In Spain…   Tourism Minister Holds Fruitful Discussions to Attract Key Stakeholders

By Theresa Kef Sesay

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt graciously met with the Spanish royal family, King Felipe VI and Queen Kerizia in Fitur , Madrid, Spain where the 2022 International Tourism Trade Fair was underway since 19-23 January, 2022.

Madam Pratt was among dozens of Tourism Ministers from across the globe that attended the prestigious meeting with the Spanish King and Queen aimed at creating durable social networks amongst touristic countries, with Spain being a leading international tourist destination.

Fitur is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading international tourism trade fair.

The focus of the fair, where Sierra Leone has  a unique cultural booth, is on Sustainable Tourism Development; taking full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.

Along that line, Madam Pratt has met with colleague Ministers from across the world, dozens of tourism partners and the media from different countries as she showcased the unique tourist experience that Sierra Leone has to offer to an international market.

Madam Pratt has also met with officials of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, a specialized organ tasked with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.

UNWTO dedicates itself to meeting the specific needs of member States and supports them in their efforts to develop and promote the tourism industry as an engine for socioeconomic growth and poverty alleviation through the creation of employment.

With tourism expected to grow in the coming years, Madam Pratt also met with top airline operators including the British Airways General Manager in Madrid, Juan Carlos Alvarez Flores.

Also, the General Manager of the National Tourist Board (NTB) Madam Fatmata Carew held fruitful discussions with key tourism stakeholders at the Trade Fair and assured them that Sierra Leone has the platform for safe investment into Eco Tourism and hospitality.

“You all are welcome to our beautiful country Sierra Leone and we are ready to receive you all at any time in our country” Madam Fatmata Carew noted.