Makeni, Sierra Leone — The National Association of Certified Tourist Guides (NACTOG) Sierra Leone amplified World Tourism Day with a dynamic programme featuring a symposium, cultural displays, and a children’s fun day. The event underscored Makeni’s embrace of World Tourism Day and highlighted the invaluable contributions of passionate tour guides to the sector’s growth.

The celebration showcased a blend of professional insights and cultural vibrancy, with a symposium dedicated to current trends, challenges, and opportunities in Sierra Leone’s tourism landscape. Cultural displays offered attendees a glimpse of the region’s rich heritage, while the children’s activities provided a family-friendly celebration that engagingly connected the next generation with the country’s tourism potential.

The event drew participation from stakeholders across the North, reinforcing the relevance of World Tourism Day in advancing sustainable tourism development in the region. Renowned tour professionals, including Peter Bassie and his team, were among the notable contributors who helped steer the festivities and highlight best practices in guiding and hospitality.

NACTOG Sierra Leone emphasized the central role of tourist guides in building trust, delivering authentic experiences, and sustaining the industry’s growth. By combining professional discourse with cultural celebration, the Makeni programme illustrated how accredited guides are pivotal to elevating Sierra Leone as a premier destination.

As World Tourism Day activities concluded, attention turned to the ongoing efforts to strengthen training, professional standards, and community involvement in the North. The Makeni celebration stands as a testament to the collective commitment to harness tourism’s potential for inclusive economic development and cultural pride.

Pieter Bassie, NACTOC Sierra Leone