Sierra Leone joined the global community on 17 February 2026 to commemorate Global Tourism Resilience Day, with a high-level event held at the Tunde Cole Building, Fourah Bay College in Freetown. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the University of Sierra Leone Creative and Theatre Group and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, the event was convened under the theme “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation. Sponsored by the One Love Salone Foundation, the commemoration brought together tourism stakeholders, academics, students, and pupils to deliberate on strengthening the sector against global disruptions.
In his welcome address, Vice President of the University of Sierra Leone, Mr. Friencis Bockarie, underscored the timeliness of the theme for a country that has endured civil conflict, health crises, and natural disasters. He commended the Ministry and partners for fostering youth engagement and critical dialogue, noting that resilience is essential for building a sustainable, secure, and inclusive tourism industry. The programme featured a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Francis Momoh, alongside a vibrant student debate moderated by Emmanuel Summa, encouraging practical reflection on the future of tourism in Sierra Leone.
The panel brought together key industry voices including Madam Ngadi Kamara of Hotel Barmoi, Madam Dori Turay of Sierra Leone Hidden Gems, Mr. Hassan H. Senessie of the Eco-Tourism Hub, and Mr. Foday Jalloh, Director of Culture, Creativity, and Innovation at the Ministry. Discussions explored how resilience enables tourism to survive and thrive amid crises such as pandemics and economic shocks, drawing lessons from global recovery models including Jamaica’s post-COVID-19 strategy. The conversation aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, emphasizing environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Students from Fourah Bay College and Milton Margai Technical University debated whether resilient tourism practices can coexist with economic growth, while pupils from various schools gained valuable insight into the sector’s future.
Delivering the keynote address, Honourable Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis highlighted resilience as a defining trait of Sierra Leone, referencing the nation’s recovery from Ebola, COVID-19, and past conflicts. She declared the year dedicated to Culture and Creativity, stressing that music, dance, storytelling, and cuisine are powerful economic assets when sustainably harnessed. Encouraging students to recognize their place within the tourism value chain, she called for bold youth participation in shaping the country’s tourism narrative. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to transforming resilience into lasting prosperity and inclusive growth for Sierra Leone.
