By Kelfala Kargbo
Freetown, 19th May, 2026 – The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has disassociated itself from the Federation of Allied Tourism Association (FATA) and recognized only the proposed National Tourism Federation (NTF), which is currently undergoing the process of becoming the official umbrella body for stakeholders in the tourism sector.
Speaking during a press conference at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh said they were ‘shocked’ to see letters on social media showing that FATA is the official umbrella body of all the players in the sector, noting that they are almost in the process of completing the establishment of the National Tourism Association (NTA) when the new organization popped up.
“Other bodies that even the ministry recognizes in the federation have even disassociated themselves from FATA,” Jalloh revealed.
FATA, which the ministry denies the faces behind it, is a supposed umbrella body that brings together all the players in the tourism sector.
As a ministry, he said, they have to set the record straight: “the only body we recognize is the National Tourism Association”.
Jalloh declared that they have been working to ensure that they complete all the processes for NTA to become an official umbrella body for all stakeholders in the tourism sector which will be an advocacy body in the interests of its members.
He said the private sectors are key stakeholders, calling for them to have an umbrella body, noting NTA is working on having a constitution and trying to get records of its membership.
The General Manager of National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida Carew, said that the NTB is a liaison between the government and players in sector, saying that they are working to ensure the NTF has all member associations to promote inclusivity.
Currently, she said, there is an interim transition body that will lead, after the official formation NTF to an election which will form the executive of the federation.
