Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis, presented the country as a promising tourism destination at the ITB High Level Ministerial Global Roundtable in Berlin.

Speaking at the event, hosted by CNN’s Richard Quest, Minister Tunis referred to Sierra Leone as “the new kid on the block” in the tourism industry.

Minister Tunis was joined by tourism leaders from Albania, Croatia, and the European Travel Commission. She discussed the country’s hospitality, stunning natural resources, and rich culture as key attractions for travelers. “Hospitality comes naturally to Sierra Leoneans,” she said, noting the country’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism through the “Tourism for All Campaign,” which trains citizens to preserve natural resources.

The Minister also spoke about the country’s focus on ecotourism for 2025, integrating nature, culture, arts, and conservation. While acknowledging the challenge of connectivity, Minister Tunis pointed out that every destination offers something unique. “Every country has its own unique product, and we must focus on our strengths,” she said.

Looking forward, Minister Tunis discussed the plans to attract more investment in infrastructure and roll out the Public Private Community Partnership model to ensure sustainability. Sierra Leone’s key tourism markets include Canada, the USA, and Europe. Visitors are often captivated by the country’s authenticity and return with more travelers.

The session concluded with Richard Quest and other panelists expressing their interest in visiting Sierra Leone to experience the country’s tourism potential firsthand.