As part of activities marking World Tourism Day 2026, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its agencies hosted a community dialogue and panel discussion at Bureh Beach under the theme “Re-imagining Tourism.”

The event brought together coastal community leaders, youth representatives, tourism stakeholders, private-sector partners, and residents to discuss sustainable tourism, community ownership, and the protection of Sierra Leone’s natural and cultural assets.

Hon. Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis emphasized that tourism is a shared responsibility and called on communities to take ownership of protecting the beaches, heritage, and other resources that attract visitors to Sierra Leone. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships that improve tourism infrastructure and ensure that communities benefit directly and indirectly from the sector.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of digital innovation, announcing the launch of WAKABOT, an AI-powered tourism chatbot developed in partnership with Passporter to improve access to tourism information and enhance the visitor experience.

A key highlight was the signing of a commitment by leaders of eight coastal communities to promote sustainable beach management, environmental protection, responsible tourism, and shared benefits.

The celebration also included a health walk from Aberdeen Road to Gigibonta, promoting wellness, unity, and community participation. The Ministry reaffirmed that as Sierra Leone embraces digital innovation and artificial intelligence, people remain at the heart of tourism development.

The event concluded with a shared commitment: sustainable tourism begins with empowered communities taking responsibility for the destinations they call home.