ITB Berlin 2026: Sierra Leone Forges Tourism Future with Partnerships, Plates & Policy
From Berlin to Freetown: Sierra Leone Sets the Table for Africa’s Biggest Gastronomy Gathering
Sierra Leone is making bold moves on the international tourism circuit. Fresh from a series of high-level engagements at ITB Berlin 2026, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis led a delegation that signaled the country’s growing ambition as a destination worth watching.
A Strong Presence in Berlin
At one of the world’s most influential travel trade fairs, Sierra Leone held its ground — literally and figuratively. The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, alongside private sector partners, hosted a dedicated stand where conversations with tour operators, investors, and media centred on one clear message: Sierra Leone is open, ready, and investing in its tourism future.
Central to those discussions was the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project, with stakeholders examining three critical pillars:
- Infrastructure readiness
- Hospitality standards
- Digital promotion
These aren’t just talking points — they represent the scaffolding of a destination being built with intention.
Gastronomy, Diplomacy & Culture
Beyond the exhibition floor, the visit yielded meaningful diplomatic progress. Minister Tunis met with the UN Tourism team to advance preparations for the UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for Africa 2026, which Sierra Leone will proudly host from 2–4 December 2026. This is a landmark moment — a global gathering of gastronomy and tourism leaders, coming to West Africa.
In a separate bilateral meeting, Minister Tunis sat down with Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, to explore shared priorities around resilience-building and bilateral tourism cooperation. A draft Memorandum of Understanding is currently under consideration — a tangible outcome that speaks to the seriousness of both nations’ intent.
And if you needed a taste of what’s to come? Guests at Wednesday’s cocktail reception were treated to Sierra Leonean cuisine, offering a delicious preview of the country’s rich culinary heritage ahead of December’s Forum.
Culture at the Heart of It All
Sierra Leone isn’t just selling beaches and landscapes — it’s positioning culture and creativity as the soul of its tourism offering. Adding to the excitement is the anticipated return of the One Nation Reggae Festival in 2026, a celebration of the deep cultural ties between Sierra Leone and the Caribbean, woven through music, heritage, and shared history.
An Invitation to the World
The momentum is real, and the invitation is open. All partners, stakeholders, and curious travellers are encouraged to witness and participate in what promises to be a defining year for Sierra Leone on the global tourism map.
Mark your calendars: the UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for Africa 2026 takes place 2–4 December 2026 in Sierra Leone.
