By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope
On February 17, 2026, over 200 students, lecturers, private sector leaders, and tourism practitioners convened at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, to celebrate Global Tourism Resilience Day. The event was spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, who emphasized the importance of youth voices in shaping the future of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector.
In her keynote address, Minister Tunis acknowledged the influential work of Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, and Lloyd Waller of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre. Their efforts have paved the way for meaningful conversations around resilience-focused tourism on a global scale.
“We must build knowledge, stimulate bold debate, protect our tourism infrastructure, and champion strategies that secure the future of our destinations,” Tunis stated. She encouraged participants to advocate for tourism both in their schools and communities, urging them to take ownership of the tourism agenda.
The Minister reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the creative expressions of young Sierra Leoneans, particularly in line with this year’s theme, “Year of Culture and Creativity.” “We will amplify your voices and provide platforms for those who need them,” she promised.
The event featured expert panel discussions, engaging student policy debates, and a captivating drama performance focused on inclusion and tourism resilience. Among the notable contributions was a proposal from students to establish a research center dedicated to tourism resilience, aimed at understanding trends and fostering tailored, sustainable strategies.
Participants included representatives from institutions such as Fourah Bay College, IPAM, Limkokwing University, Milton Margai University of Science and Technology, and leading secondary schools, as well as officials from the Ministry. This gathering reinforced the idea that tourism is a vital and resilient sector capable of empowering youth and fostering community growth.
Sierra Leone used this occasion to reaffirm that tourism remains one of the world’s most adaptable industries, with a strong focus on including young voices—especially students and emerging creatives, who are essential to driving innovation and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Sierra Leone aims to establish youth-centered platforms as part of its strategic preparation for the Year of Sustainable Tourism in 2027, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly. Through structured dialogue and active participation, young people will not only observe but also shape the future of a resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation by Dr. Fatu Taqi, Head of the USL Creative and Cultural Theatre Group, recognizing the contributions of schools and universities. The Ministry also expressed gratitude to members of the Ecotourism Hub for their active engagement.
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