– Hundreds of tourism stakeholders joined the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and its agencies on Sunday for a vibrant Health Walk to commemorate World Tourism Day 2026, demonstrating a collective commitment to healthy living, environmental sustainability, and the promotion of Sierra Leone’s tourism industry.
The walk attracted staff from the Ministry, its agencies, private sector operators, and other tourism stakeholders. Participants assembled at Aberdeen Road Junction and proceeded along the designated route before concluding at the Gigibonta Car Park, where a brief ceremony was held.
Addressing participants at the end of the exercise, Senior Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones expressed gratitude to all those who turned out to support the commemoration of this year’s World Tourism Day. She commended the Minister and staff of the Ministry for their dedication and hard work in organising the successful event.
Using herself as an example, Md Jones revealed that she had not participated in such a health exercise for more than a decade, noting the positive impact the walk had on her well-being. She encouraged the Ministry to institutionalise similar activities, suggesting that such exercises be organised quarterly to promote healthier lifestyles among staff and stakeholders.
“This has been a worthwhile experience,” she said, adding that regular physical activity not only improves health but also strengthens team spirit and social interaction among colleagues and partners.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Director of Tourism Mohamed Jalloh highlighted the relationship between healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability. He explained that every step taken during the walk contributed to reducing carbon emissions and advancing awareness about carbon credits and sustainable practices. According to him, initiatives such as health walks help reinforce global and national efforts toward environmental conservation while encouraging citizens to adopt eco-friendly habi
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Nabeela Farida Tunis, thanked all participants for their enthusiastic involvement and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting tourism through innovative and inclusive activities.
She emphasised the importance of commemorating World Tourism Day as part of the Ministry’s annual agenda, particularly under the country’s ongoing focus on culture and creativity as drivers of tourism growth and national development.
The Minister also used the occasion to introduce participants to the Ministry’s newly launched AI-powered Tourism Chatbot Portal, designed to improve access to tourism information and enhance visitor experiences. She noted that the digital platform represents a significant step towards modernising the tourism sector through technology and innovation.
Madam Tunis further informed participants about several major tourism and cultural events scheduled to conclude Sierra Leone’s Year of Culture and Creativity. Among the upcoming highlights are the One Nation Reggae Festival and the 3rd United Nations Africa Gastronomy Conference, both expected to attract international attention and showcase Sierra Leone’s rich cultural heritage, culinary diversity, and tourism potential.
Participants described the Health Walk as a fitting way to commemorate World Tourism Day, combining physical fitness, networking, environmental awareness, and tourism promotion in a single event. Many expressed hope that the initiative would become a regular feature on the Ministry’s calendar.
The event concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among public institutions, private sector operators, and communities to advance sustainable tourism while promoting healthier and more active lifestyles across the country.
The Health Walk formed part of a series of activities organised by the MTCA and its agencies to mark World Tourism Day 2026, underscoring the sector’s role in fostering social wellbeing, environmental stewardship, cultural promotion, and economic development in Sierra Leone.
