By Stanley Bangs Jr.
His Excellency, President Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio has appointed the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Hotels and founding member of the Federation of Allied Tourism Associations (FATA), Mr. John Shallop, to serve as a Board Member of the National Tourist Board (NTB).
The appointment comes at a crucial time for the tourism sector.
Mr. Shallop has in recent months intensified nationwide capacity-building programmes for hotel staff, aimed at improving service delivery and professional standards across the country. He is also currently leading consultations and sensitization drives with other key players in the tourism industry on the formation of a private sector-led federation that will serve the best interest of all operators in the tourism landscape.
The move is seen by industry observers as a recognition of Mr. Shallop’s long-standing contribution to hospitality development and his push for unity in the sector. Mr. Shallop has been a vocal advocate for collective bargaining, reduction of multiple taxation on tourism businesses, and for private sector collaboration to attract investment into the country’s hospitality industry.
Members of the Sierra Leone Association of Hotels and the Federation of Allied tourism Association have since sent congratulatory messages to Mr. Shallop, describing the appointment as well-deserved and timely.
In his response, Mr. Shallop commended President Bio for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to serve diligently.
He said he wholeheartedly accepts the appointment and will deliver on the expectations of the President.
“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,” Mr. Shallop stated.
