By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr.
For the first time, Sierra Leone will host two major back-to-back global tourism and cultural events, positioning Freetown as a vibrant meeting point for music, gastronomy, heritage, creativity, innovation, and African-Caribbean connection.
The tourism and cultural season will commence on Monday, 23rd November, with the launch of the Global Tourism Resilience Growth Center. The event will feature a high-level intergenerational dialogue on global tourism resilience, organised in partnership with Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism.
The launch is expected to reinforce Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as an emerging hub for sustainable and resilient tourism development in Africa.
From 25th to 30th November, the One Nation Reggae Festival (ONRF) will return for its second edition. The week-long festival will feature live reggae and Afro-fusion performances, cultural heritage showcases, and beachside experiences under the theme: “Where Africa Meets the Caribbean.”
On Tuesday, 1st December, the National Food Expo will celebrate Sierra Leone’s rich culinary heritage, local produce, and food innovation. The expo aims to highlight the diversity of Sierra Leonean cuisine while showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurship of local food producers.
The season will conclude with the 3rd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, scheduled to take place in Freetown from 2nd to 4th December.
Branded under the theme “Taste Salone,” the forum will bring together policymakers, chefs, investors, tourism stakeholders, and development partners to explore gastronomy as a driver of tourism growth, cultural exchange, and economic development across Africa.
According to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the events come at a significant moment as the global community prepares to commemorate the Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism in 2027.
The Ministry noted that Sierra Leone is positioning itself with a tourism model rooted in culture, creativity, community empowerment, and environmental conservation.
“From troupe beat fusion and reggae rhythms to freedom heritage tours, beach experiences, spiritual rebirth, and the rich flavours of Salone cuisine, this will be an unforgettable season of identity, connection, and celebration,” the Ministry stated.
The events will be hosted under the banners “One Nation Reggae Festival Vol. 2” and “Taste Salone Kam Leh Wi It,” carrying the tagline: “Come for the Rhythm, Stay for the Flavour. Tourism Bizness na Olman Biznes.”