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.
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
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!
Join SLEDP in celebrating Fatmata Mida Carew, Managing Director of the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, whose visionary leadership is helping transform tourism into a driver of economic diversification and global visibility for Sierra Leone.
Discover her inspiring story and see how institutional reform and bold leadership are shaping the future of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. Read more:
Fatmata Mida Carew: The Institutional Reformer Powering Sierra Leone’s Tourism Renaissance
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.
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.
