Sierra Leone’s Gastronomy Tourism Forum to Boost Investment and Create Jobs

A high-level UN Tourism delegation has concluded an inspection mission to Sierra Leone and expressed satisfaction with the country’s preparations to host the 3rd UN Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum. Policymakers, tourism experts, investors, chefs, entrepreneurs, and development partners from Africa and beyond are expected to converge at the continental event.

The UN Tourism delegation included two people from its headquarters in Spain: Chloe Bougeard, Project Specialist in Market Intelligence, Policies and Competitiveness, and Aldo Busin, Senior Project Specialist in the Regional Department for Africa. As part of the preparations for the forthcoming forum, they visited tourism attractions, conference and accommodation facilities and potential cultural and hospitality experiences for participants.

The inspection team visited Leicester Peak Viewing Site, the iconic site overlooking the city of Freetown. Delegates will have panoramic views of the capital from the site. The delegation discussed its potential as an attraction for forum participants and other visitors and as a place to display some of the country’s natural appeal.

The team also visited the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, one of Sierra Leone’s premier eco-tourism attractions. The venue hosted discussions on sustainable tourism practices and wildlife conservation, an important part of the country’s tourism offering. The visit highlighted the role that nature-based attractions have in helping visitors gain a broader understanding of Sierra Leone’s environment and conservation work.

The delegation visited the Innovation Centre to explore how to highlight local innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-led initiatives at the forum. The centre could provide a platform for participants to learn about emerging ideas and enterprises in Sierra Leone and connect tourism and gastronomy to wider opportunities for local business development.

Sugar Land was another stop where UN Tourism officials assessed hospitality services and recreational facilities. These facilities can enhance the experience of international guests during the event and show the range of services available to visitors.

The delegation also thoroughly inspected the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre as a possible venue for the forum. The team visited conference halls, meeting rooms, technical facilities and support services to assess their readiness to host a major international event. The team also inspected accommodation facilities intended for participants for capacity, service quality, and readiness to receive guests from abroad.

The mission included a meeting with the Senior Management Team of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, representatives of Sector Agencies, and members of the Technical Working Groups responsible for planning the Event. Attendees included the General Manager of the National Tourist Board and the Ministry’s Senior Permanent Secretary and Director of Tourism.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress, discuss logistical arrangements and identify areas that might require further attention. It also enabled participants to strengthen coordination among the ministry, sector agencies, and technical teams as preparations continue.

Ministry officials reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to deliver a successful and memorable forum. The event will provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s culinary heritage, cultural diversity & growing tourism potential to an international audience, they said.

Stakeholders described the forum as an important opportunity to position Sierra Leone as a premier gastronomy and tourism destination in Africa. They also pointed to its capacity to draw investment, help create jobs and bolster sustainable tourism development. The event is expected to foster dialogue and collaboration across the sector by bringing together public officials, tourism professionals, businesses and development partners.

At the end of the inspection mission, Mrs Nabilla Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, thanked the UN Tourism delegation, the technical working groups, sector agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the assessment visit. The Ministry is committed to strengthening the forum, and the inspection was part of an ongoing process to deliver a world-class event, she reiterated.

The Minister also stressed the significance of ongoing cooperation, wider stakeholder participation and sustained collaboration with UN Tourism and its partners as preparations progress. “The inspection is part of the work needed to ensure the right facilities and effective planning support the forum,” she said.

The mission’s conclusion is an important step in preparations for the 3rd UN Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum. The assessment reviewed venues and visitor attractions that could form part of the delegates’ experience, while discussions with local officials focused on coordination and outstanding organisational requirements.
Preparations are now expected to enter their final phase, as Sierra Leone prepares to welcome participants and showcase its cuisine, culture, hospitality and natural attractions. The forum seeks to demonstrate to visitors not only the country, but also the wider role of gastronomy tourism in driving investment, job creation and sustainable development.
Further coordination by the Ministry, UN Tourism, sector agencies, and other partners will ensure Sierra Leone hosts an event that reflects the country’s tourism potential and promotes lasting interest in its destinations and businesses.