CategoriesArticles Discover Hospitality News Tourism Tours Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Sierra Leone Strengthens Its Position as a Leading Conference Tourism Destination in West Africa by hosting the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit

Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre, Lungi, Port Loko District | 18–19 July 2026

Sierra Leone has reinforced its growing reputation as a destination for international conferences, diplomatic engagements, investment forums and major regional events following the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit 2026 and the commissioning of two landmark facilities in Lungi.

The newly inaugurated Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot were officially commissioned on 18 July 2026. The conference centre subsequently hosted the Summit on the Future of Regional Integration in West Africa and the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on 19 July 2026.

A New Gateway for International Events

Located in Lungi, Sierra Leone’s principal international gateway, the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre represents a major expansion of the country’s capacity to host high-level meetings, conferences, exhibitions, business forums and diplomatic events.

Its strategic location near Freetown International Airport provides convenient access for international delegates, investors, development partners and business travellers entering Sierra Leone.

During the commissioning ceremony, President Dr Julius Maada Bio described the facility as a strategic national investment that reflects Sierra Leone’s increasing confidence, ambition and influence within West Africa.

“From this gateway, Sierra Leone will increasingly connect West Africa to the world,” President Bio stated.

The modern facility complements the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, which hosted the ECOWAS statutory meetings from 12 to 17 July 2026. Together, the two venues demonstrate Sierra Leone’s capacity to coordinate and deliver major international programmes across multiple locations.

Advancing Conference and Business Tourism

The successful organisation of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit demonstrates Sierra Leone’s readiness to compete within the growing global market for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

International events generate demand across the tourism and hospitality value chain. Visiting delegates require accommodation, catering, transportation, communication services, entertainment, cultural experiences and professional event support.

As Sierra Leone attracts more international conferences, the benefits are expected to extend to:

Hotels and guesthouses in Lungi and Freetown; restaurants and catering businesses; airlines, water taxis and ground-transport operators; tour guides and destination-management companies; event planners, photographers and media professionals; artisans, cultural performers and creative entrepreneurs; and small and medium-sized businesses providing goods and services.

President Bio emphasised that international events hosted at the conference centre would stimulate tourism, create employment and generate new opportunities for businesses and communities across the country.

Sierra Leone Showcases Its Hospitality

The ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit brought Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats, international organisations, development partners, business leaders and senior regional officials to Sierra Leone.

ECOWAS commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the hospitality and organisation provided throughout the summit. The event demonstrated the country’s capacity to coordinate protocol, accommodation, transportation, security, media operations and visitor services for a major international gathering.

Beyond the formal meetings, the summit provided an opportunity to present Sierra Leone as a welcoming destination defined by cultural diversity, religious harmony, resilience and the warmth of its people.

Visitors to the country can experience its remarkable Atlantic coastline, historic sites, traditional cuisine, vibrant cultural heritage and diverse natural attractions while participating in conferences and business engagements.

Lungi’s Growing Tourism Potential

The commissioning of the international conference centre introduces new opportunities for tourism and hospitality development within Lungi and the wider Port Loko District.

As international events increase, the area has the potential to attract further investment in hotels, restaurants, transport services, entertainment facilities, visitor information services and organised tourism experiences.

Its proximity to Freetown International Airport also makes Lungi strategically positioned for short-stay business travellers, conference delegates and visitors seeking convenient access to the capital and other destinations across Sierra Leone.

The conference centre can therefore serve not only as a diplomatic venue but also as a catalyst for destination development, private-sector investment and employment within surrounding communities.

A Trusted Centre for Regional Dialogue

The 69th Ordinary Session concluded with President Bio transferring the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The summit also appointed General Birame Diop of Senegal as the next President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term, effective from 1 September 2026.

The peaceful transition of regional leadership, together with the successful commissioning of the two facilities, highlighted Sierra Leone’s growing role as a trusted host for diplomacy, peacebuilding, economic cooperation and international dialogue.

Positioning Sierra Leone for the Future

The ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit 2026 represents an important milestone in Sierra Leone’s development as an international conference and business tourism destination.

With modern conference infrastructure, improved international connectivity, experienced hospitality providers, a welcoming population and a wide variety of cultural and natural attractions, Sierra Leone is increasingly prepared to host regional summits, corporate retreats, exhibitions, investment forums, professional conferences and international events.

The successful gathering in Freetown and Lungi sends a clear message to event organisers, investors and travellers: Sierra Leone is open, ready and positioned to welcome the world.

Discover Sierra Leone — Where Freedom Lives.

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 Articles Tourism Tours Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Second Batch of Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally Celebrates Grand Finish in Freetown

6 March 2026 | Freetown

The second cohort of participants in the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally has completed its entry into Sierra Leone, marking another significant milestone in the nation’s hosting of the internationally acclaimed adventure rally. The convoy, comprising 420 participants across 203 vehicles and motorbikes, entered Sierra Leone through the Gbalamuya Border Crossing before proceeding to Bureh Beach for an overnight stop designed to showcase the nation’s vibrant culture and renowned hospitality.

At Bureh Beach, rally participants were treated to an evening of cultural entertainment organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, and key partners. The programme featured live band performances, traditional cultural displays, and lively beachside festivities, creating a memorable atmosphere for the visiting teams. This event offered participants a unique introduction to Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage while highlighting the country’s expanding tourism potential.

Following the overnight engagement, the convoy departed Bureh Beach under escort from the Sierra Leone Police and other security personnel, continuing its journey to the capital city, Freetown. The rally concluded at the Gigibonta Car Park, where government officials, tourism stakeholders, and enthusiastic spectators gathered to welcome the teams as they completed their remarkable intercontinental expedition across Europe and Africa.

Speaking at the finish-line reception, Mohamed Jalloh, Director of the Tourism, Travel and Exchange Program, emphasised the broader significance of the rally for Sierra Leone’s global engagement.

“The Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally is more than a motorsport adventure; it represents a cultural bridge that connects people, promotes friendship among nations, and highlights Sierra Leone as a welcoming and exciting tourism destination,” he stated.

The rally continues to deliver meaningful benefits to Sierra Leone by strengthening the country’s international visibility, attracting global visitors, and stimulating economic activity in communities along the route. Through events such as the Budapest–Bamako–Freetown Rally, Sierra Leone is steadily positioning itself as an emerging hub for adventure tourism, cultural exchange, and international events.

CategoriesArticles Discover Explore Heritage Tourism Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

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

CategoriesArticles Explore News Tourism Tours Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Fatmata Mida Carew Continues Sierra Leone’s Tourism Profiling and Rebranding at the Experience Africa Showcase in London

Experience Africa

London — Sierra Leone’s vibrant tourism sector is once again in the spotlight as the country continues its ambitious journey of profiling and rebranding at this year’s prestigious Experience Africa Showcase. The event, held in the heart of London, serves as a pivotal platform for Sierra Leone to present its diverse tourism offerings, showcase new developments, and forge valuable international partnerships.

Sierra Leone’s tourism landscape is experiencing a renaissance, driven by strategic investments and innovative projects aimed at positioning the country as a premier African destination. The nation’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural assets are being harnessed to create a compelling narrative for global travelers.

Among the key highlights is the unveiling of Sierra Leone’s new international airport, a significant infrastructural milestone that promises to enhance connectivity and facilitate increased tourist arrivals. The airport’s modern facilities underscore the country’s commitment to providing seamless travel experiences.

Experience Africa

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary — A flagship project supported by the World Bank’s bankable projects initiative, Tacugama is not only a conservation success story but also a burgeoning eco-tourism attraction. Its sustainable development plans aim to attract eco-conscious travelers seeking authentic wildlife encounters.

Leicester Peak — Offering panoramic views of Freetown and beyond, Leicester Peak is gaining recognition as an adventure and nature tourism hotspot. Efforts are underway to develop walking trails, viewing platforms.

Day One of the event kicked off with an official opening ceremony, drawing attention to Sierra Leone’s burgeoning tourism sector. The highlight of the day was the (GM) presentation, which positioned Sierra Leone as a prime destination for African and international tourists alike.

The event’s B2B meetings proved highly productive, with ten strategic appointments facilitating dialogue between tourism stakeholders, trade partners, and media representatives. These sessions are designed to foster collaborations, investments, and promotional campaigns that will boost Sierra Leone’s visibility on the global stage.

Experience Africa

The Experience Africa Showcase is more than just a trade fair — it is a vibrant platform that offers destination training sessions, engaging discussions on industry hot topics, and lively networking opportunities. Over the three days, participants are immersed in a curated experience that highlights Africa’s diverse tourism offerings, with Sierra Leone’s rebranding efforts clearly taking center stage.

As Sierra Leone continues to refine and promote its tourism profile, events like the Experience Africa Showcase play an essential role in attracting international attention and investment. With its impressive infrastructural developments, rich cultural heritage, and emerging attractions, Sierra Leone is poised to carve out a distinctive niche in the competitive African tourism landscape.

CategoriesArticles Discover News Press Release The world Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Miss Sierra Leone 2018, Sarah Laura Tucker at the IFTM Top Resa Trade Fair and Exhibition

Sierra Leone at the IFTM Top Resa Trade Fair and Exhibition. Miss Sierra Leone 2018, Sarah Laura Tucker already doing the magic to woo investors to do tourism business in Sierra Leone.

The French Expo started today Tuesday 25th September, 2018 with tourism professionals and businesses exhibiting their products and services.

CategoriesArticles News Press Release The world Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Minister of Tourism shares Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities with international journalists in Paris

Minister of Tourism shares Sierra Leone’s investment opportunities with international journalists in Paris

By Mohamed Faray Kargbo and Kai Bockarie Saquee

“We want to build confidence and to assure the world that Sierra Leone is ready once more to attract tourists from theFrench Market.”

These were the words of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt to a cross section of international journalists at the French Exposition in Paris, France.

In a Press Conference organized on Wednesday September 26,2018, Madam Pratt told the Press that “tourism is the only asset that can transform Sierra Leone.”

While exhibiting the hidden treasures of Sierra Leone, Madam Pratt underscored the need to take advantage of the endless opportunities that the country is blessed with to tour Sierra Leone.

A video displaying the touristic potentials of Sierra Leone was viewed by all journalists who were present for the conference.

The media practitioners asked series of questions ranging from the peace and stability of the country to the infrastructural development of the nation.

In attendance were the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Tampa Gbetuwa, Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, General Manager, National Tourist Board, Fatmata Abe-Osagie, Alieya A Kargbo of Tourism is Life and Miss Sierra Leone 2018, Sarah Laura Tucker.

IFTM Top Resa is the biggest forum where top global tour operators meet to network and improve business relations.

Media and Communications Unit
Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs
King Harman Road

Marketing Department
National Tourist Board
Lumley Beach Road
Freetown

CategoriesArticles Discover Explore News Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

In love with Nyangai

By Mohamed Faray Kargbo

It is not often that one has the opportunity to go to distant places and meet new acquaintances. So whenever such circumstances present themselves, one must do everything humanly possible to grasp and hold it firmly.

I first met Nyangai on Saturday 6th October, 2018 when the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Monuments and Relics Commission and the National Tourist Board made a visit to Bonthe Sherbro Island to assess the touristic potentials of the district with a view to exploiting it for national advancement.

The two hour watercraft ride from Bonthe Island to the Turtle Islands meant nothing to me considering the beauty of this God-given nature. For once, I couldn’t convince myself that the likes of Nyangai existed in Sierra Leone.

The palm trees, foliage and shrub on this tiny island are systematically positioned such that one is forced to love her at first sight. The pristine, white and shiny beaches connived with the huts, local boats, freshwater and ocean to produce a compelling spectacle. One hasn’t got an option but to love Nyangai.

 

Nyangai like the rest of the islands that constitute the Turtle Islands is extremely beautiful.

It was not long enough that I realized that each of the turtle-shaped islands is unique in their own way. The twin islands of Nyangai and Nyankai marry on low tides only to divorce on high tides.

“Whoooosh……….Whooosh” The calming sounds of the waves and the friendliness of the few inhabitants compete to steal our attention. Coconut was served even before we could alight the boat. This was why I fell in love with Nyangai.

 

Arguably some of the most pristine beaches in the world, the turtle-shaped islands offer an unparalleled opportunity for human beings to interact with nature.

Strategically located in the South-western coastal areas of Sierra Leone, this group of islands lie unexplored.

Due to its gritty sand, cool salty water, gentle wind, soft scratch of waves overlooking the blue sky; I reluctantly left the Cheppu beach which stretches to neighbouring Liberia.

Although, frequently exploited by foreign tourists, the communities, mostly poor people, sit on treasures that could easily transform their socio-economic status.

From Hoong to Sei, Baki to Moti, the islands are sights-to-behold, beautiful, pristine, clean and breath-taking.

They offer an enviable opportunity for tarpon or game-fishing, bird watching and expedition.

Any tourist investor who explores the Bonthe Sherbro Islands is sure to show interest in that area. Once attractive tourist investment areas, the challenging period of Sierra Leone’s history led to the decline in touristic activities in those areas.

 

The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board must speedily continue the process already initiated. Bonthe Island can boom the economy of this country.

“For far too long Bonthe Sherbro Island has been neglected, under the new Direction we cannot allow that to continue.” concluded Memunatu Pratt, the country’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister.

As I conclude this piece, one thing is clear, that my love for Nyangai remains intact.

Education and Outreach Unit

Monuments and Relics Commission

23 Pultney Street

Freetown

www.mrcsl.org

Email: info@mrcsl.org

CategoriesArticles Discover News By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

TOURISM MINISTER TAKES SALONE INTERNATIONALLY

 

By Mohammed Sankoh

 

The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, has taken Sierra Leone internationally by embarking on a serious marketing and building confidence with investors and tour operators at this year”s International French Market IFTM Top Resa Exhibition 2018 held at Port-De Versailles- Paris from the 25th -28th September.

The Minister who was accompanied by officials from the ministry of Tourism, National Tourist Board , Monument and Relics Commission and Miss Sierra Leone, Sarah Laura Tucker, helps to more attention attraction for Sierra Leone”s tourism sector, which has inspired some top French travel writers to show interest in visiting the country.

In view of her determination to transform tourism, Dr. Pratt interacted with many top business tourism magnates, while networking, business innovations, and keeping tourists abreast about potentials in the Sierra Leone tourism market formed part of her activities during the Exhibition.

Dr. Pratt was of the form convection that Sierra Leone”s participation in the exhibition would lead to the start of a great business investment in tourism and travelling sector respectively.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone is said to have rediscovered its place in the French-market, where as the National Tourist Board NTB approached and employed the warfare strategy to showcase the country’s friendly climate for business  and tourism with the aim of increasing the number of tourists” arrivals in the country.

The visa on arrival and visa free for some countries, including France is being negotiated with airlines to reduce cost of flying into Sierra Leone.

 

 

CategoriesArticles News Press Release The world Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

SIERRA LEONE WELL POSITIONED AT THE FRENCH TOURISM TRADE FAIRS

Sierra Leone Profile Raised At French Tourism Market

IFTM Top Resa 2018

September 25 @ 10:00 – September 28 @ 16:00

This year’s trade fair in France at Port de Versaile stand out to be a one of its kind, as the event gathered thousands of tourism liked minded audience which covers tour operators, airlines, hotels chains, and estate engineers, investors for tourism destinations, cultural exchange consultants, tourism organizations, and new destinations where strongly visible, which the Sierra Leone delegation took advantage of giving the right and correct information relating to the destination.  This audience plus added visitors presence on daily attendance basis, created the level platform to meet with the right people to relate our message, that Sierra Leone is safe, set, and ready to receive tourists from all over the world.

This year’s trade fair delegation was headed by Madam Memunatu B. Pratt, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. With her leadership and support the team was able to meet key benchmarks as strong indications showed to shift the demand curve for tourist arrivals to Sierra Leone, with every support from the Permanent Secretary-Mr. T.R.Gbetuwa, The Director of Tourism- Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, who was there to give the technical support, backed up by the Acting General Manager- National Tourist Board-Madam Fatmata Abe-Osagie who stepped in strong with the Marketing and PR skillful approach aided by the Marketing Manager- Madam Lucinda Kargbo. The Commission for Monuments and Relics was fully represented by two professional staff: Mr. Mohamed Farray Kargbo-the Communications and Outreach Officer and Madam Ann-Mary Kamara- the Admin Officer, who also showed up strong. Moreover, The Chief Executive Travel Officer of Tourism is Life Tours was in full attendance and gave relentless support to the achievements of a successful trade fair and the lead to meeting with Thomas Cook, a leading world tour operator. The Tourism Representative for Sierra Leone to France Mr. Olivier Thery and assistant Madam Zoumba gave their very best in designing the booth, and indeed the booth captured the right audience coupled up with the mass distribution of our local handy crafts, food items and many other promotional materials.

The genuine urge from the eyes of the visitors showed a strong signal that Sierra Leone will rise again, and the tourism shift we expect is not too far.

Amongst many activities was a one day a tourism press conference held at Pavilion 7, hall 3 by 4:30 France time. This one-day press conference was timely and the need was geared towards raising the profile of the country’s image that Sierra Leone’s Tourism potentials are huge and are ready to be tapped by those who are interested to tap from it. Not only that, but the team was able to create the awareness that corrected the negative publicity that has taken social media over the years. Therefore, the press conference was really needed to the international tourist generating regions that Sierra Leone is peaceful and ready for business. Many questions where posed to the team, but also answers were provided to those questions as wanted.

As the trade fair was a success, the last day was used by the Minister of Tourism and the entire team to meet with the Sierra Leonean Community based in France. The meeting was to discuss their full participation in creating the right awareness within the society they live.

Minister’s address at the International Press conference in IFTM

More deliberations went on and on with key Tourism minded investors like Thomas Cook who is really intending to be doing chattered flights, and to make Sierra Leone a tourist destination as with this we can create more night occupancy and right awareness to other tourism companies.

NTB MKT/PR/COMMUNICATIONS