CategoriesCreative Gastronomy News Tourism By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Celebrating sierra Leone @65 Through Gastronomy, Culture and Creativity

Sierra Leone marked its 65th independence anniversary with a dynamic event titled Celebrating Sierra Leone at 65 through Gastronomy, Culture and Creativity, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, the Monuments and Relics Commission, and private sector partners. The celebration featured live cooking sessions and food tasting that showcased traditional dishes alongside a gastronomy panel discussion exploring how local ingredients can boost sustainable tourism. Cultural performances, creative sessions, kite flying, and go-kart racing added energy and family-friendly appeal, while vendors from the cultural and creative space displayed handcrafted goods, art, and fashion.

The event transformed the venue into a living showcase of national pride, blending heritage with modernity. Attendees moved from tasting authentic flavors to watching masked devil dancers and contemporary spoken word, then to flying kites or racing go-karts. The joint effort between government agencies and private partners underscored a unified vision: that Sierra Leone’s greatest asset is its people, and that gastronomy, culture, and creativity are powerful engines for telling the nation’s own story—proud, skilled, and ready for the world at 65 and beyond.

CategoriesArticles Explore Gastronomy Tourism Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

WTM Africa 2026: Sierra Leone showcasing Eco-Tourism, Culture, and Gastronomy.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Sierra Leone is set to make a bold appearance at the 2026 World Travel Market (WTM) Africa, holding in Cape Town from April 13th to 15th. Leading a high-level delegation, the National Tourist Board (NTB) is arriving with a clear mission: to position the “Salone” brand as a premier emerging destination for Eco-Tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

Under the visionary leadership of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, Sierra Leone’s participation focuses on the transformative power of “Culture and Creativity.” The delegation aims to leverage this global trade fair to unveil the country’s vast cultural heritage and untapped tourism potential to international investors and travelers.

The strategic push at WTM Africa aligns with Minister Tunis’s ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism. By highlighting Sierra Leone’s pristine landscapes and its capacity to host world-class corporate events, the Ministry is signaling that the country is open for business and ready for the global stage.

During the three-day event, the Sierra Leonean delegation will be promoting two landmark upcoming events that underscore the country’s diversity:

1. The One Nation Reggae Festival: A celebration of music, unity, and the deep-rooted creative spirit of the Sierra Leonean people.

2. The UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Forum for Africa (3rd Edition): A prestigious continental gathering that highlights the intersection of food, tourism, and economic development.

The General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Mida Carew, who is leading the delegation in Cape Town, will host a special Sierra Leone Cultural and Gastronomy Day on the final day of the fair, April 15th.

Visitors to the Sierra Leone pavilion will be treated to an authentic sensory experience, featuring signature local foods and traditional beverages. This showcase is designed to offer a “literal taste” of Sierra Leonean hospitality, proving that the country’s flavors are as rich and inviting as its landscapes.

As WTM Africa kicks off tomorrow, Sierra Leone stands ready to invite the world to discover its culture, its creativity, and its breathtaking natural beauty.

CategoriesAdventure Discover Explore Heritage Tourism By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

 Celebrating Sierra Leone’s Natural Heritage 🇸🇱

Sierra Leone’s Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, recently visited the Gola-Tiwai Complex, highlighting the importance of protecting and promoting one of the country’s most remarkable natural treasures.

    The visit underscored Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to eco-tourism, environmental conservation, sustainable development, and the promotion of its rich cultural and natural heritage. The Gola-Tiwai landscape offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the country’s extraordinary biodiversity while supporting conservation and local communities.

    In July 2025, the Gola-Tiwai Complex, comprising Tiwai Island and Gola Rainforest National Park, achieved a historic milestone by becoming Sierra Leone’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site. This prestigious designation places the complex on the global map as a site of outstanding natural value and represents an important achievement for Sierra Leone’s conservation efforts.

    From its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife to the unique ecosystems of Tiwai Island, the Gola-Tiwai Complex is a powerful reminder of the natural beauty Sierra Leone has to offer. Its World Heritage status also creates new opportunities to promote responsible tourism, strengthen conservation initiatives, and encourage both local and international visitors to discover and appreciate the country’s natural wonders.

    🌍 Sierra Leone is open to discovery. Come explore, experience, and protect our natural heritage! 🇸🇱🌿

    ExploreMore #YearOfCultureAndCreativity2026 #SierraLeone #GolaTiwai #GolaRainforest #TiwaiIsland #EcoTourism #SustainableTourism #UNESCOWorldHeritage #VisitSierraLeone #DiscoverSierraLeone #NaturalHeritage #Conservation #FYP