MTCA, Freetown, 13TH October 2026 – A two-person high-level delegation from the United Nations Tourism Headquarters in Spain, comprising Chloe Bougeard, Project Specialist in Market Intelligence, Policies and Competitiveness at UN Tourism, and Aldo Busin, Senior Project Specialist in the Regional Department for Africa at UN Tourism, has successfully concluded its inspection mission to Sierra Leone as part of preparations for the forthcoming 3rd UN Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum, expressing satisfaction with the country’s readiness to host the prestigious continental event.
The inspection team conducted a comprehensive assessment of key tourism, conference, accommodation, and cultural facilities that will play a central role during the forum. The delegation visited the iconic Leicester Peak Viewing Site, where it enjoyed panoramic views of Freetown and evaluated its potential as a destination for visiting delegates and tourists.
The team also toured Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, one of Sierra Leone’s premier eco-tourism attractions, where discussions focused on sustainable tourism practices and wildlife conservation as important elements of the country’s tourism offering. At the Innovation Centre, the delegation explored opportunities for showcasing local innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth-led initiatives during the gastronomy event.
Another highlight of the inspection was a visit to Sugar Land, where the delegation assessed hospitality services and recreational facilities that could enhance the experience of international participants attending the forum.
In addition to the site visits, UN Tourism officials conducted detailed inspections of the Julius Maada Bio Conference Centre, the proposed forum venue. The team reviewed conference halls, meeting rooms, technical facilities, and support services to ensure they meet the international standards required to host a major global event. The team also inspected accommodation facilities designated for participants to assess their capacity, service quality, and readiness to welcome international guests.
As part of the mission, the delegation held a strategic engagement with the Senior Management Team of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, representatives of sector agencies including the General Manager-NTB, Senior Permanent Secretary and Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and members of the technical working groups responsible for planning the event. The meeting provided an opportunity to review progress made so far, discuss logistical arrangements, identify areas requiring further attention, and strengthen coordination among stakeholders.
During the engagement, officials of the ministry reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to delivering a successful and memorable forum that will showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage, cultural diversity, and growing tourism potential. Stakeholders highlighted the forum as a significant opportunity to position Sierra Leone as a leading gastronomy and tourism destination on the African continent while stimulating investment, job creation, and sustainable tourism development.
In her farewell remarks at the close of the mission, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs expressed appreciation to the UN Tourism delegation, the technical working groups, sector agencies and all stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the success of the assessment visit. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s strong commitment to enhancing and strengthening the Gastronomy Tourism Forum, noting that the assessment exercise forms part of an ongoing process towards delivering a world-class event. The Minister further emphasized that the Ministry looks forward to continued cooperation, broader stakeholder participation and sustained collaboration with UN Tourism and partners as preparations advance towards the hosting of the forum.
The inspection visits form part of the final preparatory process leading to the hosting of the 3rd UN Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum, an event expected to bring together policymakers, tourism experts, investors, chefs, entrepreneurs and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
With the successful completion of the inspection mission, preparations are expected to enter their final phase as Sierra Leone intensifies efforts to welcome delegates and showcase the country’s unique blend of culture, cuisine, hospitality and natural attractions to the world.
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