By: Saidu Jalloh
The country is poised to host its first-ever regional women’s tourism conference from October 29 to 31, 2024, at the Freetown International Conference Center. This landmark event aims to empower women in the tourism sector and bolster the nation’s tourism industry.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the United Nations (UN), the conference marks a significant step toward enhancing women’s representation in tourism. During a press briefing on October 21, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Tunis emphasized the event’s importance in unlocking opportunities for women. She noted that the concept arose from discussions with the UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General earlier this year, highlighting her vision for a more inclusive tourism sector accessible to all citizens.
“The conference will serve as a platform for key discussions, including the presentation of an action plan to the African Union aimed at increasing women’s participation in tourism across the continent,” Tunis stated. Women constitute a substantial portion of the tourism workforce—between 67% and 70%—yet many encounter barriers to leadership roles and access to resources.
The conference is expected to attract over 600 participants, with around 500 being women from various African nations. Currently, 59 delegates from 12 countries have registered, with many set to arrive in Freetown by October 25. Tunis described the gathering as pivotal for the tourism sector, which has seen significant momentum since President Julius Maada Bio’s National Development Plan of 2018 identified tourism as a key driver of economic growth.
Fatmata H. Carew, Managing Director of the National Tourism Board, referred to the event as a “landmark achievement” for the country. She commended Minister Tunis for her leadership and outlined the extensive planning efforts underway to ensure a successful conference. Multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the police, and the Office of National Security (ONS), are collaborating to provide security and logistical support.
In addition to high-level discussions, the conference will showcase the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Local women will present traditional crafts, and attendees are encouraged to wear traditional attire and sample local cuisine. The Ministry of Tourism is also focused on presenting a clean and welcoming Freetown to international visitors, partnering with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs for city-wide clean-up initiatives ahead of the event. Carew remarked, “This is our opportunity to show the world what we have to offer. It’s not just about tourism; it’s about national pride.”
As the country prepares to welcome delegates from across Africa, the inaugural regional women’s tourism conference underscores its growing influence in promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism on the continent.
