The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lawmakers including the female caucus has commended the people of Sierra Leone for their courage of overcoming the civil war and expressed hope for the new Sierra Leone. They made this statement after having a conducted tour of the Peace Museum in Special Court where they were showed and told the causes of the war, it devastating effect on civilians, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) commissioners, the public archive and those that bear the greatest responsibilities of the 11 years civil war in Sierra Leone.
The visit to the Museum by the lawmakers was in continuation of their tour of touristic and historical sites as part of the Travel and Hospitality month of the Tourism for All Campaign to experience hospitality and also familiarize with the history of Sierra Leone. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the visit followed their previous tour of Tacugama Chimps Sanctuary.
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis introduced the ECOWAS parliamentarian to the Registrar of the Peace Museum, Binta Mansaray who welcomed the MPs saying that the Museum is a legacy project of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone to honour the victims of the war and assist in the peace process. The Outreach Coordinator, Patrick Fatoma narrated the war’s history, the peace process, and the memorial garden in honor of the victims.
Hon. Umeoji Chukwuma Michael from Nigeria said the tour was a reminder of what war can do and a sign of encouragement that Sierra Leone can overcome such. He thanked the people of Sierra Leone for preserving the history and looked forward to a peaceful prosperous country.
The Director of Culture, Foday Jalloh, the Chairman of Monument and Relics Commission, Joseph Kaifala and Senior Tourist Officer, Tamba S. Bundor were part of the tour.
The Peace Museum was established to serve as a memorial, research and historical site for both Sierra Leoneans and non-Sierra Leoneans. It contains significant historical documents such as the Special Court Public Archives and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) records.
The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Tunis was on AYV Wake Up Sierra Leone show to elaborate on the year-long Tourism for All Campaign and other issues that relates to the development of tourism and culture in Sierra Leone
Here are the key points of the interview👇👇👇👇
👉Changing the Image of Sierra Leone Marketing and Rebranding efforts have yielded fruits with Sierra Leone gaining international accolades from National geographic, Forbes, CNN and others naming Sierra Leone as one of the world’s greatest places to visit. The destination is also rated highly in the world giving index, countries with lowest cost of happiness and the global peace index.
👉On the Tourism4All Campaign- The idea was conceived based on series of brainstorming with staff of the Ministry and agencies to further promote and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage as well as get people to understand the value of tourism. The campaign which has a theme for every month is targeting 3.5 million people through various means and channels.
👉Efforts in Beach Cleaning- The Ministry and partners have been engaging in massive beach cleaning exercises. They are also investigating the sources of the waste while calling on young people to find innovative ways to effectively and efficiently manage the waste on the beaches.
👉On the development at Leicester Peak- It falls under those sites that the Ministry under the World Bank (SLEDP) is developing state of the art, low impact facility that will attract local and international visitors. It is closed to the public but it will be open once the construction is completed in 2025.
👉On the African-Americans Home Coming- They are hoping to have a home coming in December, the month of festivities and entertainment. Gateway to liberation and Freedom will be launched in April, arrangements are being made to reach out to those African American that traced their roots to Sierra Leone and get them to join the programmme in December.
👉On the Demolition of Structures at Lumley Beach- They held meetings with beach bar owners association on the standard they want to see along the beach fronts. Based on the guidelines issued by NTB and to maintain hygiene they had to remove some of the structures that do not conform to the standard required.
In a sustained effort to walk the talk in the tourism industry, Sierra Leone has declared February, a ‘Month of Travel and Hospitality’.
The monthly declaration is in line with its 2024 Tourism For All Campaign.
Speaking on the rationale for the declaration, Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in Sierra Leone, noted that the monthly and themed celebration encourages the country to explore its beautiful landscape, diverse traditions and welcoming spirit of its people.
She urged global tourists to visit Sierra Leone in order to explore her numerous natural and tourism trappings.
“While in Sierra Leone, find time to climb the Loma Mountains or bond with the Chimpanzee, our national animal at Tacugama Sanctuary.
“You can take a boat ride at Estuary Resort, John Obey in the Western Rural District or simply enjoy nature at Bush Garden in Bo District or Tariqs Resort in Lungi,” she urged.
The beaches, according to her, also offer breathtaking experiences. “Whether you are in Sulima or Sherbro, make sure you revel in the beauty of our coastline”.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the rhythms of local music, dance to bubu, gumbay and many more locally produced beats and instruments.
They can also savour the West African country’s nutritional and organic cuisine in various restaurants, eatery hangouts and barbecue stands across the country.
Pointing at other attractions, Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis said, “Reminisce and reflect on our rich history at the National Museum, Cotton Tree; National Railway Museum in Cline Town and Peace Museum at the Special Court.
“You may want to pass by Big Markit in Freetown as well to purchase some kontri cloth, gara, and ronko’s, all original patterns and products of Sierra Leone”.
She further urged visitors to enjoy the warm reception and smiles that greet them everywhere in Sierra Leone, as well as foster positive connections with places and people because they deserve some leisure time. Most importantly, she appealed that would-be visitors should not let the month end without visiting somewhere and please share their stories to inspire others.
It would be recalled that the month of January was accorded such recognition and celebration, particularly at the just-concluded FITUR in Madrid, Spain, where the country joined the global tourism fraternity for mutual exchanges.
Sierra Leone in numbers:
Sierra Leone ranked 3rd in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2023 Global Peace Index and 47th globally as a peaceful nation.
The nation topped the charts as the #1 country in the world for the highest proportion of people (83%) who helped someone they did not know and secured the #3 spot for the top countries to volunteer.
Additionally, Sierra Leone was recognized as the 7th most generous country in the world in the most recent World Giving Index (2022).
The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E. Rtd. Brig. Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s invitation through the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has seen the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) lawmakers visit and tour one of the country’s prime touristic sites, Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
The invitation by President Bio was to get lawmakers of the sub-region to visit attraction sites as part of the Travel and Hospitality month of February in the Tourism for All Campaign 2024. He also wanted them to experience the hospitality of the people and enjoy the eco-friendly ambiance of Sierra Leone.
The Parliamentarians were fully engaged during the educative and informative tour conducted by Tacugama’s Lead Communications Staff, Sidikie Bayoh while the founder, Bala Amarasekaran, enlightened further, on the behavior and attributes of the chimpanzees. The lawmakers were thrilled to observe how the Chimpanzees, Sierra Leone’s national animal, are cared for by dedicated and trained staff at the Sanctuary.
The Parliamentarians also had an opportunity to see Tito, a Chimpanzee handed over to the Sanctuary by HE President Bio about 27 years ago.
One Parliamentarian commented on the impressive safety standards and raw beauty of the Sanctuary.
The 24 parliamentarians were led by the Speaker of Ecowas Parliament Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs continues to encourage visitors and members of the public to find time to travel and enjoy Sierra Leone’s unrivaled hospitality at various touristic attractions/ sites in the country.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and its subvented Agencies ,the National Tourist Board and the Monuments and Relics Commission, are thrilled to flag off the Travel and Hospitality month as part of the year long Tourism for all campaign, aimed at creating awareness for domestic tourism,in the country today,February 1st, and running through to the 29th. This initiative represents an unprecedented collaboration between key stakeholders within Sierra Leone’s vibrant travel and hospitality sector and aims to bolster appreciation, awareness, and participation in the nation’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The campaign, sub-themed “Travel & Hospitality,” is designed to encourage Sierra Leoneans to discover the wonders of their own backyard, fostering a sense of pride and ownership while contributing to the sustainable development of local communities. Throughout the month, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to engage in a plethora of activities aimed at showcasing the country’s diverse attractions.
Key activities include special tour packages,guided cultural heritage tours, nature trail hikes, beach festivals, and culinary events that will highlight local cuisines. These events are carefully curated to ensure participants can revel in the full spectrum of experiences that Sierra Leone has to offer, from historical landmarks to picturesque landscapes.
The collaboration between the Ministry, the National Tourist Board, and the Monuments and Relics Commission underscores a unified commitment to elevating the profile of domestic tourism and its potential to drive socio-economic progress. The campaign also seeks to educate the public on the importance of preserving Sierra Leone’s cultural and natural heritage.
Stakeholders from the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, have pledged their support for the campaign, offering special promotions and packages to make exploring Sierra Leone more accessible to all.
“We are excited to launch this landmark campaign to highlight the beauty and diversity of Sierra Leone,” said the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. “Domestic tourism is a vital component of our overall strategy to develop and sustain our tourism industry, and we are proud to be working with our partners to make it a success.”
The public is encouraged to participate in this month-long celebration, which also includes various tours to hotels ,restaurants, and related facilities aimed at showcasing the tourism potential of Sierra Leone.
Together, let’s rediscover the enchantment of Sierra Leone and spread the word that our motherland is as much a destination for us as it is for the world.
In what has been a successful participation at this years Fitur International Trade Fair, destination Sierra Leone made remarkable inroads and partnerships during the global showpiece event in Madrid. In an official visit by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis and team to UN Tourism Headquarters in Madrid, the Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili commended the sector’s strides and reaffirmed UN Tourism commitments to supporting Sierra Leone’s Tourism drive.
During the meeting, Mrs. Tunis thanked Zurab Pololikashvili for meeting with them while looking forward to forging a greater partnership with UN Tourism. She talked about the huge potential of tourism and how it can be harnessed to enhance the growth of the sector.
On his part Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili commended Mrs. Tunis and team for their participation at Fitur. He recognized the efforts of Sierra Leone in revamping tourism and reaffirmed UN commitments on unlocking Sierra Leone tourism potential in investment, innovation, gender equality and domestic tourism. UN Tourism Director of Regional Department for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt Programme Officer, Regional Department of Africa, Lydia Bebekum, Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh, the General Manager, NTB, Fatmata Hamid, Assistant Director of Culture, Ishmael A. Kamara and the Administrative Manager, MRC, Ann-Marie Kamara were all part of the discussions.
On other front, the Directorate of Tourism and the National Tourist Board held productive discussions with the Zambia Tourism Board on the establishment of operative tour companies in Sierra Leone. Similar engagements were also held with travel agencies during the course of the deliberations at the trade fair.
Mrs. Tunis appreciated the delegation, (staff of the Ministry, NTB, MRC) and private sector players (Tourism is Life, Best Travel Solutions, Kallon Travels) for the level of participation and collaboration during the trade fair. She encouraged all to continue in the spirit of nationalism in pushing the sector forward for the general good of Sierra Leone.
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era today with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage.
To achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.
This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.
Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism
By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.
With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability with:
To achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.
This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.
Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism
By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.
With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability with:
Member States – both as recipients of its services, assistance and as active stakeholders in the Organization’s Programme of Work.
Individuals – specifically travelers and local communities whose lives flourish through the empowerment of the economy through tourism.
Private, semi-private, and public organizations – all engaging with UN Tourism’s work, including its data and insights, events and products.Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, said: “As society progresses, the tourism sector, much like many other sectors, needs to transform to serve as a catalyst for prosperity at a universal scale. Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism. The organization takes on the role of driving a sustainable force that is now central to many economies.”Borja Borrero, Executive Director at Interbrand, said: “Transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism marks a significant new phase for the organization. The revised nomenclature offers several advantages, including simplicity, enhanced comprehension, improved legibility and memorability. It also serves to clarify the agency’s sphere of influence within the global tourism industry. The new elements of the brand are the foundations of a distinct and proprietary image – one that is direct, relatable, and relevant for diverse audiences.”The new brand expression is not only limited to words and messages but also expands into a reinvented visual discourse. UN Tourism has a new design language starting from its symbol. “Bringing the world closer” is the new tagline that inspires the concept of a Pangea shaping a human figure in action. This drastic evolution from the former globe symbols reflects the Organization’s emphasis on the dynamic nature of tourism and on putting people first.Beyond the symbol, the rebrand also includes a revamp of the entire visual system, which is now based on a grid of geographical coordinates meant to help people navigate the brand’s touchpoints, both offline and online, such as events, website, reports, social media channels and campaigns. This system unlocks a rich universe of elements including imagery, fonts, colors, and pictograms all designed to personalize social media campaigns, events, posts, and videos.The new brand will be gradually implemented across all UN Tourism touchpoints over the next few months, beginning with digital channels such as the website, social media accounts and newsletters, followed by physical spaces such as offices and events, and elements such as reports and stationary.
Madrid- FITUR, 24th January 2024. Sierra Leone, a country known for its rich culture and stunning natural beauty, is making a significant push into the Spanish tourism market, leveraging the momentum of FITUR 2024, one of the world’s leading tourism trade fairs. The Sierra Leonean delegation’s presence at the event underscores a strategic approach to tourism marketing and expansion, with the support of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLeDP), which plays a critical role in facilitating international connections and promoting the nation’s tourism sector.
It is traditional for NTB before the commencement of FITUR, which officially opened on January 24th at the IFEMA North Gate, the Sierra Leone Tourism delegation received an in-depth briefing from their LOTUS representative. This preparatory session was designed to provide insights into Spanish marketing trends and consumer behavior, ensuring that the delegation could effectively engage with potential partners and customers.
The Hon. Minister Nabeela F. Tunis, demonstrating Sierra Leone’s commitment at the highest level, graced the opening ceremony with her presence. This not only signified the importance of the tourism sector to the national economy but also provided a platform for high-level networking. Minister Tunis met with fellow tourism ministers, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and knowledge sharing.
A notable meeting took place with Mr. Borja Gutierrez of Inspiring SOHO, a travel agency from Malaga that specializes in crafting exclusive tours to emerging destinations like Sierra Leone. The conversation with Mr. Gutierrez highlighted the growing interest in unique travel experiences and the potential for developing bespoke packages that cater to this demand.
The delegation’s proactive approach continued with a meeting with Madam Marisa Nogales, president of Descubre Viajes, a boutique tour operator. Her company’s focus on fulfilling special client needs aligns well with Sierra Leone’s diverse tourism offerings, which range from unspoiled beaches to rich historical heritage.
One of the highlights of the delegation’s activities at FITUR was a featured interview of the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Madam Nabeela Tunis, conducted by Mr. Kojo Bentum-Williams of UNWTO Communications. Minister Tunis provided a compelling overview of Sierra Leone’s tourism potentials and the general status of the industry, effectively communicating the country’s value proposition to the global audience.
The delegation’s schedule remained packed with Asier Reino, the Director of Culturay Viajes, engaging in productive discussions about the possibility of integrating Sierra Leone into their extensive travel portfolio that spans five continents. This collaboration could potentially bring Sierra Leone to the forefront of travel itineraries for clients with specialized needs across the globe.
Moreover, on January 24th, the Sierra Leone team had the opportunity to sit down with CN Traveler Brand Lead Jose Manuel Manrique, though the details of this encounter were not provided in the brief. However, one can surmise that this meeting could significantly boost Sierra Leone’s visibility in the Spanish market, considering CN Traveler’s influence and reach.
The strategic efforts at FITUR 2024 reflect a comprehensive approach by Sierra Leone to tap into the Spanish market, with the SLeDP offering invaluable support. By engaging with travel experts, boutique tour operators, and media influencers, Sierra Leone is not only showcasing its tourism potential but is also establishing the groundwork for sustainable growth in the sector. The meetings and interviews conducted during the fair are expected to yield fruitful partnerships
The attendees of the meeting were high-level officials and stakeholders in the tourism industry, including:
– Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, the Director of Tourism from the Ministry of Tourism, who plays a significant role in shaping the country’s tourism policies and strategic direction.
– Mrs. Fatmata Mida Carew, the General Manager (GM) of the National Tourist Board, who is responsible for overseeing tourism promotion and marketing within the country and external.
– Mr. Francis Kaifala, the Chairman of the Monuments and Relics Commission, tasked with the preservation and promotion of Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage sites.
– Lucinda Kargbo, the Marketing Manager, whose role involve marketing and promoting Sierra Leone as a desirable tourist destination.
– Mr. Ishmael Abu Kamara, the Deputy Director of Culture, has vested interest in incorporating cultural elements into tourism initiatives.
– Annmarie Kamara, the Administrative Manager of the Monuments and Relics Commission, involved in the administrative side of preserving and promoting historical sites.
Additionally, various travel and tour companies, including Tourism is Life Tours, Best Travel Solutions, Kallon Travel, and Tasso Ecotourism, were managing a promotional booth. These entities have been responsible for engaging with potential tourists and partners, showcasing what Sierra Leone has to offer in terms of tourism experiences.
The report notes that the booth captured the attention of almost 400 stand visitors on the first day, indicating a substantial interest in Sierra Leone as a travel destination.
This level of engagement is a positive sign for the country’s tourism industry, suggesting that their presence at the event was well-received and generated curiosity among the event attendees.
FITUR, 25th January 2024. As the international tourism industry convened at the renowned FITUR 2024, Sierra Leone’s tourism sector stood out on the event’s second day with a series of strategic meetings aimed at bolstering its presence on the global stage. The West African nation’s delegation, demonstrating a blend of readiness and grace, engaged in well-organized dialogues with influential industry partners, signaling a promising leap forward in its tourism development.
Sierra Leone, a country rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, has long sought to expand its reach within the international tourism market. The efforts at FITUR 2024, where over 150 countries gathered, have shown that the nation is not only serious about attracting visitors but also committed to sustainable practices, a pivot that aligns with the growing global demand for responsible travel.
One of the day’s highlights was the meeting between Sierra Leone’s tourism delegation and Lola Mellado, the product manager from ICARION. With a vast portfolio encompassing more than 1,000 itineraries in 140 countries, ICARION’s dedication to sustainable tourism resonates with Sierra Leone’s vision. Mellado emphasized that for Sierra Leone to be featured in ICARION’s offerings, a sustainable approach is not just preferred but essential, underscoring the importance of environmental and cultural preservation in today’s travel industry.
After a brief intermission, representatives from HOTEL BEDS, including Florian Blois and a colleague, joined the discussion to explore the integration of Sierra Leone’s accommodations into their booking system. This potential collaboration promises to generate increased leads for local tourism businesses, enhancing the country’s visibility and accessibility to international travelers.
The momentum continued with a meeting with Mr. Ruben Torres, the Development Director from LUZOTOUR. Torres, an expert tour operator with origins in Morocco and a history of charter flight services, has now turned his expertise toward Africa. His keen interest in Sierra Leone was evident, indicating a strong vote of confidence in the country’s tourism sector from a seasoned industry professional.
As the day progressed, Mr. Adolfo Alonso, the Strategic Partnerships Account Manager from DESTINA, took the lead in engaging the Sierra Leonean team on the prospect of promoting Sierra Leonean accommodations to their extensive client base in Spain. This interaction opened up a crucial European market for Sierra Leone’s hospitality sector, fostering a bridge between the two regions.
The day concluded with a meeting with Maryana Marcano, a tourism specialist from EXOTICCA, an online tour operator known for crafting sophisticated and enticing travel itineraries. Marcano expressed interest in developing unique travel packages that would showcase Sierra Leone’s allure, targeting a special market niche that seeks out-of-the-ordinary experiences.
Sierra Leone’s presence and proactive engagement at FITUR 2024 not only reflect the nation’s dedication to developing its tourism sector but also its commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices. The strategic meetings held on the second day of the event have set the groundwork for future collaborations and have positioned Sierra Leone as a rising star in the global tourism landscape. As the country moves forward with these partnerships, the promise of increased international exposure and tourism growth shines brightly on the horizon for this vibrant and culturally rich destination.
The attendees of the meeting were high-level officials and stakeholders in the tourism industry, including:
– Mr. Mohamed Jalloh, the Director of Tourism from the Ministry of Tourism, who plays a significant role in shaping the country’s tourism policies and strategic direction.
– Mrs. Fatmata Mida Carew, the General Manager (GM) of the National Tourist Board, who is responsible for overseeing tourism promotion and marketing within the country and external.
– Mr. Francis Kaifala, the Chairman of the Monuments and Relics Commission, tasked with the preservation and promotion of Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage sites.
– Lucinda Kargbo, the Marketing Manager, whose role involve marketing and promoting Sierra Leone as a desirable tourist destination.
– Mr. Ishmael Abu Kamara, the Deputy Director of Culture, has vested interest in incorporating cultural elements into tourism initiatives.
– Annmarie Kamara, the Administrative Manager of the Monuments and Relics Commission, involved in the administrative side of preserving and promoting historical sites.
Additionally, various travel and tour companies, including Tourism is Life Tours, Best Travel Solutions, Kallon Travel, and Tasso Ecotourism, were managing a promotional booth. These entities have been responsible for engaging with potential tourists and partners, showcasing what Sierra Leone has to offer in terms of tourism experiences.
The report notes that the booth captured the attention of 352 stand visitors on the first day, indicating a substantial interest in Sierra Leone as a travel destination.
This level of engagement is a positive sign for the country’s tourism industry, suggesting that their presence at the event was well-received and generated curiosity among the event attendees.
To create awareness for domestic tourism and to effect positive economic, social, and ecological impacts for sustainable tourism development, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, and the Monuments and Relics Commission have started a one-year campaign on National Domestic Tourism in Sierra Leone. The theme for the one-year campaign is “Tourism for All,” with a monthly thematic focus, and the theme for January 2024 is “Explore and Discover.”
In this one-year domestic tourism campaign drive, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with its sub-vented agencies, has invited students, academic staff, and non-academic staff from universities across the country, including Fourah Bay College, Milton Margai Technical University, the University of Makeni, and Limkokwing University, to tour major attraction sites across the country. The tour started on the 17th of January from the Family Kingdom with a visit to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and will continue to other attraction sites across the country, including the Historic Banana Island, Bounce Island, Freetown City Tour, Peninsula Tour, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, and will end with a visit to Wara Wara Hills in Kabala on the 25th of January 2024. These visitations aim to provide a unique opportunity for the students and staff from the various universities to gain hands-on experience with our domestic tourism products and to become ambassadors for promoting and marketing Sierra Leone in their various institutions and communities, using different social media handles across the country, etc.
This one-year domestic tourism campaign will continue with different activities, including radio and television discussions, innovation challenges, engagements, and collaboration with key stakeholders, including private sector players, civil society actors, local community members, the media, Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country.
