The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and its agencies, with support from the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), have advanced their nationwide Nature-Based Digital Ecotourism Training to Makeni, Bombali District, as part of the Year of Ecotourism Campaign. The two-day engagement combined capacity-building sessions with field visits to key attractions including Wusum Hills (Waterworks), the People’s Education Art and Craft Centre, and Patebana Marank, reinforcing the Ministry’s drive to promote community participation, digital innovation, and sustainable tourism growth across Sierra Leone.
Welcoming the delegation, Chief Santigie Sesay, Regent Chief Representative of Bombali Shebora Chiefdom, commended government’s prioritization of tourism as a catalyst for local economic growth and improved livelihoods. Other dignitaries, including representatives from the Hotel and Tourism Association North, the Provincial Secretary, Bombali District Council Chairman, and the Resident Minister Northeast Region, also made valuable contributions.
In his remarks, Deputy Director of Tourism, Travel and Exchange Program, Idrissa Bangura, noted that the training aligns with the National Tourism Policy and the Ecotourism Development and Action Plan, designed to equip communities with digital skills and sustainable tourism practices. He described Makeni as a district rich in natural and cultural heritage and called for collective efforts to identify and promote its attractions.
The training featured interactive presentations on content creation for tourism promotion, digital marketing, biodiversity conservation, sustainable tourism management, and the tourism value chain. Participants enthusiastically shared ideas on how to adapt these lessons to Makeni’s unique context and demonstrated commitment by signing up to the Ministry’s Ecotourism Initiative.
Following the workshop, participants and MTCA staff visited the Wusum Hills (Waterworks), a heritage site for adventure tourism and traditional rites, the People’s Education Art and Craft Centre, known for its creative use of local materials, and Patebana Marank, a sacred ceremonial village where Paramount Chiefs are crowned and laid to rest.
Through this engagement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to empowering communities, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and positioning Makeni as a leading destination blending nature, culture, and adventure.
MTCA Communications
