The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and its agencies, the National Tourist Board (NTB) and the Monuments and Relics Commission (MRC), have commemorated World Tourism Day 2025 in Pujehun under the global theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.” The event drew hundreds of people including school pupils, cultural groups, district stakeholders and former Vice President, Victor B. Foh, who all joined to showcase the rich tourism and cultural potential of the district.
The celebration, held in preparation for Sierra Leone’s hosting of the 2026 Regional Gastronomy for Africa in Freetown, featured live cooking and food tasting in Pujehun, highlighting Sierra Leone’s diverse culinary traditions. Spectators were thrilled with cultural performances, breathtaking acrobatics, and skit performances on the theme of the celebration by the International Theatre Institute, led by the Director of Culture, Creativity and Innovation, Foday Jalloh, which sent a strong message that resonated with the audience.
In their collective statements, Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones, Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh and NTB General Manager Fatmata Mida Carew emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, underscoring the need to protect the environment while embracing sustainable tourism practices. They commended Minister Nabeela Tunis for her visionary leadership in advancing tourism and outlined the importance of the nationwide Nature-Based Ecotourism Digital Training. Madam Carew particularly highlighted the benefits of Sierra Leone’s upcoming hosting of the UN Tourism Gastronomy for Africa, noting the immense opportunities it would bring to the country’s image and economy.
Delivering the keynote, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, described Pujehun as a district with enormous untapped tourism value. She called on development partners to collaborate with the Ministry to invest in tourism, create jobs and empower local communities. She also presented books to school pupils as part of efforts to promote tourism education across the country.
Local stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs, Members of Parliament, women leaders and former Vice President Victor B. Foh, welcomed the commemoration in Pujehun with pride. They expressed confidence that the event would boost cultural awareness, strengthen peaceful coexistence and inspire communities to embrace tourism.
MTCA Communications
