In a historic event aimed at promoting gender equality in tourism, the “Women in Tourism Regional Congress” kicked off in Freetown, Sierra Leone, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.

In her opening statement, Host Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis praised the support of President Julius Maada Bio, the government, and the citizens of Sierra Leone for championing the role of tourism as an economic pillar since 2018.

Minister Tunis highlighted President Bio’s commitment to tourism as a driver of economic growth and job creation, particularly for women and youth, through the country’s latest medium-term national development plan. This initiative has elevated Sierra Leone’s reputation as an emerging global tourism destination.

Organized in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), this Congress marks the first Women in Tourism Leadership Congress in Africa, designed to create a comprehensive framework for women in tourism across the continent. The UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and his team have offered 100 scholarships to bolster women’s involvement in the sector, with UNWTO representative Elcia Grandcourt present to support the Congress.

“This Congress serves as a transformative platform to move beyond empowerment, equipping women with actionable support, access to resources, and fair opportunities in tourism,” said Minister Tunis. The three-day event is set to focus on economic empowerment, gender equality, and creating a supportive environment for women-led tourism businesses across Africa.

More than 377 organizations and individuals from Sierra Leone are participating, representing women entrepreneurs and advocates who have long faced barriers to leadership roles and financial resources in the tourism sector. Through workshops and sessions led by tourism ministers and women leaders from across Africa, the Congress will provide networking opportunities and a technical workshop on financing, essential for the growth of women-owned tourism enterprises.

Emphasizing the importance of financial access, Minister Tunis outlined plans to strengthen women’s associations, enhance income opportunities, and facilitate market access. The Congress will contribute to larger goals in line with the African Union’s tourism strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in tourism.

Minister Tunis underscored the Congress’s significance, saying, “Our goal is to uplift women out of poverty, empower them as leaders, and position them to contribute actively to the tourism industry’s growth across Africa.” The Congress will also address disparities in the tourism industry, with calls for African governments to prioritize tourism financing and development for women.

As the Chair of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee, Sierra Leone has taken on a leading role in promoting gender equity in tourism, reflecting a commitment to creating a robust framework for female leadership in the sector. Tunis urged all stakeholders to engage actively in the Congress, contributing to a strategic action plan to bridge gender gaps and drive sustainable tourism across the continent.

The Congress also provides an opportunity for international delegates to experience Sierra Leone’s culture and tourism, which Minister Tunis emphasized as a source of pride. In closing, she thanked delegates for their commitment, reiterating the Congress’s motto, “Tourism Business na all man business,” highlighting the unifying role of tourism in Africa’s socio-economic growth.