On February 3, 2026, Jamaica and Sierra Leone formalized a tourism partnership focused on youth leadership and resilience—an initiative that could reshape Africa–Caribbean travel links.
Summary: On February 3, 2026, Jamaica and Sierra Leone agreed to strengthen tourism cooperation with an emphasis on youth leadership and resilience, ahead of Global Tourism Resilience Day on February 17, 2026.
On February 3, 2026, Jamaica and Sierra Leone formalized a tourism partnership aimed at boosting youth leadership, resilience and cross-regional promotion. The meeting in New Kingston brought together Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis, to discuss joint initiatives that could expand ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
A new chapter for Africa–Caribbean tourism cooperation
Officials met at Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism in New Kingston to reaffirm a shared commitment to strengthening tourism links, widening cultural exchange and fostering sustainable development. The discussion focused on building platforms that will enable young people to take leadership roles in shaping the future of tourism across both regions.
Global Tourism Resilience Day: spotlight on youth leadership
A central item on the agenda is the upcoming Global Tourism Resilience Day, scheduled for February 17, 2026 and to be hosted by Sierra Leone. The observance will include a youth-centred seminar at the University of Sierra Leone, where students and young professionals can engage with policymakers and industry figures on resilience, sustainability and the sector’s recovery.
- Meeting date: February 3, 2026 — New Kingston, Jamaica
- Key attendees: Edmund Bartlett (Jamaica) and Nabeela Tunis (Sierra Leone)
- Flagship event: Global Tourism Resilience Day — February 17, 2026
- Youth seminar location: University of Sierra Leone
The emphasis on resilience responds to recent global shocks that affected travel flows. By engaging youth, both governments hope to cultivate fresh ideas and build skills that support long-term sustainability and adaptability in the tourism sector.
Collaborative initiatives and destination promotion
Both governments are exploring ways to raise the international profile of their tourism offerings through joint marketing, educational exchanges and programs that encourage cross-regional travel. The partnership is intended to showcase each nation’s attractions while creating new pathways for cultural and economic exchange.
- Jamaica highlights: Negril Beach, Ocho Rios and the Blue Mountains
- Sierra Leone highlights: Tokeh, Bureh Beach, the Freetown peninsula and the Kangari Hills
- Cultural and conservation sites: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Sierra Leone National Museum
Education, skills and sustainable tourism
A notable element of the agreement is investment in tourism education and skills development for young people. Both countries stressed the need for training programs that align industry growth with environmental conservation and cultural preservation, ensuring that expansion does not come at the cost of community or ecological wellbeing.
What this means for travellers
For travellers, the partnership could translate into broader promotional campaigns, more curated cross-regional itineraries and enhanced cultural programming. Visitors may see expanded opportunities to combine Caribbean leisure with West African cultural and eco-tourism experiences as awareness and cooperation grow.
Why this matters: The Jamaica–Sierra Leone initiative places youth and resilience at the centre of bilateral tourism policy, which could accelerate sustainable development, create career pathways for young professionals, and diversify travel options between Africa and the Caribbean. In short: travellers can expect richer cultural exchanges and more destination choices as the partnership unfolds.
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