Sierra Leone Unveils AI Tourism Assistant ‘WAKABOT’ on World Tourism Day 2026
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone marked World Tourism Day 2026 under the global theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” using the occasion to unveil a new digital tool aimed at modernizing the visitor experience.
Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, announced the soft-launch of WAKABOT, an AI-powered tourism assistant developed in partnership with Passporterr Technologies and teams within the Ministry.
Designed to streamline travel planning, WAKABOT allows visitors to discover destinations across Sierra Leone, access real-time tourism information, and build personalized itineraries—all within a single digital interface.
“Technology can amplify our story, but it cannot replace Sierra Leonean warmth,” Tunis said. “WAKABOT is only the beginning.”
Tourism Growth and Investment
Alongside the technological rollout, the Minister highlighted a period of positive momentum for the nation’s tourism sector. According to the Ministry, tourist arrivals have increased by over 20%, while tourism receipts continue to grow.
Investment is also flowing into key sectors, with new funding reaching accommodation facilities and tourism infrastructure. Local creatives and host communities are reportedly seeing increased benefits from the sector’s expansion.
Upcoming Events and Engagement
Sierra Leone is preparing for a busy season of international engagement. Highlights include:
- The One Nation Reggae Festival – Scheduled for November, aiming to draw music tourists from across the diaspora.
- The Third UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa – Set to take place in December, positioning Sierra Leone as a hub for culinary tourism on the continent.
On-the-Ground Celebrations
The World Tourism Day celebrations extended beyond official announcements. The Ministry’s program included stops at Bureh Beach, a procession along Aberdeen Road to Gigibonta, and engagement sessions at local universities and schools.
The itinerary reflected the Minister’s stated commitment to “participatory, sustainable and smarter tourism,” emphasizing community involvement and youth engagement in the sector’s future.
As Sierra Leone continues to rebrand its image to the world, the launch of WAKABOT signals a strategic pivot toward digital innovation—while keeping culture and hospitality central to the visitor journey.
