Public Notice: Notice to Desist from promoting Tour packages for the One Nation Reggae Festival
Farewell to a Tourism Pioneer: Madam Isatu Thorlu Bangura(Proprietress, Posseh’s Guest House / Posseh Hotel)Passed Away:10th August 2026
IN LOVING MEMORY AND TRIBUTE
Farewell to a Tourism Pioneer: Madam Isatu Thorlu Bangura
(Proprietress, Posseh’s Guest House / Posseh Hotel)
Passed Away:10th August 2026
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and The National Tourist Board announce with heavy hearts the passing of a true icon of Sierra Leonean hospitality, Madam Isatu Thorlu Bangura, who departed this life on the 10th of August 2026.
Today, we bid farewell to an extraordinary professional, visionary stakeholder, and champion of Sierra Leone’s tourism industry.
With over 40 UN UN years of distinguished experience in hospitality and management, Madam Bangura played a pivotal role in elevating the standards of our national tourism sector. As the proprietor of Posseh’s Guest House (Posseh Hotel) in Freetown, her dedication, warmth, and expertise were instrumental in promoting Sierra Leone as a welcoming and attractive destination for both local and international visitors. Her lifelong commitment left an indelible mark on the growth and development of our nation’s culture of service.
In recognition of her monumental contributions, Madam Bangura was officially honored by the Ministry on December 23, 2024, during the commissioning of the Ministry’s newly constructed pavilion, under the leadership of the Honorable Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis. That recognition celebrated her as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s tourism success—a distinction she carried with grace and pride.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, alongside the National Tourist Board and the entire hospitality community, extends our deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and the staff of Posseh’s Guest House.
Her passion, legacy, and contribution to Sierra Leone will never be forgotten.
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.
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.
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
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs secures hosting rights for 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2026 in Sierra Leone
The deal was finalized on the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show. The announcement follows a high-level meeting between the Sierra Leonean delegation and the leadership of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), led by Madam Elsia Grancourt, the Regional Director for Africa.
The selection of Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone in the country’s “Culture and Creativity” campaign. During the deliberations, Minister Tunis and her team demonstrated a high level of preparedness, providing comprehensive responses to the technical and logistical requirements posed by the UN Tourism team.
“Sierra Leone is ready to showcase its rich culinary heritage to the world,” Minister Tunis stated. “Gastronomy is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and economic growth, and we are honored to lead this conversation for the continent in 2026.”
The UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa is a prestigious platform designed to promote the link between food, culture, and tourism. By hosting the third edition, Sierra Leone joins an elite group of African nations leading the charge in culinary diplomacy:
- 1st Edition: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2024)
- 2nd Edition: Tanzania (April 2025)
- 3rd Edition: Sierra Leone (December 2026)
Madam Elsia Grancourt and her team expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s leadership, noting that the country’s proactive approach at ITB Berlin has placed it on a strong footing to deliver a world-class event.
The 2026 forum is expected to attract international chefs, tourism ministers, policy makers, and global media to Freetown, providing a massive boost to the local hospitality sector and highlighting the unique flavors of the “Lion Mountain” to the global stage.
As Sierra Leone prepares for this prestigious gathering, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs invites stakeholders and the private sector to collaborate in making the 2026 Gastronomy Forum a historic success for the nation and the African continent.
BERLIN, Germany – In a landmark achievement for West African tourism, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis has officially secured the hosting rights for the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. The event is scheduled to take place from December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2026.
The deal was finalized on the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show. The announcement follows a high-level meeting between the Sierra Leonean delegation and the leadership of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO), led by Madam Elsia Grancourt, the Regional Director for Africa.
The selection of Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone in the country’s “Culture and Creativity” campaign. During the deliberations, Minister Tunis and her team demonstrated a high level of preparedness, providing comprehensive responses to the technical and logistical requirements posed by the UN Tourism team.
“Sierra Leone is ready to showcase its rich culinary heritage to the world,” Minister Tunis stated. “Gastronomy is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and economic growth, and we are honored to lead this conversation for the continent in 2026.”
The UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa is a prestigious platform designed to promote the link between food, culture, and tourism. By hosting the third edition, Sierra Leone joins an elite group of African nations leading the charge in culinary diplomacy:
- 1st Edition: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2024)
- 2nd Edition: Tanzania (April 2025)
- 3rd Edition: Sierra Leone (December 2026)
Madam Elsia Grancourt and her team expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s leadership, noting that the country’s proactive approach at ITB Berlin has placed it on a strong footing to deliver a world-class event.
The 2026 forum is expected to attract international chefs, tourism ministers, policy makers, and global media to Freetown, providing a massive boost to the local hospitality sector and highlighting the unique flavors of the “Lion Mountain” to the global stage.
As Sierra Leone prepares for this prestigious gathering, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs invites stakeholders and the private sector to collaborate in making the 2026 Gastronomy Forum a historic success for the nation and the African continent.
𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙡𝙮 “𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮” 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙤𝙜𝙤 𝙙𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨.
The National Tourist Board (NTB) in strategic initiative to popularize the newly launched logo for the “Year of Culture and Creativity,” calling on industry stakeholders to integrate the new branding into their domestic campaigns.
Serving as the primary marketing and promotional arm of the nation’s tourism sector, the Board is spearheading the effort to ensure the new logo becomes a recognizable symbol of the country’s vibrant cultural landscape. The initiative aims to create a unified visual identity that highlights the intersection of tourism, heritage, and the creative arts for the year 2026.
The Board encouraging all industry players—including tour operators, hoteliers, event organizers, and travel agencies—to fully encapsulate the “Year of Culture and Creativity” design into their activities. The NTB advises that this new logo should appear alongside the standard destination logo, creating a cohesive brand message for domestic audiences.
To facilitate widespread adoption, the high-resolution copies of the logo available immediately. Stakeholders can obtain digital files directly from the Ministry or the National Tourist Board.
The Board envisions the logo being featured prominently on:
Local marketing brochures and flyers
Digital promotional materials
Event banners and collateral
Corporate stationery
While encouraging widespread use, the Board emphasized the importance of brand integrity. A key directive accompanies the release: the materials must maintain their original order and design at all times. Alterations to the logo’s color, shape, or composition are prohibited to ensure consistency across all platforms.
By adopting this shared visual identity, the tourism sector aims to amplify the message that this year is dedicated to celebrating the unique creative spirit that makes the destination truly special.
Sierra Leone Reimagined: A Story of Resilience, Beauty, and National Momentum
Sierra Leone’s new edition of Destination Sierra Leone spotlights a nation rising with confidence, purpose, and renewed global presence. This issue captures the country’s breathtaking landscapes, empowered communities, and transformative milestones in tourism. As you explore the publication, we invite you to join us in protecting the natural and cultural assets that make Sierra Leone truly exceptional. 🇸🇱
Read more here Full PDF VA_Seirra-Leone
𝙎𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖 𝙇𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖 𝙇𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙙𝙤𝙢, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚 𝙆𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙚𝙝 𝙟𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖 2025.
London, United Kingdom — June 25, 2025 — Sierra Leone’s tourism sector took a significant leap forward on the second day of the Experience Africa Showcase, organized by the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA). The event, which draws over 600 industry stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, served as a dynamic platform for networking, marketing, and strategic partnerships, with Sierra Leone emerging as a vibrant and engaged participant.
As a fully registered member of ATTA, Sierra Leone benefits from a high-level platform that advocates for African tourism interests. The country’s participation underscores its commitment to positioning itself as a premier travel destination on the continent. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for Sierra Leone to showcase its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and burgeoning tourism infrastructure.
The presence of key diplomatic figures, including Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, and his team, highlighted the importance placed on tourism development. They joined the Sierra Leone Tourism Board during the Experience Africa Showcase, emphasizing the government’s support and strategic focus on tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
Furthermore, the UK High Commissioner to Sierra Leone paid a visit to the ATTA showcase, signaling strong diplomatic backing and fostering international collaboration.
One of the event’s highlights was the series of B2B (business-to-business) meetings, which proved highly productive for Sierra Leone’s tourism stakeholders. Ten strategic appointments facilitated meaningful dialogue between Sierra Leonean tourism representatives, international trade partners, and media outlets. These sessions are designed to foster collaborations, attract investments, and amplify Sierra Leone’s presence on the global tourism map.
Beyond trade negotiations, the Experience Africa Showcase offers destination training sessions, industry insights, and lively discussions on emerging trends and challenges in the tourism sector. Sierra Leone’s rebranding efforts, aimed at highlighting its diverse tourism offerings, received particular attention, positioning the country as an exciting destination for adventure, culture, and eco-tourism.
As the event concludes, Sierra Leone’s active participation signals a promising future for its tourism industry. The curated experience over the three days has not only elevated Sierra Leone’s profile but also opened avenues for future collaborations and investments. With ongoing efforts to promote its unique attractions, Sierra Leone is poised to attract more international visitors and establish itself as a must-visit destination in Africa.
The second day of the Experience Africa Showcase demonstrated Sierra Leone’s full engagement and commitment to tourism development. Supported by diplomatic backing and strategic industry partnerships, the country is well on its way to transforming its tourism sector into a vital economic pillar. As the continent’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, Sierra Leone’s proactive approach ensures it remains a key player on the African tourism stage.
