Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Minister of Tourism Hon Nabeela Tunis convened on Tuesday, 27th February, 2024, in what was described as an engaging and productive meeting.

The focus of their discussions centered on the pivotal role of heritage tourism within the framework of Transform Freetown, a comprehensive urban development initiative spearheaded by Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr.

During the meeting, Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr reiterated the significance of heritage tourism as a key component of the second phase of Transform Freetown. She emphasized the wealth of opportunities for collaboration between the municipality and the Ministry of Tourism, highlighting the potential benefits for the people of Freetown, known as Freetonians.

The dialogue between Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Minister Nabeela Tunis revolved around leveraging Freetown’s rich cultural heritage to promote sustainable tourism practices that would not only drive economic growth but also foster community development. Both parties explored various strategies to harness the city’s historical landmarks, cultural sites, and traditional practices as attractions for visitors, thereby stimulating job creation and income generation for local residents.

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr expressed her commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Tourism to capitalize on Freetown’s unique heritage assets effectively. She underscored the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches to tourism development, ensuring that the benefits are shared equitably among all segments of the Freetown population.

Minister Nabeela Tunis commended Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr for her visionary leadership and dedication to promoting sustainable urban development in Freetown. She pledged the ministry’s full support in implementing collaborative initiatives aimed at enhancing heritage tourism and maximizing its positive impact on the socio-economic well-being of Freetonians.

Overall, the meeting between Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and Minister Nabeela Tunis marked a significant step forward in advancing the agenda of heritage tourism within the framework of Transform Freetown, underscoring the shared commitment to harnessing the city’s cultural richness for the benefit of its people.