By Pateh Bah
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) together with the National Tourist Board (NTB) has, on 1stAugust, 2024, held a press conference relating to recent visits to Zambia and Zimbabwe at the ministry’s conference hall in Freetown.
The trips were not unconnected to the 67th UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa in Zambia and the inaugural UN Gastronomy Tourism Forum in Zimbabwe.
Madam Nabeela Tunis emphasized the country’s commitment to Africa’s Tourism Agenda, the promotion of its visa on arrival policy, and its ten-year Tourism Strategic Plan.
According to Minister, during the conference in Zambia, Sierra Leone was recognized as a prominent partner by UN Tourism and admitted as a full member. She furthered that bilateral meetings with Zambian and D.R. Congo Tourism Ministers were held, with an agreement to host future tourism conferences in Sierra Leone.
Madam Tunis also disclosed that in Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone’s proposal to host the 3rd Regional UN Gastronomy Forum in 2026 was approved, highlighting the country’s culinary and fashion strengths. She further disclosed that Women in Tourism Leadership African Committee (WiTLAC) will hold a conference in Sierra Leone from the 29th to 31st of October, this year.
The visits also saw meetings with prominent figures, including but not limited to, First Ladies of Angola and Zimbabwe, and those meetings, according to the Minister, fostered greater cooperation.
Speaking to The Expo Times, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Tunis disclosed that the country’s tourism sector is showing promising signs of revival, leveraging its unique attractions and resilient spirit to attract visitors, following the COVID-19 pandemic which saw an unprecedented halt in the sector as the pandemic affected global supply chain.
She further noted that as borders closed and travel restrictions took hold, economies reliant on tourism faced severe challenges; and Sierra Leone, with her rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant communities, was no exception. The pandemic, she went on, dealt a significant blow to the country’s tourism industry as the once-bustling beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and historic sites saw a dramatic drop in visitors.
However, it goes without saying that the country is witnessing a resilient rebound which is a path to recovery, and the minister’s proactive measures and the resilience of Sierra Leoneans have set the stage for a robust recovery, with health and safety protocols swiftly implemented across the tourism sector.
Madam Nabeela Tunis further stated that hotels, resorts, and tour operators have adopted stringent hygiene measures to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff. These measures, according to the minister, have helped restore confidence among travellers, making Sierra Leone a safe and attractive destination.
According to Madam Nabeela Tunis, promoting local attractions has become the renewed focus and, in a bid, to revive tourism, Sierra Leone is turning the spotlight on its local attractions. The country, she went on, boasts an array of natural wonders, from the pristine beaches of the Freetown Peninsula to the lush rainforests of the Gola Forest National Park. These destinations offer a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, catering to diverse travellers’ interests.
She further disclosed that the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located just outside Freetown, has become a symbol of Sierra Leone’s commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism; as according to her, the sanctuary not only provides a safe haven for rescued chimpanzees but also offers visitors an educational and enriching experience. Madam Tunis furthered that efforts to promote such eco-friendly attractions are drawing in environmentally conscious travellers.
According to the minister, it is no gainsaying that Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage is another key pillar of its tourism revival strategy. The Bunce Island, a historical slave trading site, offers poignant insights into the country’s past, while the vibrant city of Freetown, with its historic and bustling ‘Big Market’ provides a glimpse into contemporary Sierra Leonean life.
She also disclosed that local festivals and events are also being revitalized to attract both domestic and international tourists, adding that the Barray Festival, for instance, showcases traditional music, dance, and cuisine, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience. These events, she further noted, do not only boost tourism but also foster a sense of community pride and cultural preservation.
Madam Tunis maintained that community involvement remains centre stage for the continuous success of the tourism sector, adding that the revival of tourism in Sierra Leone is not just about attracting foreign visitors; it is also about empowering local communities. The seasoned administrator and politician furthered that initiatives to involve local residents in tourism activities are gaining momentum much to the appreciation of many quarters. Community-based tourism projects, where local guides offer tours and homestays, she said, provide visitors with authentic experiences while generating income for the communities.
The minister further disclosed that training and capacity-building programmes are being conducted to equip locals with the skills needed to thrive in the tourism sector. These initiatives, she maintained, ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt widely and contribute to sustainable development.
Madam Tunis further assures that there is a bright future ahead in the tourism sector, stressing that as the world emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, Sierra Leone’s tourism sector stands poised for a bright future. With her diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and resilient spirit, Sierra Leone, she said, is ready to welcome visitors once again.
Madam Nabeela Tunis also stated that by focusing on health and safety, promoting local attractions, and involving communities, Sierra Leone is not just reviving its tourism industry but also paving the way for a sustainable and inclusive future.
According to the Minister, tourism in Sierra Leone is more than just an economic activity; it is a celebration of the country’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and the indomitable spirit of its people. She further assured that as travellers embark on new adventures in this West African gem, they will find a destination that is not only recovering but thriving, ready to offer unforgettable experiences in a post-pandemic world.
Also speaking to The Expo Times on condition of anonymity, a staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs lavishedpraises on Madam Tunis, describing her as an astute leader and a humble servant who always bends over backwards to ensure the happiness of staff and others, adding that she has distinguished herself in society, especially within the President Bio’s led government through service, selflessness and other outstanding contributions that have positively impacted the lives of many. The staff waxed lyrical about Madam Tunis, stressing that her appointments by President Bio to serve in various ministries did not come by some dint of luck but could be seen as a fitting tribute to her years of devoted work. The staff maintained that the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has won plaudits from many quarters, describing her as a generous, credible and trustworthy leader whose exemplary performance has become the beacon of hope for a good number of Sierra Leoneans.
