The Federation of Allied Tourism Association (FATA), on Friday 11th September 2026, held one-day engagements in Kenema and Bo, bringing together members of its 19 Associations for consultations on unity, governance, and the future of tourism in Sierra Leone.
The Kenema session was held at the former Kenema District Council Hall and drew broad participation from tourism and hospitality operators across the Eastern region. In Bo, stakeholders met at Bo Inn. The meetings were attended by representatives of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, night clubs, travel agencies, tour operators, transport providers, and other allied associations within the tourism and hospitality sector.
Mr. John Rogers, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Association of Travel Agencies (SLATA), said FATA was formed in October 2025 to promote unionism and protect the interests of private sector players in tourism and hospitality.
During both engagements, the draft constitution was formally presented and explained to members. The document outlines FATA’s objectives, structure, membership, and code of conduct. Members raised questions and made contributions, with key issues and answers noted for inclusion in the final draft.
At the end of discussions in both Kenema and Bo, participants endorsed the constitution, as well as FATA’s movements and plans for advancing the sector.
“The message was clear in both cities,” Mr. Rogers said. “FATA For ME, FATA For YOU, FATA For WE ALL. This is our collective platform to speak with one voice and grow our businesses together.”
Mr. John Shallop, President of the Sierra Leone Hotels Association, commended FATA for taking the engagement to the regions. He urged members to remain united and committed to developing their businesses.
“We must drive this industry ourselves through collaboration,” Mr. Shallop said. “Government support is important, but the real work starts with us.”
Members in both locations expressed appreciation to FATA for the initiative and pledged to work closely with the Federation to advance tourism and hospitality across Sierra Leone.