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.
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.
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.
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.
𝑵𝑻𝑩 𝑩𝒐𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑹𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒓, 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑨𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒂𝒋𝒐𝒓 2026 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔.
FREETOWN 9 January 2026– 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 Leone’s 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 Freetown’s beaches as world-class destinations ready to welcome international visitors for the exciting events of 2026.
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 Leone’s tourism growth.
Full details available in the EO documents.
Sierra Leone Tourism Delegation destination profiling to Africa Showcase North America 2025
Sierra Leone’s tourism marketing team is fully participating in the Africa Showcase in North America, following a successful World Travel Market. This year’s 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 Africa’s 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 Leone’s 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 Leone’s 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 Leone’s product offerings. The focus is on curated engagements that match Sierra Leone’s tourism strengths with buyer needs, reducing noise and increasing conversion potential. 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 2–3 times more qualified buyers than on an independent trip, with attendees carefully aligned to Sierra Leone’s 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 country’s tourism team is poised to:
Highlight Sierra Leone’s diverse experiences—from 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 Leone’s footprint in the competitive North American travel landscape.
NTB COMS Unit.
🎥 Watch the Highlights: Sierra Leone Showcases at Africa Showcase North America Here!
𝙎𝙞𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙖 𝙇𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙢𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙖𝙮: 𝙒𝙏𝙈 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙀𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙩 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.
𝘿𝙖𝙮 𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙖𝙩 𝙒𝙏𝙈_ 5𝙩𝙝 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 2025.
A new spotlight on Sierra Leone’s rich culinary heritage illuminated the National Day celebration, as a WTM food expert certified the country’s 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 Leone’s 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 country’s 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 event’s 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 Leone’s gastronomy to an international audience, highlighting the country’s culinary creativity, hospitality, and rich cultural heritage.
The private sector from Sierra Leone showed robust backing, contributing to the day’s 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.
