches.
What we need and which Mr. Trye is now working on, is to bring tourism our historic and tourist potentials to the eyes and ears of the world. This includes establishing cultural festivals in the hinterlands of our country, reviving our traditional talents and showcasing the great potentials Sierra Leone has to offer.
Sierra Leone was the pride of West Africa when it came to our tourist potentials. The Sierra Leone Dance Troupe, our musical ambassadors like Ebenezer Calendar, under the leadership of then tourism minister John Akar and more were all prominent in selling our country’s potential.
During the Festival of African Art and Culture (FESTAC) in Nigeria, Sierra Leone emerged first in several areas, including dance, drama, painting and sculpture.
We also need to be reminded about the great historic sites Sierra Leone has. But in a country where tourism is seen as the last priority on the list, most of our tourist sites have been abandoned, and this is not helped by the fact that several governments have played little or no part in encouraging or even considering tourism as a great money making endeavor and job enhancing sector.
As Mr. Trye grapples with this challenging ministry, Sierra Leoneans need to support him in ensuring that a country cannot live on mining alone.
Let us give our support to Mr. Trye, because if he fails, it is the whole country that has failed in realizing a challenge that is for the betterment of the whole country.
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