TERMS OF REFERENCE: THE RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTANT FOR TOURISM GOVERNANCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Globally, the tourism sector has been a major economic driver for many developed and developing countries, creating job opportunities for youths and women, generating revenue for the government and the private sector while contributing to peace building, social inclusion and improving the quality of lives of locals. In 2018, the tourism sector generated close to US$1.5 trillion with a corresponding 1.4 billion arrivals. Africa recorded the highest average growth rate in arrivals of 9% reaching 68 million visits while generating US$ 38 billion.
His Excellency the President Julius Maada Bio in his New Direction Agenda prioritize the tourism sector as one of the core developments programs and key sectors for economic diversification and avenue for job creation in his administration. The support provided by the government contributed to the rapid emergence of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector as one of the promising destinations within the West African sub-region.
Furthermore, the Government of Sierra Leone through the dynamic Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has introduced key initiatives, activities and programs to position Sierra Leone on the right economic trajectory for tourism development like mainstreaming gender equality and ‘Women in Tourism’, the elimination of GST on airfare and the implementation of the visa on arrival, organized a National Conference in Tourism and Governance for all the Paramount Chiefs in the 190 chiefdoms to manifest the strong interest and commitment of the Government to support tourism development. The conference came out with relevant recommendations that will enhance the framework for a governance strategy of the sector while taking into consideration the cross-cutting and diverse nature of the tourism industry.
However, the sector is also exposed to the presence of numerous other institutions with duplicating functions which may in some cases be in conflict with that of the role and responsibilities of the Ministry and therefore constrains its effective functioning. In the establishment of this strategy, it would provide an excellent opportunity for a better coordination, collaboration and manages the diverse goals and responsibilities given its multi-faceted nature.
Hence the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and the National Tourist Board (NTB) would like to recruit the service of a consultant to develop the Tourism Governance and Financial Management Strategy that would serve as a guiding framework in managing the relationship between the tourism sector and other stakeholders including MDA’s and the private sector.
Contact: Procurement Committee
National Tourist Board
Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen.
Freetown—Email–info@ntb.gov.sl.
TERMS OF REFERENCE: REVISION OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM ACT 1990
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and the National Tourist Board (NTB) have received funds from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) to implement a Sustainable tourism development and promotion project. The project aims to help Sierra Leone owns a tourism agenda aligned with trade policies and conducive to sustainable pro-poor growth; and increase the presence and perception of the country in the international market as an attractive tourist destination.
In implementing this project, the MTCA and the NTB intend to use part of this fund to hire the services of a legal Expert to review the Tourism Development Act, 1990.
Background
On the 21st February 1990, Sierra Leone Parliament passed The Development of Tourism Act 1990 to make new and better provisions for the promotion and development of Tourism in Sierra Leone; and to provide for the establishment of a National Tourist Board for the implementation of the Ministry’s strategies and policies.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the National Tourist Board developed a Tourism Policy to provide a clear vision for re-launching the tourism sector. One of the recommendations within the Tourism Policy is to review the Development of Tourism Act 1990. The Act is currently obsolete, as many changes and dynamics have taken place within the tourism industry all over the world since 1990.
The current act does not take into consideration updated issues relating to mainstreaming gender equality, digitalisation of tourism processes, climate change mitigation, human capital and institutional development. Furthermore, the sector’s position within governance is weakened as a result of non-clarity on the ownership and control of key tourism assets and the lack consideration in addressing cross-cutting issues leading to major loss of tourism opportunities.
It has been recognized that the tourism sector could be used to influence the development of other sectors within the economy. Lot of changes have taken place at local and international levels that warrants the need to update the Development of Tourism Act 1990;
The Government of Sierra Leone under the leadership of His Excellency the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio has prioritized the tourism sector in the National Medium-Term Development Plan and placed under cluster two (2) as one of his core developments programs for economic diversification, growth and development. The support provided by the government contributed to the rapid emergence of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector as one of the promising destinations within the West African sub-region.
Contact: Procurement Committee
National Tourist Board
Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen.
Freetown—Email–info@ntb.gov.sl.
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: CONSULTING SERVICE FOR THE NATIONAL TOURIST
- BACKGROUND
- The National Tourist Board (NTB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) Sierra Leone, has received funds from the Enhanced Integrated Framework Trust Fund (EIF-TF) to implement the EIF Tier 2 Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Project and now intends to apply part of this grant for Consulting services for an ESHIA study leading to the issuance of an environmental permit.
Before the elapse of the MOU, An Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) study was undertaken and the document was elaborated in 2014 and subsequently disclosed in 2015. However, the Enhanced Integrated Framework-EIF, and Sustainable Tourism Development Promotion Project was repackaged to include the STDPP-Tier 2 new modalities; the aforesaid project was approved by the EIF Board in January 2020; given the time lapse, there is need for an update study in the various sites.
The ESHIA to be undertaken for the following:
- Integrated Tiwai Community Ecosystem Project – Barri Chiefdom (Pujehen District) and Koya Chiefdom (Kenema District)- Construction of a Tourism Center
- Integrated Bana na Island Community Ecotourism Project – Banana Island- Construction of a Tourism Center
- Wara-Wara Mountain Tourism Project- Construction of Eco-tourism lodge and relevant facilities.
- Refurbishment of 24 Bed-Room Hotel at the MMCE&T Brookfields Campus
- Construction of 6 Class Rooms at the MMCE&T Brookfields Campu
Contact: Procurement Committee
National Tourist Board
Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen.
Freetown—Email–info@ntb.gov.sl.
TERMS OF REFERENCE: THE DEVELOPMENT OF E-GOVERNANCE SYSTEMS FOR THE SIERRA LEONE TOURISM INDUSTRY
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and the National Tourist Board (NTB) have received funds from the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) to implement a sustainable tourism development and promotion project. The project aims to help Sierra Leone owns a tourism agenda aligned with trade policies and conducive to sustainable pro-poor growth; and increase the presence and perception of the country in the international market as an attractive tourist destination.
The emergence of advance technology is now serving as a driving force to the application of e-governance systems by almost all states, government departments, agencies, businesses, private sector, customers and citizens around the globe in the smooth and smarter implementations of their diverse activities. E-Governance which could also be referred to as electronic governance is viewed as the application of information and communications technologies to the functioning of government processes to ensure simple, moral, accountable, responsive and transparent governance. It is also seen as the use of ICTs by governments for the exchange of information with citizens, businesses and other government departments that promote faster and more efficient delivery of public services. The application of this system further improves internal efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue generation; enhance the restructuring of administrative processes which finally leads to greater improvement of the quality of services.
Implementation of e-governance requires basic change in work culture and goals orientation and simultaneous change in the existing processes. It is fitting to meet a culture of maintaining, processing and retrieving information through an electronic system and use that information for decision making.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has made extreme efforts to improve on the administrative, infrastructure, internal and external information handling but the movement towards e-governance have been at a snail pace due to the following factors such as lack of ICT literacy and awareness regarding benefits of e-governance among staff, partners and service providers, underutilization of existing ICT infrastructure as most departmental computers are used for only word processing, poor attitude of departmental staff to technological changes, lack of close coordination between departments and IT solution developers and finally resistance to the re-engineering of departmental process in order to implement e-governance projects successfully. The Ministry and the Board still have the strong determination of aligning its programs and policies to the demand of the electronic era that will enhance it to effectively compete within the regional and global tourism markets.
In the implementation of this project, the MTCA and NTB intends to use part of the funds to recruit the service of an ICT/ Management Information System expert to develop an e-Governance System for the Tourism Sector.
Contact: Procurement Committee
National Tourist Board
Lumley Beach Road, Aberdeen.
Freetown—Email–info@ntb.gov.sl.
SIERRA LEONE SAFEST TOURIST DESTINATION SIERRAOUSLY SURPRISING
‘Amazing country with receptive people, moreover the peace’ said the head of the 300 Danish tourists. These teenagers, never felt nostalgic, but rather wanting to come back and feel that breath-taking ambiance and sceneries of hope and relax state of mind.
Freedom, safety, friendly and hospitality with cultural fusion Sierra Leone explains it all, when the finished line for Budapest Bamako rally ended in Freetown. Participants of the rally had many options how to spend their remaining days in the city of the freed. Well, this speak a volume of sanity and acceptance, none of them experienced theft, no scam, no accident, no crime but in entirety, all they expressed was indeed Sierra Leone is the place to be. The 700 riders including team members, rod in splendid leisure, culture and amazing nightlife, that left them with no thought of going back but to extend their stays.
Well if this country was known for the negative irony propelled by bloggers and some freelancers. Sierra Leone in West Africa enjoy an interrupted peace for years and this peace will sustainably be managed for future posterity.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone-Sierraously Surprising: a country known for her beauty with lush sun-sand beaches enticed with enviable mount peaks and valleys located on the West Coast of Africa, sharing friendly borders with the Republic of Guinea to the north and northeast, Liberia to the east and southeast, while the Atlantic Ocean is to the west and south.
Are you a beach lover, or an Eco friendly or more culturally savvy person? Well your melting pot for all of these essentials is Sierra Leone. The country stand to boasts of approximately 600km of coastline, with different sands colours and water waves, as the Freetown peninsula serves as grandeur of leisure attractions with archipelagos of islands with green basket mangroves.
Are you a swimmer, snorkeler, kayaker, otherwise, If you’re enticed by nature, look no further than the Banana Island- Dalton Guest House, Baffa Resort and the surrounding that offers natural and exotic beauty unlike anywhere in the world and a bunch of underwater and water activities.
Sierra Leone is naturally rich and diverse in biodiversity, culture, heritage and eco-friendly.
With tranquillity been at peak, the country to visit in West Africa is Sierra Leone, for the reasons are clear, it’s gorgeous and exotic beaches that transcend a rare colonial heritage ambiance and offer a genuine and fantastic scenery, you can climb its mountainous region, or freely walk along the streets of Freetown and all its touristic areas which is free of taut. The peninsula’s white sands and splendid coastline, with beaches so perfect they could be described as world-class – as you will probably be most enchanted by this country’s warm and welcoming people that are known for doing the impossible just to make tourists feel comfortable and feel relaxed.
OVERALL RISK: NONE
With all the above description of pleasantry about Sierra Leone, and it has been classed as the a friendly destination, it is indeed, as this destination has much more to offer to its arrivals- no tourist has ever reported theft, crime, rubbery, scam, murder, kidnapping or rape, these actions are not our blood for strangers. But rather we offer our friendly attitudes towards our tourists and friends from other regions. Therefore, have no fear to visit this country of peace and hospitable people.
MOVING ARROUND- TRANSPORT – TAXIS, BUSES, PODA-PODA, KEHKEH, OKADA AND WATER TRANSFERS
Transportation in Sierra Leone is safe at all points, major trunk roads are all tarmac, except for roads leading to villages which are also accessible with 4×4 vehicles, and the cost are reasonable. One can travel by buses, taxis, poda poda, kehkeh, okada, or private hire. However, one is advised to take care of personal items, so you do not forget them on-board. Your travel from point A to point B is always well organized with record passenger manifest especially for provincial trips, for city you can flex with Okada or Kehkeh feel the beats of harmony. You are safe and can work alone without a guide except for other tourist attraction, where you require a step on guide or a hired guide for directions. For water lovers, you can reach Freetown city with water taxis, as we have three water taxis, so you have better options or better still one can use road, which is also friendly.
SIERRA LEONE PICKPOCKETS RISK-
One should not be petrified about pickpocketing because it is rare, neither are you on bus or taxi or any means you are fine and you have nothing to fear. However, your concern should be you not losing things by forgetful means. So it’s also advising you always have a waist bag or side bag for your handy items. Carrying your purse or money on you is as well safe, and no one can brutally attack you for your possessions, we do not have such testimonies from tourists.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK-
It is been tagged as natural, these are unforeseen circumstances, and ever since in our history the records on mudslide just occurred once, we have nothing like wild fires, earth quakes, tsunamis. For diseases and outbreak, yes, we had Ebola, and every country must have challenges so Sierra Leone is not exceptional. Sierra Leone is susceptible to flooding and mudslides. As a nation our sustainable and environmental mitigation and adaptation model suits us well, to manage major environmental shortfalls.
MUGGING RISK: NONE
Mugging in Sierra Leone is never treated as a graving concern, because this act is not seen amongst us or in our public places, rather the people will help to keep your items safe at all time, because we believe; strangers must be treated with care and respect. So one should not be afraid of public gathering because of mugging.
TERRORISM RISK: NONE
There haven’t been any recent terrorist attacks in Sierra Leone’s recent history, but they shouldn’t be ruled out since Sierra Leone contributes to the UN peacekeeping initiative in Mali or around the world should not send threats to categorised the country as a prone terrorist area. This we have never and shall experience it, because none terrorist attacks make us more safe and stable. You can visit any time, and you can travel everywhere at any hour of the night and you are safe and free from every attacks.
SCAMS RISK: NOT RECORED NONE
Scams and robberies are the order of the day for other countries but not Sierra Leone. Our taxi drivers and KehKeh riders are all friendly and take you around and how you to decide what you can pay in most cases. If you are an investors, it is but advice to visit Ministries, Department and Agencies for advice on investment opportunities otherwise you can make the wrong turn. There is no record or report for theft from the use of the ATM or gangs chase for moneys withdrawn. The bank always can advice well how to do your transfers to avoid such, if there are any.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: NORMAL
Sierra Leone is the safest place for a woman to be visiting alone. Women are treated here with high caution and they are always protected against arm and danger. Streets in Freetown are always safe, and passers bye mind their own businesses, except if you need help then they can work up to you for assistance on free of cost.
So… How Safe Is Sierra Leone Really? 100% SAFE
Sierra Leone is safe and the right place to be at all time.
Its tourism potential is intact and well harnessed.
Sierra Leone is, according to some, the friendliest place in Africa, yet according recent visitors claimed Sierra Leone indeed is the best place to be in Africa. With its reach minerals and oil deposit, Sierra Leone is set to surprise the world again.
As expected, the people of Sierra Leone are content, so you do not have to be cautious when traveling to this country and bear in mind that visiting now blend with leisure and adventure.
Keep in mind that traveling anywhere outside Freetown is safe and calm since the roads are accessible and maintained, and the drivers all around can help much – they mostly drive vehicles that are in good driving condition and the roads are well paved now.
Useful Information
Visa on arrival
As part of government’s commitment to promote tourism and attract foreign direct investment, the Government of Sierra Leone wishes to inform the general public, airline operators, Sierra Leone Embassies and Missions overseas, International Air Transport Association (IATA), international partners and other government bodies that with effect from Thursday 5th September 2019, a new Visa on Arrival policy has been rolled-out for persons from the following countries or blocs:
- United Kingdom Citizens
- European Union Citizens
- United States Citizens
- Citizens of Commonwealth member countries
- Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council member countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman)
- Citizens of the BRICS Countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)
- Citizens of the following countries:
-
- Lebanon
- Iran
- Cambodia
- Vietnam
- Singapore
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Japan
- South Korea
- Norway
- Israel
- Bolivia
- East Timor
- Macau
- Samoa
- Tuvalu
Below are the visa fees for ease of reference:
- ECOWAS nationals – Visa-free
- Non-Ecowas AU nationals – USD 25.00
- All other countries – USD 80.00
Citizens of ECOWAS states and all other countries with which Sierra Leone has visa-free agreements will continue to enjoy visa-free access.
Citizens of countries not listed above are required to visit the nearest Sierra Leone Embassy or Mission abroad to secure visas prior to visiting Sierra Leone. All persons coming to Sierra Leone for the purpose other than tourism, visit or business needs to apply for a visa before undertaken such travel. We wish to reassure all potential visitors of a continuing hassle-free visa processing experience.
Flights and Routings
For all your trips to Sierra Leone, flights are available to connect you from Europe, The Americas, Africa, Asia and any part of the world. The list of available eleven flights for easy connections to Sierra Leone, Air France, Asky Airline, Air Mauritania, Africa World, Air Côte d’Ivoire, Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Air Line, Trans Air, Air Peace Limited.
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION
Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project Loan No. P164212
Assignment Title: Consulting Services for Updating Quality Standards and Licensing Processes for Lodging Establishments in Sierra Leone
Reference No. SL-MOFED-162904-CS-INDV
Sierra Leone possesses pristine beaches and islands, mountains and rich biodiversity, interesting wildlife, friendliness and rich cultural capital among people and its special place in the world history of anti-slavery movement as ‘the land of the free.’ The Government of Sierra (GoSL) has officially prioritized tourism in the newly formulated National Development Plan 2019 – 2023. The new National Tourism Policy states the goal of tourism in Sierra Leone is to “generate foreign exchange, encourage even development, promote tourism based rural enterprises, generate employment, accelerate rural-urban integration and foster socio-cultural unity among the various regions of the country through the promotion of domestic and international tourism.” (GoSL, 2017). It’s National Ecotourism Policy states the goal of receiving 20,000 international and 30,000 domestic ecotourism visits to sites by 2025 (GoSL, 2017).
The World Bank is preparing an Economic Diversification Project, one of the components of which will take an integrated destination approach to improve the performance of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. This will include facilitating the reduction of barriers to business success, assisting existing tourism providers with market access, and improving the quality of selected tourism products in order to place the country’s tourism sector on a sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory. This will be achieved through a mix of institutional and policy reforms, market development, national marketing enhancement, re-branding, building B2B linkages, and strategically developing tourism products in selected areas.
Please click here to download the full REOI
Contact: Project Fiduciary Management Unit
Ministry of Finance
Attn: Procurement Officer
13a Howe Street Freetown
+232 Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: +23278235061
E-mail: sleconomicdiversification@gmail.com
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRM SELECTION
Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project Loan No. P164212
Assignment Title: Consulting Services to Develop Strategic Plan for Sustainable Tourism in Sierra Leone
Reference No. SL-MOFED-163398-CS-CQS
Sierra Leone possesses pristine beaches and islands, mountains and rich biodiversity, interesting wildlife, friendliness and rich cultural capital among people and its special place in the world history of anti-slavery movement as ‘the land of the free.’ The Government of Sierra (GoSL) has officially prioritized tourism under the newly formulated National Development Plan 2019 – 2023. The new National Tourism Policy states the goal of tourism in Sierra Leone is to “generate foreign exchange, encourage even development, promote tourism based rural enterprises, generate employment, accelerate rural-urban integration and foster socio-cultural unity among the various regions of the country through the promotion of domestic and international tourism.” (GoSL, 2017). It’s National Ecotourism Policy states the goal of receiving 20,000 international and 30,000 domestic ecotourism visits to sites by 2025 (GoSL, 2017).
The World Bank is preparing an Economic Diversification Project, one of the components of which will take an integrated destination approach to improve the performance of Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. This will include facilitating the reduction of barriers to business success, assisting existing tourism providers with market access, and improving the quality of selected tourism products in order to place the country’s tourism sector on a sustainable and inclusive growth trajectory. This will be achieved through a mix of institutional, and policy reforms, market development and national marketing enhancement and re-branding as well as building B2B linkages and strategically developing tourism products in selected areas.
Please click here to download the full REOI
Contact: Project Fiduciary Management Unit
Ministry of Finance
Attn: Procurement Officer
13a Howe Street Freetown
+232 Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: +23278235061
E-mail: sleconomicdiversification@gmail.com