The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs alongside the National Tourist Board has in a press conference updated newsmen on their recent trips to Zambia and Zimbabwe where they attended the 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa and the first UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa respectively. The presser was part of the Ministry’s initiative to inform the public through the media on the outcome of international trips.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary Edward Kwame Yankson stated that the engagements in Zambia and Zimbabwe were amongst the most successful international trips undertaken by the Ministry and the National Tourist Board (NTB)
Speaking to newsmen, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis stated that the 67 CAF meeting in Zambia was attended by Tourism Ministers across Africa where they rekindled and reaffirmed their commitment to the Tourism agenda for Africa. On the need to enhance movement and improve connectivity, Minister Tunis put forward Sierra Leone’s visa on arrival policy. She explained the ten-year Tourism Strategic Plan coupled with their readiness to compete for MICE Tourism, a commitment that was well received by UN Tourism. Discussion around how Africa should brand itself was also prominent, whiles Minister Tunis informed the meeting on how well the maiden Tourism for All Campaign has opened the space and creating awareness about tourism. The meeting strengthened Sierra Leone’s relationship with UN Tourism where it was seen as a prominent partner and also admitted as a full member. Bilateral meetings were held with Zambian Tourism Minister, D.R. Congo Tourism Ministry as well as discussions with the UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa who committed to holding tourism conferences in Sierra Leone in the near future.
For Zimbabwe, Minister Tunis and team attended the inaugural Regional Gastronomy meeting where they had the opportunity to witness food exhibition by other countries. She disclosed that UN Tourism has approved Sierra Leone’s proposal to host the 3rd Regional UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum for Africa in 2026. “For us, it is huge, because we advocated passionately that Sierra Leone is known for it food and fashion and hosting of a UN Conference in Sierra Leone will increase arrivals aside from other meetings expected to be held”, she maintained. At the Women in Tourism Leadership African Committee (WiTLAC), brainstorming meeting chaired by Minister Tunis, they agreed to host a WiTLAC Conference in Sierra Leone from 29th-31st October, 2024. Discussions were held with Sierra Leonean Chef Fatmata Binta, a UN Tourism Brand Ambassador. Minister Tunis and team met with the First Lady of Angola and interacted with the Fisrt Lady of Zimbabwe who invited them to meetings and extended invitation to First Lady, Fatima Bio that promises greater cooperation.
General Manager, National Tourist Board, Fatmata Carew served as chairperson on Brand and Communications Committee during the UN Tourism conference in Zambia on Brand Africa on the theme: Promoting Africa to Unlock Tourism Investments and the sectors growth potentials. She explained to newsmen on the importance of enhancing domestic policies, infrastructure, improving workforce skills and promoting positive image about Sierra Leone
Questions posed by newsmen to seek clarity on the outcomes of the engagements in Zambia and Zimbabwe were swiftly answered by the Minister Tunis and the General Manager, NTB.
MTCA Communications
