The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board in an active engagement at the 68th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) Thematic Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria, from June 11-13, 2025, underscores its strategic ambitions to position itself as a dynamic player in regional and global tourism. Led by Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis, the Sierra Leone delegation’s participation highlights a concerted effort to harness innovation, cultural diplomacy, and ethical practices to catalyze sustainable growth in its tourism sector.
Sierra Leone’s leadership role in the conference reflects a broader regional commitment to tourism development. Participation alongside other African nations signify an intent to influence policy, foster collaboration, and share best practices. The conference’s main theme—“Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism via Innovation, AI, and Creative Industries”—resonates with Sierra Leone’s own strategic visions for leveraging technology and culture to transform its tourism landscape.
Minister Tunis emphasized the transformative potential of technological advancements and creative industries. Notably, Sierra Leone plans to host a Food Gastronomy event in 2026, showcasing its rich culinary heritage. This initiative aims to elevate Sierra Leone’s global tourism profile by positioning its cuisine as a unique attraction—aligning with the broader trend of experiential tourism that emphasizes authentic cultural narratives.
Minister Tunis taking the center stage, gave a clear and precise presentation on the first maiden Sierra Leone’s Women in Tourism Conference, stating the learning curves and efficient benchmarks attained, and as well extending appreciation to member states that their full participation.
Africa’s tourism sector is experiencing a recovery phase, with growth rates projected at 3-5%, driven by diverse attractions spanning natural landscapes, cultural sites, and heritage-rich destinations like Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, and Mauritius. Sierra Leone’s active participation in regional forums and its commitment to ethical tourism through inclusion in the UN’s World Committee on Tourism Ethics reflect a strategic alignment with these trends.
A key highlight from the conference was the presentation of the Tourism Online Academy by Natalia Bayona. Offering courses in five languages and boasting over 60 modules, the platform has already seen a 41% increase in African students—over 4,300 learners—indicating significant progress in regional capacity building. For Sierra Leone, this focus on human capital development is crucial for sustaining tourism growth and ensuring local expertise aligns with global standards.
The conference’s official ceremonies featured vibrant cultural performances, including national troupe acts and an all-female drum ensemble, signaling Nigeria’s pride in its cultural identity.
Sierra Leone’s permanent Secretary- Mr. Edward Kwame Yankson served as one of the returning officers and teller managers for this year’s electioneering process. Sierra Leone’s participation in UN elections and nominations, such as its inclusion in the World Committee on Tourism Ethics, demonstrate its dedication to upholding global standards. Additionally, the country’s preparations for hosting the 2027 World Tourism Day and its involvement in upcoming UN tourism meetings signal ongoing efforts to elevate its profile on the international stage.
Sierra Leone’s proactive approach—marked by high-level participation, emphasis on innovation, and cultural promotion—positions the country as a rising star in Africa’s tourism landscape. Its focus on sustainable, ethical, and creative tourism aligns with global trends, promising economic opportunities, cultural preservation, and regional integration. As Sierra Leone continues to showcase its rich heritage and embrace technological advancements, it is poised to carve out a distinctive niche on the international tourism map. As Sierra Leone Tourism Sector regained its momentum.
