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Sierra Leone has officially secured the rights to host the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, marking a significant milestone for West African tourism.
The event will take place in Freetown from December 2 to December 4, 2026, and is expected to draw international chefs, policymakers, tourism ministers, and global media.
The announcement came on the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, after a high-level meeting between the Sierra Leonean delegation and the leadership of UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO).
The Sierra Leonean team was led by the country’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, and the UN Tourism team was headed by Madam Elsia Grancourt, Regional Director for Africa.
Minister Tunis expressed her pride in securing the hosting rights for this prestigious event, emphasizing its importance for both Sierra Leone and the broader African continent.
“Sierra Leone is ready to showcase its rich culinary heritage to the world,” Minister Tunis said. “Gastronomy is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and economic growth, and we are honored to lead this conversation for the continent in 2026.”
The UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is a key platform designed to promote the relationship between food, culture, and tourism. It provides an opportunity for African nations to showcase their culinary traditions while contributing to the growth of tourism.
With the selection of Sierra Leone as the host country for the third edition of the forum, the nation joins a distinguished group of African countries leading the charge in culinary diplomacy. The first edition will take place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe in July 2024, followed by the second edition in Tanzania in April 2025.
Madam Grancourt and her team expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s ability to deliver a world-class event. During the meetings, Minister Tunis and her team demonstrated a strong level of preparedness, addressing the technical and logistical requirements outlined by UN Tourism.
The 2026 forum is expected to significantly boost Sierra Leone’s local hospitality sector and provide a global stage for the unique culinary offerings of the country, often referred to as the “Lion Mountain.”
It is anticipated that the event will attract notable figures from the global tourism and culinary industries, showcasing the potential of Sierra Leone as a rising tourism destination.
As the country prepares for the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs is urging stakeholders and the private sector to collaborate in making the 2026 Gastronomy Forum a historic success for both Sierra Leone and the entire African continent.
