Hon. Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs attended the UN Tourism Conference.
Abeela Farida Tunis reiterated her country’s commitment to modernising the tourism industry through technological innovation. Minister Tunis outlined plans to use artificial intelligence to improve how Sierra Leone’s cultural and natural attractions are presented to international visitors during a speech that positioned the country as an aspiring leader in sustainable and smart tourism.
She cited President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s establishment of a ministry dedicated to technology and innovation as evidence of the government’s commitment to a digital future. Minister Tunis stated that Sierra Leone is actively seeking partnerships with the private sector and international partners, citing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an example for its own smart tourism initiatives. “Sierra Leone is eager to partner with the industry and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose leadership in smart tourism inspires us,” she said.
Minister Tunis emphasised that AI will be used in areas such as digital marketing, capacity building for tourism professionals, and tourism intelligence to inform planning and decision-making.
She was careful to emphasise that technological tools are meant to support and amplify human creativity rather than replace it. “With collaboration, Sierra Leone hopes to expand AI capabilities – in digital marketing, capacity-building, and tourism intelligence – so that technology continues to enhance Human creativity should be enhanced, not replace it.”
Sierra Leone’s overarching goal is to become a premier ecotourism destination, where innovation benefits communities and ensures inclusion. By signing the Riyadh Declaration, the country joins other member states in endorsing a common vision for the future of tourism. Sierra Leone’s commitment to being an active voice in global discussions about tourism transformation is highlighted by the minister’s attendance at the conference.
