A delegation from UN Tourism has successfully concluded an inspection mission in Sierra Leone ahead of the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Tourism Forum for Africa, expressing satisfaction with the country’s preparations to host the continental event.
The team comprised Aldo Busin, Senior Project Specialist in the Regional Department for Africa, and Chloe Bougeard, Project Specialist in Market Intelligence, Policies and Competitiveness.
During the mission, the delegation assessed key conference, accommodation, tourism and cultural facilities, including the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre, the designated forum venue. The team reviewed conference halls, meeting rooms, technical facilities and support services to assess their readiness to meet international standards.
The delegation also visited Leicester Peak Viewing Site, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the Innovation Centre and Sugar Land to evaluate their potential to showcase Sierra Leone’s natural attractions, wildlife conservation efforts, local innovation and hospitality to international delegates.
The team held discussions with senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, sector agencies and technical working groups on preparations, logistics, stakeholder coordination and areas requiring further attention.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a successful forum that will promote Sierra Leone’s culinary heritage, cultural diversity and tourism potential while encouraging investment, job creation and sustainable tourism development.
In her remarks, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs thanked the UN Tourism delegation and stakeholders for their contributions to the inspection mission. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening preparations and sustaining collaboration with UN Tourism and partners to ensure a world-class event.
The forum is expected to bring together policymakers, tourism experts, investors, chefs, entrepreneurs and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
With the inspection mission completed, Sierra Leone is moving into the final stages of preparation, aiming to position itself as a leading destination for gastronomy tourism in Africa.
