Sulima: Sierra Leone’s Next Tourism Frontier

The Sulima Weekend Getaway, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs from February 13 to 15, 2026, transformed the small coastal township of Sulima into a vibrant showcase of Sierra Leonean culture, creativity, and coastal heritage. The event, hosted in collaboration with chiefdom stakeholders and powered by Inkee Media, was designed to transform a presidential vision into tangible activation under the Year of Culture and Creativity 2026.

Mrs Nabella Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, used the occasion to emphasise the government’s commitment to promoting tourism development in all districts. She stated that Sulima’s recent designation as a Tourism Development Area (TDA) by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in 2021 now takes effect: “Sulima reflects the country’s commitment to ensuring that tourism development reaches every district and empowers every community, an experience rooted in culture and driven by creativity.” The Minister emphasised the initiative’s inclusive and people-centred goal in Krio, saying, “Lɛ wi ol ol kolc o ɛn kriativiti fo bɛtɛ Salone enti una sabi se turizm biznehs na ol man biznehs.”

Sulima is located in Sorogbema Chiefdom, Pujehun District, Sierra Leone’s Southeastern Region, where the Moa River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Sulima’s dramatic natural intersection of river and sea, proximity to the Liberian border, and more than 40 kilometres of unspoiled golden coastline make it both ecologically appealing and strategically significant as a cultural bridge and gateway for regional exchange. The town’s clean, rolling Atlantic waves make it ideal for marine and surf tourism, while the local community provides a vibrant Sierra Leonean-Liberian-Ghanaian cultural fusion, deep fishing traditions, and a maritime heritage that combine to create an authentic hospitality experience.

The program transformed Sulima into a living cultural stage. Under the coastal skies, traditional and contemporary expressions were showcased through open-air performances and live music. Culinary events showcased ocean-to-table and farm-to-table techniques and recipes passed down through generations, from fresh seafood preparations to local specialities captured in the celebration cry heard across the site: “Kontri res n Kontri fowl; Gron soup wit bonga!” Community and heritage tours allowed visitors to interact authentically with residents, learn storytelling traditions, and observe fishing and daily life up close.

Local artisans, designers, and innovators were featured in creative and craft exhibitions, with special spotlight segments for young and female entrepreneurs to display their products and businesses. The activation included football and volleyball areas to encourage community participation, youth engagement, and active recreation. These diverse activities were designed not only to entertain, but also to model inclusive development that emphasises local leadership, entrepreneurship, and the agency of host communities.

Organisers and officials framed Sulima 2026 as a practical demonstration of the Year of Culture and Creativity’s goals. The movement aims to strengthen Sierra Leone’s cultural identity, unlock economic potential in the creative industries, broaden tourism beyond traditional destinations, and foster public-private-community partnerships. The Sulima Weekend Getaway sought to decentralise tourism growth by shifting from designation to on-the-ground activation, promoting community-owned tourism models, and strengthening cross-border cultural connections.

Strategically, the three-day activation is expected to boost economic activity along the southern corridor by providing revenue for local businesses, assisting fishing communities, and attracting interest in eco-lodge and marine tourism investment. The Ministry emphasised its commitment to a private-sector-driven industry with strong community participation, describing Sulima as a replicable model for district-based tourism activation that can be replicated throughout the country.

Chief Siaka Luseni Massaquoi, Town Chief of Sulima, welcomed the event and the TDA designation, saying, “Sulima is a land blessed by the river and the sea.” Our ancestors upheld our customs, fishing traditions, and unity. We are honored that Sulima has been designated as a Tourism Development Area, and that this cultural and coastal experience is being brought to our community. We greet all visitors with traditional hospitality.” His remarks echoed the weekend’s overarching themes of stewardship, cultural continuity, and hospitality.

Sulima is accessible by road from Freetown via Bo and Pujehun Town, and serves as Sierra Leone’s southern coastal frontier for tourism expansion. The event’s organizers expressed hope that increased domestic and regional visitation, improved marketing of Southeastern Sierra Leone, and encouraged responsible investments would result as the activation’s ripple effects took hold.

Sulima Weekend Getaway was more than just a festival; it was a deliberate demonstration of how culture and creativity can be used to create inclusive economic opportunities, expand national tourism beyond traditional hubs, and empower communities to own and benefit from development. As the Year of Culture and Creativity 2026 approaches, Sulima’s three-day activation exemplifies a presidential vision in action: a coastal town positioning itself as “one of the best places to be at all times.”