By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
BERLIN, Germany In a groundbreaking development for West African tourism, Sierra Leone has secured the rights to host the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. This prestigious event is set to take place from December 2 to December 4, 2026.
The announcement was made on the inaugural day of ITB Berlin, the leading global travel trade show. The deal was finalized following high-level discussions between the Sierra Leonean delegation and UN Tourism executives, led by Madam Elsia Grancourt, the Regional Director for Africa.
This significant achievement aligns with Sierra Leone’s “Culture and Creativity” initiative. During negotiations, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, and her team showcased their preparedness, addressing the technical and logistical requirements laid out by the UN Tourism representatives.
“Sierra Leone is poised to present its rich culinary heritage to the world,” said Minister Tunis. “Gastronomy serves as a vital instrument for both cultural preservation and economic development. We are privileged to spearhead this discourse for our continent in 2026.”
The UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism is established as a vital platform for promoting the interplay of food, culture, and tourism. Sierra Leone now joins an elite cohort of African nations committed to culinary diplomacy:
- 1st Edition: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2024)
- 2nd Edition: Tanzania (April 2025)
- 3rd Edition: Sierra Leone (December 2026)
Madam Grancourt and her team expressed optimism about Sierra Leone’s capabilities, emphasizing that the country’s proactive stance at ITB Berlin has positioned it to host a world-class event.
The 2026 forum is anticipated to draw international chefs, tourism ministers, policymakers, and global media to Freetown, promising to significantly boost the local hospitality sector and showcase the unique culinary offerings of the “Lion Mountain” to a global audience.
As preparations unfold, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs calls upon stakeholders and the private sector to collaborate in making the 2026 Gastronomy Forum a landmark success for the nation and the African continent.
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