Sierra Leone Secures Hosting of 3rd UN Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism

In a landmark achievement for West African tourism, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Tunis, has secured the hosting rights for the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. The event is scheduled to take place from 2–4 December 2026 in Sierra Leone.

The deal was finalized on the opening day of ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, following a high-level meeting between the Sierra Leonean delegation and UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO) leadership, led by Madam Elsia Grancourt, Regional Director for Africa.

The selection of Sierra Leone represents a major milestone in the country’s Culture and Creativity campaign. During the deliberations, Minister Tunis and her team demonstrated a high level of preparedness, providing detailed responses to the technical and logistical requirements posed by the UN Tourism team.

“Sierra Leone is ready to showcase its rich culinary heritage to the world,” Minister Tunis said. “Gastronomy is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and economic growth, and we are honoured to lead this conversation for the continent in 2026.”

The UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa serves as a prestigious platform linking food, culture, and tourism. By hosting the third edition, Sierra Leone joins an elite group of African nations leading the continent in culinary diplomacy:

1st Edition: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2024)

2nd Edition: Tanzania (April 2025)

3rd Edition: Sierra Leone (December 2026)

Madam Grancourt expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s leadership, noting that the country’s proactive approach at ITB Berlin has positioned it strongly to deliver a world-class event.

The 2026 forum is expected to attract international chefs, tourism ministers, policymakers, and global media to Freetown, boosting the local hospitality sector and highlighting the unique flavors of the “Lion Mountain” on the global stage.

As preparations continue, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs is calling on stakeholders and the private sector to collaborate in making the 2026 Gastronomy Forum a historic success for Sierra Leone and the African continent.