Sierra Leone has secured 100 scholarships for tourism courses at the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, hosted in Freetown by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

The scholarships, announced by UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona, aim to support individuals committed to tourism education.

The three-day congress focused on reshaping the tourism landscape for African women through enhanced education, innovation, and financial access. With women making up 54% of the global tourism workforce and 70% in Africa, the event emphasized the need for greater investment in the sector.

Tourism Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis highlighted the congress as a mentorship platform for women to realize their full potential.

The event, aligned with Sierra Leone’s National Strategic Tourism Plan and its “Tourism for All” campaign, featured discussions, success stories, and women-led initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s roles in the industry.

A key focus was the Women in Tourism Leadership African Committee, which Sierra Leone currently chairs, and its structure and terms of reference were discussed. The event attracted ministers and international delegates from across the continent.

Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh underscored the government’s commitment to tourism, calling it a crucial enabler of Sierra Leone’s “Big Five” agenda, which brings both economic and social benefits.

He emphasized tourism’s role in sustainable development and strengthening societal bonds. The congress concluded with a call for continued collaboration to empower women in the tourism sector.