By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Reporter
BERLIN, Germany Sierra Leone’s “Mini Gastronomy and Cultural Day” was a remarkable highlight at ITB Berlin 2026, showcasing the country’s culinary heritage and cultural richness. The event not only celebrated food but also reshaped perceptions of Sierra Leone as a travel destination for the German market, captivating the attention of international travel trade professionals and potential tourists alike.
The Sierra Leone pavilion buzzed with activity, attracting “queues upon queues” of enthusiastic visitors. Spearheading the initiative was Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, who, along with her team dressed in the national colors of green, white, and blue, shared the “fine art of food science” by presenting traditional Sierra Leonean dishes and beverages with flair.
In a thoughtful approach to engage the local audience, the delegation showcased a meticulously curated menu, translated into German and displayed on traditional local boards. This gesture not only highlighted cultural integration but also demonstrated the country’s readiness to host the upcoming official UN Tourism Gastronomy event scheduled for December.
The atmosphere transformed into a vibrant celebration as the day progressed, with the rhythmic sounds of traditional drums filling the hall. Attendees described the ambience as a “rhythm of expectations,” culminating in a spirited performance of Sierra Leonean cultural songs and dances that drew in neighboring delegations and dignitaries.
Minister Tunis acted as a gracious host, welcoming governmental representatives from various nations who visited the Sierra Leone booth. She celebrated the event as a “winning moment” for the country’s tourism sector and underscored the necessity of such collaborations for industry growth.
The success of this showcase was attributed to a cohesive “support system unmatched,” driven by close collaboration among several key entities, including the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Sierra Leone Embassy in Germany, the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), and the National Tourist Board (NTB). Private sector partners such as IPC, HSL, and Kallon Travels also played significant roles, along with the culinary expertise of renowned Sierra Leonean Chef Suzan.
This vibrant showcase serves as a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing tourist arrivals from the German-speaking region, an essential “tourist-generating” market. By delivering an authentic and high-quality experience, the National Tourist Board aims to elevate Sierra Leone’s global profile.
As the celebratory drums faded at ITB Berlin, one message prevailed: Sierra Leone is not merely a location on a map but a rich sensory experience of flavors, rhythms, and unmatched hospitality, ready to welcome the world.
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