Over 200 students, lecturers, tourism practitioners, and private sector leaders gathered at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, to mark Global Tourism Resilience Day under the theme “Young Voices at the Core.”
The event, led by Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis, emphasized the critical role of young people in shaping Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. In her keynote address, Minister Tunis highlighted the global leadership of Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, and Lloyd Waller of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre, whose work guides resilience-focused tourism worldwide.
Minister Tunis encouraged students to actively participate in tourism development, stating: “We must build knowledge, stimulate bold debate, protect our tourism infrastructure, and champion forward-looking strategies that secure the future of our destinations.” She also pledged support for young creatives under this year’s “Year of Culture and Creativity”, promising platforms to amplify their voices.
The day featured panel discussions, student policy debates, and a drama performance on inclusion and tourism resilience. Students proposed establishing a research center on tourism resilience to drive sustainability and create opportunities. Participants included representatives from Fourah Bay College, IPAM, Limkokwing University, Milton Margai University of Science and Technology, COMAHS, leading secondary schools, the Ecotourism Hub, and School Heritage Clubs.
The celebrations concluded with certificates of participation presented by Dr. Fatu Taqi, Head of the USL Creative and Cultural Theatre Group. The Ministry also thanked the Ecotourism Hub for its active engagement.
Sierra Leone’s observance highlighted the resilience of the tourism sector and reaffirmed the importance of youth-centered platforms in preparing for the Year of Sustainable Tourism 2027, as declared by the United Nations.
