The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA), and its agencies with support from the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), has successfully concluded the nationwide Nature-Based Digital Ecotourism Training and Site Engagements across eight districts, Kailahun, Bo, Pujehun, Kono, Kabala Makeni (Bombali), Kambia, and Port Loko, under the ongoing 2025 Year of Ecotourism Campaign. The initiative aimed to build local capacity, promote sustainable tourism practices, and identify potential ecotourism sites to diversify Sierra Leone’s tourism offerings.
The final leg of the exercise took place in Port Loko District, where the Deputy Mayor of Port Loko, the Deputy Chief Administrator, and other key stakeholders expressed their appreciation for the training. They commended the Ministry for extending such an impactful initiative to their district and pledged to implement the knowledge gained to enhance local tourism management and marketing. Similar sentiments of overwhelming acceptance and applause were recorded in all the other districts visited, reflecting the growing recognition of tourism as a viable tool for socio-economic development.
During the two-day engagement in Port Loko, participants were trained on digital content creation, destination branding, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable community-based tourism models. The sessions also emphasized collaboration among local authorities, traditional leaders, and youth entrepreneurship to promote eco-friendly tourism ventures. Across all eight districts, participants and stakeholders symbolically demonstrated their unity and commitment by signing the Ecotourism Commitment Banner, an initiative that represents a nationwide pledge to champion sustainable and inclusive tourism development in Sierra Leone.
As part of the field visits, the MTCA team and participants toured Magbeni Resort, located by the scenic Magbona River in Bakeh Loko Chiefdom, a serene and eco-friendly site popular for outings and cultural gatherings. They also explored the Rompapa Area in Maforki Chiefdom, known for its historical significance as home to ruling houses and its proximity to the picturesque Bankasoka Dam, which offers excellent potential for leisure and nature-based recreation. These sites were identified as key assets for future development under the Ecotourism Action Plan.
Throughout the eight districts, the training consistently showcased the Ministry’s commitment to empowering communities through tourism education, promoting digital literacy in the sector, and encouraging local ownership of natural and cultural heritage. Participants across the country lauded the program’s practicality, noting that it has not only broadened their understanding of ecotourism but also inspired initiatives to protect and market their local attractions.
By the successful completion of the nationwide tour, MTCA with SLEDP support reaffirmed the mission to position Sierra Leone as a competitive and sustainable ecotourism destination in West Africa, where communities thrive, nature is preserved, and visitors experience the authentic beauty of the country’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
MTCA Communications
