By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone is gearing up to host its inaugural Regional Conference on Tourism on the themed “Blood and Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,” from October 29 to 31, 2024, at the Freetown City Council Hall. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, made the announcement during the Government Weekly Press Briefing, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s tourism sector.
This landmark event will unite approximately 600 participants, with 500 women from various communities across the continent. The conference aims to create a supportive platform for women in tourism, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the industry. Minister Tunis noted the significance of engaging women in tourism leadership, citing that they represent 70 percent of the sector’s workforce.
The conference is expected to facilitate discussions on innovative strategies for enhancing tourism in Sierra Leone, as well as provide educational opportunities on digital marketing and product showcasing. Minister Tunis highlighted the need for empowerment through cultural and creative initiatives, including traditional crafts and Gara dyeing, to boost local revenue.
In collaboration with the United Nations Tourism, the conference will build on the “Tourism for All Campaign,” an initiative launched by Minister Tunis to increase awareness of tourism’s value among citizens. This reflects a broader commitment to developing Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, which gained momentum in 2018 when it was recognized as a key economic driver.
The upcoming conference is not just an opportunity for networking but a chance to outline a structured action plan for the next two years under the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee, which Sierra Leone currently chairs. This effort aims to elevate women’s roles in the tourism sector and advocate for their needs at the African Union level.
Minister Tunis’s vision for tourism in Sierra Leone is not only about economic growth but also about creating a more inclusive and empowered workforce, showcasing the potential for women to thrive in this vibrant industry. As Sierra Leone takes this significant step on the tourism stage, the focus remains on community engagement and sustainable development.
