The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Tunis, announced Sierra Leone's readiness to host the UN Tourism International Conference on Women in Tourism Leadership from 29th to 31st October 2024. The event will take place at the Freetown International Conference Centre and mark a historic moment for the nation.
During a government press conference on 22nd October, Minister Tunis highlighted the government's renewed engagement with UN Tourism, facilitated by the payment of outstanding dues. She noted that this conference will bring together approximately 600 participants, predominantly women, from across Sierra Leone and Africa, fostering dialogue on women's leadership in the tourism sector.
"This conference is an opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone's cultural and tourism potential," Tunis stated. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the tourism sector's value and its contributions to economic growth, a priority outlined in the national development plan initiated in 2018 by President Julius Maada Bio.
Madam Tunis also acknowledged the need for Sierra Leone to enhance its tourism identity, distinguishing itself from nations like The Gambia, which has established a more extended history in the tourism industry. She emphasized that the local tourism sector has vast potential, from hospitality and cultural heritage to creative industries, and called for an inclusive approach that benefits all Sierra Leoneans.
As the nation gears up for this significant conference, the Minister reiterated that "tourism is a sector that benefits everyone," urging communities to engage in and recognize tourism's opportunities.
Aiah Ishaka Godswill Ngaujah
SLENA Correspondent
Tel: +232 79 832190
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