Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to Host Second Batch of 2026 Budapest-Bamako-Freetown Rally Finish Line Events in Freetown
๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐ฝ๐ค๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฃ ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฅ๐ค๐ฅ๐ช๐ก๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ฌ๐ก๐ฎ “๐๐๐๐ง ๐ค๐ ๐พ๐ช๐ก๐ฉ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐พ๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐ฎ” ๐ฝ๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐๐ค ๐๐ค๐ข๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ฃ ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ฉ๐ฃ๐๐ง๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ช๐ง๐๐จ๐ข ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฉ๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐ฎ ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ก๐๐๐ง๐จ.
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 nationโs tourism sector, the Board is spearheading the effort to ensure the new logo becomes a recognizable symbol of the countryโs 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 playersโincluding tour operators, hoteliers, event organizers, and travel agenciesโto 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 logoโs 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.
๐๐๐๐ง๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ผ๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐ค๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ช๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฉ-๐ฝ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ค- ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ฌ๐ฃ ๐พ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ 2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ฌ๐ฃ: ๐๐๐๐ง๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ผ๐ง๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐ค๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ช๐๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฉ-๐ฝ๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ค- ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ฌ๐ฃ ๐พ๐๐๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ 2026.
Kai Bockarie-Saquee
Coms/ PR- NTB
+23277347810
FREETOWN โ The engines are roaring, the dust is settling, and the spirit of adventure is about to descend upon the Atlantic coast. Sierra Leone is gearing up to welcome the worldโs largest amateur vehicular rally, the Budapest-Bamako Freetown Challenge, in what promises to be a spectacular display of culture, creativity, and endurance. This year, the rally arrives in two massive waves, bringing over a thousand adventurers from across the globe to the sandy shores of Bureh and the bustling streets of Freetown.
The 2026 edition of the rally is set to be one of the largest in its history. The first cohort, scheduled to cross the border on February 8th, comprises a staggering 352 vehicles and approximately 794 participants. These intrepid travelers have crossed continents, deserts, and savannahs to reach the โExplore West Africa Sierra Leone.โ
A second wave of adventurers will follow a month later, arriving on March 5th, bringing another 203 vehicles and nearly 500 participants. Together, they represent a significant boost to local tourism and a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. The journey into Sierra Leone offers participants a scenic tour of the country’s diverse landscapes. On February 8th, teams will enter through two primary border crossing points: Kambia Balamya and Kamakwi Madina Oula.
Those entering via Kamakwi will navigate the legendary Kabba Ferry before merging with the main route at Masiaka. From there, the convoy will snake through Waterloo, heading straight for the pristine sands of Bureh Beach. Bureh Beach will transform into a vibrant hub of “Culture and Creativity.” The overnight stay is not just a rest stop; it is designed as an immersive experience featuring camping under the stars, live entertainment, and a “mini-gastronomy” festival showcasing the best of Sierra Leonean cuisine.
The climax of the event takes place on the morning of February 9th. At 9:00 AM, the engines will fire up for the final leg of the journey. The route is designed to maximize visibility and celebration, taking the rally through the heart of the capital.
The convoy will travel from Bureh Beach through Waterloo, past Up Gun, and onto the historic Kissy Road. In a bold move that brings the rally to the people, the vehicles will navigate the famous bustle of Abacha Street and PZ, turning the city center into a moving festival. From downtown, the route proceeds along Siaka Stevens Street, up to St. John, through Congo Cross and Wilkinson Road, before hitting the coastal stretch of Lumley Beach.
The journey officially concludes at the Gigibonta Car Park, where the Finish Line Gate awaits. Here, amidst the ocean breeze and cheering crowds, the participants will celebrate the end of a grueling but rewarding trans-continental journey.
For Sierra Leone, this event is more than just a rally; it is a testament to the country’s growing status as a premier destination for adventure tourism. As the dust settles on Lumley Beach this February, Freetown will once again prove that it is a city of warmth, resilience, and unbridled hospitality.
KEY DATES AT A GLANCE
COHORT 1
Arrival in Sierra Leone: February 8th, 2026
Overnight: Bureh Beach (Camping & Entertainment)
Finish Ceremony: February 9th, Gigibonta Car Park, Freetown
Size:352 vehicles, –794 participants
COHORT 2
Arrival in Sierra Leone: March 5th, 2026
Overnight: Bureh Beach
Finish Ceremony: March 6th, Freetown
Size: 203 vehicles, -492 participants
๐ต๐ป๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐ 2026 ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐.
FREETOWN 9 January 2026โ In a strategic move to boost tourism and environmental standards, Mr. Tamba Alieu Kokobaye, Chairman of the National Tourist Board (NTB), convened a high-level meeting with over 30 beach establishment owners and key stakeholders. The gathering focused on enforcing beach sanity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and adopting sustainable cleaning approaches in preparation for the upcoming Budapest-Freetown Rally and the designation of 2026 as the “Year of Culture and Creativity.”
Opening the session were Mr. Abrahim Turay, Mr. Umaru Woody, Mr. Bashiru Koroma, Mr. Mohamed Bah, and Mr. Kokobaye, who extended his sincere gratitude to the stakeholders for their prompt response to the invitation, signaling a unified commitment to elevating the standards of Sierra Leoneโs coastal tourism.
The Chairman issued a strong call to action, encouraging owners and managers to take full responsibility for the cleanliness of their premises. He emphasized that hygiene efforts must go beyond the visible storefronts, urging establishments to monitor the sanitation of both the “front and back-end” of their operations. Furthermore, he appealed to the wider community to act as “watchdogs,” playing an active role in maintaining the pristine condition of the beaches.
Bi-Monthly Cleaning: A stakeholders’ beach cleaning exercise will be undertaken twice every month to ensure consistent maintenance.
Strict Compliance: All operators are committed to full adherence to licensing regulations.
Waste Management Infrastructure: Every establishment is mandated to install proper waste bins on its premises.
Professional Waste Disposal: Stakeholders agreed to identify and contract a certified waste management company to handle the collection and disposal of refuse.
Standardized Staffing: To improve professionalism and security, all establishments will implement a uniform system for their staff, complete with mandatory name tags for easy identification.
This renewed partnership between the NTB and the private sector marks a significant step toward presenting Freetownโs beaches as world-class destinations ready to welcome international visitors for the exciting events of 2026.
One Nation Reggae Concert Delivers a Historic and Unprecedented Night in Freetown
28th November, 2025- Radisson Blu Garden
The One Nation Reggae Concert delivered an unforgettable night of music, culture, and unity, marking one of the most iconic moments in Sierra Leoneโs entertainment history. The atmosphere was electric as an overwhelming and jubilant crowd filled the venue, eager to witness global reggae icons share the stage with Sierra Leoneโs finest reggae talents.
Government officials, members of the diplomatic community, private sector leaders, the Reggae Union, and reggae lovers from all walks of life turned out in massive numbers. The event was completely sold out, with thousands flocking to the garden to experience greatness and celebrate a historic fusion of African and Caribbean artistry.
- One Nation Reggae Festival_2025
The concert opened with brilliant performances by Sierra Leonean reggae artists, who set a powerful tone for the night. Their vibrant delivery ignited the crowd and showcased the depth of local talent. As anticipation built, the international icons took the stage one by one, sending waves of excitement across the venue.
The audience was treated to spectacular performances from Aquane, Lucan I, Danny Bless, Queen Ifrica, Jah Thunder, and Christopher Martin, each artist bringing unmatched energy, soul, and rhythm. The night reached its peak when festival headliner Sizzla Kalonji stepped on stage, delivering a breathtaking, high-powered performance that left the crowd roaring with admiration.
Throughout the concert, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, was widely praised for her vision and leadership in bringing this groundbreaking festival to life, creating a cultural bridge between Sierra Leone and Jamaica.
The event was filled with electric performances, heartfelt messages, and joyful applause that echoed deep into the night. History was truly made as reggae was reignited in Sierra Leone, fusing shared roots and shared rhythm, and strengthening the enduring cultural connection between Sierra Leone and Jamaica.
CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs invites qualified and interested entities to submit Expressions of Interest for the leasing and operation of key tourism facilities, including:
The Innovation Centre and auxiliary facilities at Tacugama
Tacugama_EOI WB_Final_24_11_25
The Viewing Platform and auxiliary facilities at Leicester Peak
Leicester_Peak_EOI_Final_24_11_25
The Surf Club, Market Shed, and other facilities at Bureh Beach
Unlock opportunities to contribute to Sierra Leoneโs tourism growth.
Full details available in the EO documents.
LAST CALL FOR 2024โ2025 LICENSE REGULARIZATION
FINAL NOTICE:
All establishments with outstanding 2024โ2025 license fees must regularize immediately to avoid enforcement actions.
Please read the full press release for complete details.
Sierra Leone Reimagined: A Story of Resilience, Beauty, and National Momentum
Sierra Leoneโs new edition of Destination Sierra Leone spotlights a nation rising with confidence, purpose, and renewed global presence. This issue captures the countryโs 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. ๐ธ๐ฑ
Read more here Full PDF VA_Seirra-Leone
Sierra Leone Tourism Delegation destination profiling to Africa Showcase North America 2025
Sierra Leoneโs tourism marketing team is fully participating in the Africa Showcase in North America, following a successful World Travel Market. This yearโs Africa Showcase operates across four dynamic North American cities over two action-packed weeks, delivering a high-impact platform for Sierra Leone to engage with pre-qualified buyers and industry leaders.
North America remains Africaโs most sought-after source market, driven by Robust economic resilience, a growing appetite for long-haul travel, and increasing interest in immersive, meaningful experiences. For Sierra Leone, North America represents a powerful opportunity to scale by connecting with buyers who specialize in luxury, culture, wellness, and bespoke itineraries.
Sierra Leoneโs delegation will engage directly with up to 300 pre-qualified buyers, including:
Luxury tour operators, Africa specialists, Product managers, and Influential retail agents. This roadshow is designed to be high-energy and high-impact, placing Sierra Leone in front of those who matter most to decision-making and partnerships.
Africa Showcase North America is backed by in-market insight from partners at Rethink Travel Marketing. Their expertise ensures that Sierra Leoneโs participation is efficient and strategically aligned with market demand, maximizing return on investment.
The event setup is tailored to maximize productive meetings with buyers who have a clear interest in Sierra Leoneโs product offerings. The focus is on curated engagements that match Sierra Leoneโs tourism strengths with buyer needs, reducing noise and increasing conversion potential.ย North American clients typically embark on long-stay trips with higher budgets, seeking safari experiences, cultural immersion, wellness programs, and bespoke itineraries. The structured buyer program enables Sierra Leone to meet 2โ3 times more qualified buyers than on an independent trip, with attendees carefully aligned to Sierra Leoneโs offerings.
Participation in the Africa Showcase North America will raise awareness among influential buyers and media in key markets. The event is a catalyst for meaningful collaborations with tour operators, product managers, and agents who can drive repeat business.
Market Insights: In-market insights from Rethink Travel Marketing will inform product development, pricing, and marketing strategies to better meet the preferences of North Americans.
As Sierra Leone continues to leverage this momentum, the countryโs tourism team is poised to:
Highlight Sierra Leoneโs diverse experiencesโfrom pristine natural landscapes to rich cultural heritage.
Promote sustainable and responsible travel practices that appeal to discerning North American travelers.
Build lasting partnerships that expand Sierra Leoneโs footprint in the competitive North American travel landscape.
NTB COMS Unit.
๐ฅ Watch the Highlights: Sierra Leone Showcases at Africa Showcase North America Here!
๐๐๐๐ง๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ง๐ค๐ฃ๐ค๐ข๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ: ๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ค๐ ๐๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ฉ ๐พ๐๐ง๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐จ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ช๐๐ก๐๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐จ๐ช๐ข๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ.
๐ฟ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ฌ๐ค ๐๐ฉ ๐๐๐_ 5๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ซ๐๐ข๐๐๐ง 2025.
A new spotlight on Sierra Leoneโs rich culinary heritage illuminated the National Day celebration, as a WTM food expert certified the countryโs gastronomy for public consumption. The high-energy showcase drew hundreds of visitors to stand S16, where traditional aromas and vibrant flavors echoed the spirit of freedom and cultural pride that defined this unique nation.
Within an hour, the queue stretched longer, signaling broad acceptance and enthusiasm for Sierra Leoneโs gastronomic offerings. The dedicated team served with poise and professional know-how, dishing out hundreds of plates to a diverse audience. Menu highlights included:
Cassava leaves
Krain-Krain
Foo Foo and Sawa
Roast meat
Potato leaves
Salone Jollof and Fried rice with stew
Ginger beer
Tombe juice
The array showcased both timeless staples and regional twists, inviting attendees to explore the countryโs flavors in a single, celebratory tasting experience.
Milo Jazz provided a lively soundscape, lifting the atmosphere as Sierra Leoneans and visitors mingled and savored the offerings. Members of the Sierra Leonean High Commission offered their customary warmth and support, underscoring the eventโs significance as a national showcase.
This National Day celebration serves as a prelude to hosting the UNTOURISM Regional Gastronomy event in April 2026. The successful demonstration at stand S16 signals readiness to present Sierra Leoneโs gastronomy to an international audience, highlighting the countryโs culinary creativity, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.
The private sector from Sierra Leone showed robust backing, contributing to the dayโs success. Key supporters included:
Visit Sierra Leone
Harmony Travel and Investment
Tourism is Life
Best Travel Solution
Hello Sierra Leone Tours
Barmoi Hotel
Wusum Hotel
Mozza Resort
Air Sierra Leone
Bash apartment
Their collective involvement underscores a shared commitment to promoting Sierra Leone as a premier gastronomic destination.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, National Tourist Board, and the Monuments and Relics Commission led the process.
