Sierra Leone has intensified preparations to host the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its agencies conducting a high-level inspection of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi.
The delegation, led by Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Tunis, visited the conference centre on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, to assess its readiness to host the continental forum scheduled for December 2–4, 2026.
The visit brought together senior officials from the Ministry and the National Tourist Board, including the Director of Tourism, Deputy Director of Culture, Marketing Manager, and Head of Public Affairs and Communications. Representatives from Eminence Entertainment and The Betts Firm also participated in the inspection.
The assessment focused on the centre’s technical and logistical capacity to accommodate the high-profile gathering, which is expected to bring together tourism ministers, policymakers, international chefs, hospitality professionals and global media.
During the tour, the delegation inspected the main plenary hall, which can accommodate more than 1,200 delegates and is equipped with modern audio-visual systems and interpretation booths. Breakout rooms, media facilities and exhibition spaces were also assessed to determine how they could best support the forum’s programme.
Particular attention was given to identifying spaces that could accommodate immersive culinary experiences showcasing Sierra Leone’s rich gastronomic heritage. These activities are expected to complement the country’s “Culture and Creativity” campaign, which seeks to use cultural assets to promote inclusive economic development.
Tunis secured Sierra Leone’s hosting rights during the second edition of the UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism, held in Arusha, Tanzania, last year.
The minister has highlighted gastronomy tourism as an important avenue for preserving cultural heritage while creating opportunities for economic growth and local enterprise development.
Following successful editions in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, the 2026 forum will place Sierra Leone at the centre of Africa’s growing focus on gastronomy tourism and culinary diplomacy.
The preparations have also attracted significant private-sector participation, with the Sierra Leone Chef Association, restaurateurs, international Sierra Leonean chefs and the Hospitality Association of Sierra Leone expected to contribute to the event.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, together with the National Tourist Board and the Monuments and Relics Commission, is coordinating key aspects of the preparations, including logistics and international promotion of the forum.
The December gathering is expected to provide opportunities for local chefs, small-scale food producers, hospitality businesses and cultural entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to an international audience.
With preparations gathering momentum, the Ministry has called for wider stakeholder participation to ensure the success of the event and strengthen Sierra Leone’s position as a competitive, welcoming and quality tourism destination.
The successful hosting of the forum would also provide Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase its culinary traditions and cultural identity while connecting its tourism and hospitality industries with markets and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
