Sierra Leone is preparing to host the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in December. The recent inspection mission by UN Tourism has provided an important opportunity to assess the country’s readiness, review key facilities and strengthen coordination among the institutions and partners responsible for delivering the forum.
According to the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Nabeela Farida, preparations go beyond conference halls and accommodation. They encompass visitor experiences that reflect Sierra Leone’s identity, from the panoramic views at Leicester Peak to the conservation work at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the opportunities for local innovation and entrepreneurship.
Gastronomy tourism offers an opportunity to connect the country’s culinary heritage with livelihoods, enterprise and destination development. It also creates space to recognise the people behind food traditions, strengthen links with local producers and present Sierra Leone’s cultural identity to an international audience.
The minister noted that the forum must be more than a gathering, contributing to practical conversations on how African destinations can preserve their food heritage, expand tourism opportunities and ensure local communities participate in the value tourism creates. As preparations continue towards December, the focus remains on strong partnerships, careful preparation and delivering an event that advances Sierra Leone’s tourism ambitions while contributing to the wider development of gastronomy tourism across Africa.
