President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has appointed prominent hospitality industry figure John Shallop as a Board Member of the National Tourist Board (NTB), adding a private-sector representative with years of involvement in Sierra Leone’s tourism and hotel industry to the institution.

John Shallop currently serves as President of the Sierra Leone Association of Hotels and is a founding member of the Federation of Allied Tourism Associations (FATA), where he has been involved in efforts to improve coordination among businesses operating within the tourism sector.

His appointment comes amid ongoing discussions among tourism stakeholders on how to strengthen the hospitality industry, improve service standards and create a more coordinated private-sector platform capable of engaging Government and other partners on challenges confronting operators.

John Shallop has recently been leading a series of capacity-building initiatives targeting hotel employees in different parts of Sierra Leone. The programmes have focused on strengthening the skills of hospitality workers and improving the quality of services provided to local and international visitors.

Beyond staff development, John Shallop has been engaging tourism operators on plans to establish a stronger private sector-led federation bringing together different associations and businesses within the industry.

The initiative is intended to provide tourism operators with a common platform through which they can coordinate their activities, articulate industry concerns and pursue measures aimed at improving the business environment.

John Shallop has particularly raised concerns over multiple taxes and other costs affecting tourism businesses. He has also advocated collective engagement among operators and stronger collaboration between the private sector and relevant public institutions to encourage investment and expand Sierra Leone’s hospitality industry.

News of his appointment has attracted congratulatory messages from members of the Sierra Leone Association of Hotels and the Federation of Allied Tourism Associations, with stakeholders welcoming the opportunity for the hospitality industry to have additional representation at the National Tourist Board.

Accepting the appointment, John Shallop thanked President Julius Maada Bio for selecting him and promised to use the opportunity to contribute to the development of the tourism sector.

“I thank His Excellency the President for this consideration. I pledge to serve in the best interest of the nation and in the interest of the sector, and will work with other Board members to take the National Tourist Board to greater heights,” John Shallop stated.

The appointment gives John Shallop an opportunity to bring his experience working with hotel operators and other tourism stakeholders into the National Tourist Board as Sierra Leone continues efforts to strengthen its tourism industry, attract investment and improve the country’s appeal as a destination. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/64625