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Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, has called on young people to take an active role in shaping the country’s tourism future, as the nation joined the global community to commemorate Global Tourism Resilience Day.
The high-level event was held at the Tunde Cole Building, Fourah Bay College in Freetown. It was 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 programme was convened under the theme, “Tourism Resilience in Action: From Crisis Response to Impactful Transformation.” Activities included a panel discussion and a student debate focused on practical reflection on the future of tourism in Sierra Leone.
In her keynote address, Minister Tunis described resilience as a defining characteristic of Sierra Leone, pointing to the country’s recovery from the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and years of civil conflict. She said these experiences demonstrate the country’s ability not only to respond to crises but also to rebuild stronger institutions and communities.
The Minister announced that the year has been dedicated to Culture and Creativity. She emphasized that music, dance, storytelling and cuisine are not only expressions of national identity but also strong economic assets when sustainably managed. According to her, investing in culture can generate jobs, empower communities and strengthen the tourism sector.
Addressing students directly, Tunis reaffirmed her commitment to placing young voices at the center of tourism resilience efforts. She encouraged them to see themselves as part of the tourism value chain and to actively shape the country’s tourism narrative.
“We must build knowledge, stimulate bold debate, protect our tourism infrastructure, and champion forward-looking strategies that secure the future of our destinations,” she said. “I urge you to own and spread the tourism agenda at every opportunity and on every available platform, in school and in your communities, in your private as well as public lives.”
The discussions at the event aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals promoted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, with emphasis on environmental stewardship, cultural preservation and community empowerment.
The event concluded with what organizers described as a renewed commitment to transform resilience into lasting prosperity and inclusive growth for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector, anchored on youth participation and sustainable development.
