UN Tourism Team Assesses Sierra Leone’s Readiness to Host Africa Gastronomy Forum
Sia Lucy Kannah A high-level delegation from UN Tourism Headquarters in Spain has concluded an inspection mission to Sierra Leone as part of preparations for the 3rd UN Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum.
The delegation assessed key tourism, cultural, conference and accommodation facilities, including Leicester Peak Viewing Site, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the Innovation Centre and Sugar Land. The visits focused on tourism potential, wildlife conservation, local innovation, hospitality services and recreational facilities for international participants.
The team also inspected the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre, the proposed venue for the forum, reviewing its conference halls, meeting rooms, technical facilities and support services to ensure they meet international standards. Designated accommodation facilities were also assessed for capacity, service quality and readiness to host international guests.
In her farewell remarks, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Tunis thanked the UN Tourism delegation, technical working groups, sector agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the assessment. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering a world-class forum and emphasised the importance of continued cooperation, stakeholder participation and collaboration with UN Tourism and development partners.
The inspection forms part of the final preparations for the forum, which is expected to bring together policymakers, tourism experts, investors, chefs, entrepreneurs and development partners from across Africa and beyond.