CategoriesArticles News By xoppersk

SIERRA LEONE NATIONAL TOURISM BOARD APPOINTS LOTUS TO MANAGE EUROPEAN MARKET REPRESENTATION WITH PR AND COMMUNICATIONS

London, October 2022: The Sierra Leone National Tourism Board (NTB) has appointed award-winning specialist travel PR and marketing agency LOTUS to manage all PR and representation activity in Europe.

Located on Africa’s west coast, Sierra Leone is one of the continent’s lesser-travelled destination. Home to diverse wildlife, national parks, and pristine white sand beaches, this country’s unspoilt nature and an incredible history make it one of the most exciting emerging destinations in Africa.

Targeting the European travel industries, LOTUS will also be working alongside consumer and B2B media. LOTUS aims to drive awareness of Sierra Leone while building strong and valuable travel links to the region, whilst also stimulating consumer interest through a proactive PR campaign targeting adventure, nature, and culture enthusiasts. Sustainability will also be an instrumental part of all activity, and LOTUS aims to amplify the country’s eco-tourism credentials, and the many green initiatives that are in place to preserve and protect the environment.

The appointment is in line with new developments to the country’s infrastructure which includes plans for a new international airport which hopes to encourage further accessibility to the country.

The account will be run by Kate McWilliams (MD) and Emily Olsen (Senior Account Director), supported by the LOTUS teams in London and partner agencies in Germany and Spain for a full-service representation that covers these key markets.

Fatmata Mida Hamid Carew, Director, General Manager of Sierra Leone NTB, said: “We are thrilled to be working with LOTUS during a period of such great importance for Sierra Leone. We’re incredibly proud of our country and we’re excited to welcome international visitors to experience our West African nation for themselves. It’s crucial to have an agency on board that is not only aligned with our objectives but has a genuine passion for the destination.”

Emily Olsen, Senior Account Director, commented: “I spent my childhood in Sierra Leone, so it’s a real pinch me moment to have the opportunity to work with the tourism board all these years later. Challenging the perceptions and misconceptions of Sierra Leone will be key to our activity so the consumer focus will shift to an understanding of what makes this country so special.”

Kate McWilliams, MD at LOTUS, added: “We are very proud of our experience working with emerging destinations. We know there is significant consumer demand for adventure travel which is coupled with an appetite for exploration and discovery. We look forward to implementing a strategic campaign to ultimately put Sierra Leone on the map, and to drive bookings and visitation to a country that has so much to offer. We will be working with our partner agencies to deliver these results in Sierra Leone’s most important European source markets.”

CategoriesArticles News By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND TEAM BASK AT MAMBO WATERFALL

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND TEAM
BASK AT MAMBO WATERFALL
                                                                 Mambo Waterfall …Sierraously Surprising
Mambo waterfall attracts government attention as the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs with heads of MDA’s: National Tourist Board, Monuments and Relics, National Protected Area Agency in collaboration with Ministry of Environment and other related Ministries today made an official appearance at the must attracted and visited tourism site in country- Mambo Waterfall.
 
As collaboration and consultation begins, on how to manage and raise the awareness around the waterfall and its physical elements.
 
The Minister of Tourism and Team today made several ground breaking engagement with community stakeholders and custodians of the Mambo Community, on the way out for a sincere road map on the site: for Waterfall management, sustainable waterfall profile content development, Accessibility and encouraging friendly amenities.
 
As the Minister and team encourages visitors and community stakeholders; to have fair dealing with this newly natural endowment, especially with waste management, deforestation and the mass visit to avoid natural property damage.
 
The professional heads will engage and have meaningful consultations on what should be the next steps regarding the waterfalls. These consultations will be looking at ways to improve the waterfall with basic amenities from the very the point of entry.
 
More update will be published as the prevailing unveiling waterfall stories emerge.
Kai B. Saquee
Marketing and Publicity Officer
24/07/2020
Kai B. Saquee
Marketing and Publicity Officer
24/07/2020   
CategoriesArticles News Press Release By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SIERRA LEONE

 

               TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SIERRA LEONE

Following the declaration made by His Excellency Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio on the resumption of commercial flight operations on the 22nd July 2020, the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Transport and Aviation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority, Sierra Leone Airports Authority and the National COVID- 19 Emergency Response Centre (NACOVERC) publishes the following safety and public health guidelines which shall be strictly adhered to by all arriving and departing passengers at/from the Freetown International Airport.

ARRIVING PASSENGERS

1. All passengers shall produce a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test result issued no longer than 72hrs before departure at point of origin.

2. At the check-in desk at the airport of embarkation, passengers are required to display travelers’ authorisation to Sierra Leone, received through the Government of Sierra Leone travel portal (www.travel.gov.sl). The travel authorization consists of:

 Negative PCR COVID-19 test result issued no longer than 72 hours before departure,

 Pre-departure public health passenger locator form

 Proof of payment for COVID-19 testing on arrival, paid through the online platform

3. Health officials will collect temperature, basic health screening data, and seat number on arrival.

4. All passengers shall be subjected to a mandatory COVID-19 test upon arrival:

 Passengers will simultaneously have a PCR test swab and an RDT test on arrival.

 If the RDT screening is negative, passengers are allowed to depart from the airport and observe public health protocols (mandatory proper mask wearing, hand washing, and physical distancing) while awaiting their PCR test result.

 If the RDT screening if positive, passengers will be isolated at a hotel in Lungi while awaiting their PCR test result. Note, the cost of the accommodation at the hotel shall be borne by the passenger.

 For all test results, the PCR result supersedes the RDT result.

 PCR results will be disseminated via the local contact number confirmed by the passenger on arrival.

5. All children under 2 years shall be exempted from pre-departure and arrival PCR test requirements.

6. Airline crew are exempted from the pre-departure and arrival PCR test requirements and should follow airline policy for testing. Airline crew must adhere to public health protocols.

7. Two temperature screenings will be conducted by Port Health Services. If temperature is 37.5 degrees Celsius or above, passenger will be taken aside for further observation.

8. All passengers shall go through a walk-through disinfectant channel/Infrared temperature scanner at the entrance of the arrival hall.

9. All passengers with machine-readable passports shall go through the Immigration E-gate system. Passengers with Emergency Travel Certificates or non-machine-readable passports shall go through the Immigration booth.

10. At the Baggage Reclaim section passengers shall maintain social distancing and observe

all public health protocols, including proper use of face mask at all times.

11. All passengers will be directed to a Reception Lounge while awaiting their COVID-19 test.

12. Passengers with a negative RDT screening test are cleared to proceed to their destination, while awaiting their PCR result and adhering to public health protocols. PCR test results (available in no more than 48 hours) will be distributed via the contact confirmed on arrival.

13. If a passenger’s PCR test is positive, s/he will be contacted by public health authorities and taken to an appropriate treatment centre.

14. Passengers sitting near a positive case on the plane will be considered primary contacts. Self-quarantine and monitoring by public health officials will be required.

15. All passengers are strictly advised to observe all public health protocols (proper and constant use of face mask, hand washing/sanitizing, observing social distancing) as directed by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation / NaCOVERC.

16. The same protocols shall apply to all VIP passengers.

DEPARTING PASSENGERS

1. All passengers are subjected to a mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) COVID- 19 test with a negative result issued no longer than 72hrs before departure at the Freetown International Airport. Cost for this test will be borne by the passenger.

 Passengers will use the Government of Sierra Leone Travel Portal to request their pre-departure test, to pay for the test, and for scheduling sample collection.

 Passengers with negative PCR results will receive e-confirmation and certificates ahead of travel. Physical copies can be collected at the airport at a designated desk.

 Passengers with positive PCR results will not be permitted to travel and must follow public health protocols for isolation and contact tracing. They will be re-tested after seven days.

 Passengers who have entered Sierra Leone within five days shall be exempted from the mandatory additional test on departure.

 All children under 2 years shall be exempted from PCR test requirements. 

2. On arrival at the airport, passengers shall be directed to a reception area to avoid congestion and ensure social distancing during the check-in process.

3. All passengers are encouraged to complete their check-in online before arriving at the airport.

4. All departing passengers shall go through the thermal screening/disinfectant channel at the airport’s departure entrance.

5. All departing passengers shall have their passport/travelling document verified before proceeding to the check-in counter.

6. Departing passengers shall proceed to the check-in counter for baggage drop and collection of their boarding pass. While at the check-in counter, they are mandated to produce their COVID-19 PCR negative test certificate or e-certificate issued within past 72 hours.

7. Departing passengers shall proceed to the immigration services for onward travel authorization via the e-gate or immigration booth.

8. All departing passengers shall go through security screening before proceeding to the departure hall.

9. All departing passengers shall proceed to the waiting lounge where social distancing, proper use of face mask and other health protocols shall be strictly observed.

10. All passengers shall proceed to the final screening and verification point prior to boarding the aircraft.

11. Boarding procedures shall be in accordance with the approved SOPs of the respective airlines.

12. All passengers are strictly advised to observe all public health protocols (proper use of face mask, hand washing/sanitizing, observe social distancing) as directed by the Ministry of Health and Sanitation / NACOVERC.

13. The same protocols shall apply to all VIP passengers.

 

 

 

CategoriesArticles News By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

SIERRA LEONE OPEN TO VISITORS AT ALL TIME -Sierra Leone is blissful 

SIERRA LEONE OPEN TO VISITORS AT ALL TIME

Sierra Leone is blissful

‘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.

Sierra Leone in West Africa enjoy an interrupted peace for years and this peace will sustainably be managed for future posterity.

Welcoming you to Freetown, sweep through its historical core. This is an amazing country, tours that takes you through Freetown’s heritage. This is great not just for new visitors to Freetown but also residents who wish to understand the historical significance of many sites they go past on a daily basis.

Sierra Leone, country of western Africa. The country owes its name to the 15th-century Portuguese explorer Pedro De Cintra, the first European to sight and map Freetown harbour. The original Portuguese name, Serra Lyoa (“Lion Mountains”), referred to the range of hills that surrounds the harbour. The capital, Freetown, commands one of the world’s largest natural harbours.

 

The main attractions for tourist in Sierra Leone are the beaches, nature reserves, mountains and the islands (Banana Island and Turtle Islands). … Sierra Leone is considered one of the best places in the world to catch Atlantic tarpon.

For the traveller, Sierra Leone is still West Africa’s secret beach destination. Sweet sands rise from the soft waters of the Atlantic, with the backdrop dressed in sun-stained hues, rainforest green and the red, red roads of the north.

In Freetown, colourful stilted houses remember the days when freed slaves from the Caribbean were resettled upon these shores. In the north, the Loma Mountains form the highest point west of Cameroon. Further east national parks and rainforest shelter endangered species like the black-and-white colobus monkey and the elusive pygmy hippo.

Coming face to face with the enchanting relics of the mastery architectural display that once defined the merciless economical “glory” of the Bunce Island, you’ll know thereon, that this is a place that warrants the visitation of everyone, at least once in our lifetime. If not for the purpose of reflections, empathy, and a sense of history, but for the serene-celestial-leisure and the liberating experiences enveloped in both the boat journey and the tour of the strategic slavery fortress built in the bosom of Temne lands.

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.

In a way, Sherbro Island has had the same treatment as the rest of Sierra Leone. It’s overlooked; many people are not aware of its existence, let alone its tourist potential. Visitors have been few, but those who do visit return home with diamonds in their eyes. Mesmerised by the exotic sights, the beauty of the people and the unique experiences. VSL has seen the potential of Sherbro, and this article will tell you everything you need to know about visiting this peaceful island.

Located two hours by motor boat from the mainland, Sherbro Island has about 30.000 inhabitants. The main town is Bonthe (not to be confused with Bunce), which is the first access point to the rest of the island. There are barely any motor vehicles on the island, therefore transportation is limited to walking, and using motorbikes and boat rides. All three are appealing, but for deeper explorations motorbikes and boats are recommended.

They say Paris is for lovers, we say Sierra Leone is for lovers. The country is a mixture of vibrant city life, tranquil natural surroundings, and stunning views. Sierra Leone can provide the perfect context to make memories you will not forget. Ah, and of course, a country so picturesque makes that even easier.

 

CategoriesAdvertisement Articles News By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

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.

 

CategoriesArticles News By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Exhibiting Sierra Leone at the biggest World Travel Market in London

Sierra Leone is set to participate in one of the World’s biggest gathering of the tourism sector, the World Travel Market, London.

World Travel Market London introduces global travel buyers to countries, the biggest destinations and brands in the world. WTM London prides itself on being the hub of travel ideas.

They aim to give sector players, the global travel trade insight into how the industry will look in the next five years, share innovations, and create endless business opportunities over the course of three days.

Sierra Leone was an attractive destination for tourists from across the world but that changed following a decade of civil strife.

The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) led Government of President Julius Maada Bio campaigned to diversify the economy through tourism by improving the policy and legal environment, developing infrastructure, rehabilitating and developing historic and cultural sites, developing skills in tourism and promoting, marketing and improving the international image of Sierra Leone.

Hence the participation in such Exhibitions.

The advantages of participating in these events are manifold.
It gives Sierra Leone an opportunity to engage and connect with her target audience face-to-face. Participating in an event where over 51,000 international travel professionals, from more than 38 sectors of the travel industry are present is no mean feat. It provides an enviable opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with key decision-makers in the travel industry.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board and Monuments and Relics Commission would use this exhibition to position the country as a must-visit destination. Her presence would ensure that it is seen by the people that matter and offer an opportunity to truly stand out as a brand in a place where the travel industry congregates.

By participating in such events, the nation grows her exposure and position her brand as a destination that worth travellers’ attention – there’s no better place than the hub of travel ideas to present that brand.

The competitive edge of showcasing the ecotourism and adventure tourism potentials of this great nation cannot be overemphasized. Our brand presence at the show is significant but we also get an insight into what other businesses and countries are doing.

With the newly launched Visa-on-Arrival facility, the country needs to launch that new product to Tour Operators. WTM London gives the perfect platform to launch any new products people may have in front of a large engaged audience. Create your hype.

The event which runs from the 4th-6th November 2019 takes place at ExCel Exhibition Centre in London. Around 300,000 new business connections are made each year at these events where over 3,000 journalists from around the world are present.

CategoriesArticles Discover Explore News The world Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

The Telegraph – Is Sierra Leone about to become African tourism’s next big thing?

 

Sue Watt, Travel Writer

2 September 2019 • 10:20am

With big ears, brown eyes and a nappy wrapped around him, little Caesar has no idea that he represents his homeland. His mother was killed when he was just eight weeks old (he is now aged seven months) and he has since been cared for by a woman called Mama P.

I watch as she holds the baby chimp in her arms, lulling him with soft “Oooh-ooh-ooh” noises. Tenderly, Caesar strokes her face, pulls down her paper mask and raises his hirsute fingers to her lips to be kissed. Caesar’s home is Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Sierra Leone, a country that has had a rough ride of late. The government recently announced that the chimpanzee is to be its national animal, representing the face of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism for the future.

With a troubled past, this small West African country doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a tourist destination. Its decade-long civil war, fuelled by the diamond industry, ended in 2002 at the cost of 50,000 lives. In 2014, just as the country was recovering – thanks to remarkable reconciliation efforts and a rejuvenated mining industry – Ebola arrived, killing almost 4,000 people. Sierra Leone went into lockdown for two long and lonely years. Then, in 2017, a horrific mudslide struck the capital Freetown, causing around 1,000 deaths. But Sierra Leone, known locally as Sweet Salone, is shaking off the shackles of its grim past: now peaceful and Ebola-free, it deserves a new narrative.

The chimpanzee is to become the national animal, representing the face of wildlife conservation Credit: GETTY

“Sierra Leone has changed,” George Balassis tells me. He is the general manager of upmarket Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel where I am staying on Lumley Beach, Freetown’s buzzing nightlife strip. “It’s a country that believes in itself now, that’s growing stronger and more confident by the day.”

The country’s revived focus on tourism reflects that new self-belief. Visitor numbers are gradually increasing and new hotels including the Hilton are opening, Silversea cruises are sailing back, and pioneering holiday companies such as Rainbow Tours are returning.

Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, five hours east of Freetown, exemplifies the country’s potential. An idyllic destination for nature lovers, the uninhabited island on the river Moa measures just 4.6 sq miles yet is home to 135 species of birds, around 80 rare pygmy hippos and 11 primate species, one of the highest concentrations in the world, including chimps and Diana monkeys. We are welcomed with warm smiles by the people of Kambama, one of eight neighbouring communities supported by Tiwai.

That afternoon, we explore by kayak as hornbills whoosh past overhead and palm fronds rattle in the breeze. In the stillness, a guide suddenly calls out “Mah-le” in an excited whisper. “Pygmy hippo” our poler translates, rushing us towards the riverbank. Someone in the first kayak sees a backside scurrying into the forest but it’s vanished before we get there. It seems the monkeys have vanished too, save for shadowy figures cavorting in the canopy at dusk.

Kayaking on the Moa Credit: WILL WHITFORD

We stay at Tiwai’s only camp, sleeping on mattresses in dome tents on sheltered platforms. Damaged by storms in 2015, it looks tired but is clean and comfortable, has a solar-powered dining area, hot showers and flushing lavatories.

Next morning, on a dark, pre-dawn walk, guide Kenewa Korma interprets the noises of nature’s alarm clocks. A rolling cackle, like a cranky car revving up, is “black and white colobus saying good morning to each other”. The quiet gulps are red colobus; rapid grunts are sooty mangabeys. And that pungent smell that hits us now and then is simply “monkey aroma”.

As dawn approaches, the rainforest becomes visible – we are walking through bamboo as high as houses, mahoganies, palms and vines, and finally spot monkeys moving in the canopy to sounds like shrieking babies. “That’s the colobus sexing!” Kenewa explains with the noise ascending to a curdling crescendo as the monkey mating reaches its climax.

In dense rainforest, Tiwai’s monkeys can seem elusive despite their high concentration and you probably won’t see pygmy hippos mooching along the riverbank. But the island’s natural beauty, with honey-coloured beaches and towering trees, is truly special.

The Western Peninsula coastline is special too: jungle-clad mountains meet sandy shores in vivid tiers of green, gold and blue. A three-hour drive takes us to Tokeh, lying between Bureh Beach renowned for surfing and the palm-fringed River No 2 Beach, which evoked “the taste of paradise” in Eighties Bounty ads.

“The island’s natural beauty, with honey-coloured beaches and towering trees, is truly special” Credit: GETTY

Our luxury hotel, The Place, has 54 chic chalets, a swimming pool, and a glass-fronted bar and restaurant overlooking the ocean. We amble along the shore, watching children playing football while women balance baskets of bread on their heads and fishermen sail off in wooden dhows. We swim in the warm Atlantic waters, sip chilled wine on sunbeds and dine on fresh lobster, a world away from what most people imagine Sierra Leone to be.

Freetown, an hour away, brings us back to earth. Despite the poverty here – Sierra Leone is one of the world’s poorest countries – it’s a vibrant, frenetic and friendly city squashed between forested hills and the sea. Born of freedom in the late 18th century when slaves returned from England, its name evokes its heritage from slave-trade centre to sanctuary.

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Nowhere is the poignancy of the slave trade more evident than on Bunce Island, 40 minutes by motorboat from Freetown. Between 1668 and 1807, around 50,000 men, women and children were incarcerated in this once-imposing fort before leaving for America’s southern states. Neglected for centuries and smothered by vines and strangler figs, the eerie ruin is finally being restored. Our guide brings the past alive, showing us cannons on the ramparts still pointing out to sea, the graveyard with still-legible tombstones of slave masters, the cells where ordinary people, once sold, were branded with red-hot irons. We walk in silence, immersed in the island’s inhumane brutality and haunting melancholy.

Ruins on Bunce Island Credit: GETTY

In Freetown, we wander past slatted plantation houses on Pademba Road where freed settlers first lived and stand under the 500-year-old Cotton Tree, more than 100ft tall, where slaves prayed under its boughs. Today, fruit bats dangle surreally from branches, their squeals competing with the din of traffic and tuk tuks. We see the worn stone “slave steps” at King Jimmy Wharf, now a manic market selling everything from grains, vegetables and fruit to plastic pots and flip-flops. The city has mellow moments too: back in Lumley, we sip G&Ts at a beach bar listening to smooth reggae as the sun sets.

On our last day, we visit Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary spanning 100 acres of forest near Freetown. Sharing a deep bond with Freetown’s communities, the sanctuary teaches schoolchildren about conservation, offers scholarships and currently employs 40 local people. Founded in 1995, it has endured war and Ebola and today is home to 89 chimps (including that beautiful baby Caesar) orphaned through the illegal bushmeat trade or rescued from captivity.

“We rescued 10 babies last year,” manager Aram Kazandjian explains. “For each one rescued, it’s estimated poachers have killed up to 10 chimps. Sierra Leone has around 5,500 chimpanzees: if we don’t act, they’ll likely be extinct within 10 years.”

In rural areas where chimps are most threatened, Tacugama educates and works with more than 40 communities. It is planning a national ecolodge circuit taking in Loma for West Africa’s highest mountain, Mobondah for rare manatees and Jaibui Island, Tiwai’s neighbour, for those elusive pygmy hippos. And Tacugama Sanctuary itself has six rustic ecolodges with hiking trails, birding tours, jazz nights and yoga retreats. I wish I’d stayed the night here, waking up to chimps’ squeals and birdsong.

The primates live in huge fenced enclosures. As we walk around, one cheeky chimp throws stones at us, then sits by the pond acting all innocent. Nearby, Mortes and Perry groom each other quietly. “Mortes was the alpha male here but Perry has taken over. They’re still friends,” Aram says. “Chimps share 98.6 per cent of human DNA and they show emotions just like us – joy, happiness, I often see them kissing.”

As we leave, we pass Caesar again, still cuddling Mama P. With chimps symbolising the nation’s future, Tacugama has a starring role in the new Sierra Leone. Much like the sanctuary’s homeland and its people, together they have survived the toughest of times but their soul and indomitable spirit shine through.

“Sierra Leone is shaking off the shackles of its grim past. It deserves a new narrative.” Credit: GETTY

How to do it

Rainbow Tours (020 8131 8473; rainbowtours.co.uk) offers an eight-night trip to Sierra Leone with return international flights on Brussels Airlines from £2,795pp sharing. The price includes two nights in Freetown, two nights at Tacugama, two nights at Tiwai Island, one night at Banana Islands, and one night at Tokeh (all on a B&B basis except at Tiwali island, which is full board), plus all transfers and activities including a trip to Bunce Island.

 

Link to this article https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/africa/sierra-leone/articles/sierra-leone-tourism-safari-beaches/

 

CategoriesArticles News By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Sierra Leone at SITA 2019

THE WORLD MEETING OF AFRICAN TOURISM IN ABIJAN
Sierra Leone at SITA 2019

SITA over the years has become the largest African Tourism and hospitality event in the tourism sector, this event is designed to create a unique platform for professionals in the sector and to conduct leveled businesses. Through its networks, with its unparalleled global reach in Africa. Sierra Leone sees the need to be part of this event, to continue the Rebranding and profile raising for the destination.

SITA is set to create personal and professional opportunities and positive positioning, providing broad based customers with quality contacts, content and communities. For 5 days and on 45,000m², the SITA brings together the biggest names in tourism.
NTB/ MTCA

CategoriesArticles News By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Marketing Sierra Leone through food tourism

By Mohamed Faray Kargbo

As the compelling aroma of the deliciously prepared meal spreads across, so does the message about Sierra Leone National Day.

Even before the official time of the event, people were already waiting. They all came with one resolve, to have a taste of the Sierra Leonean food.

Europeans, Asians, Americans and other African nationals queue up in their numbers to be served the meal from Sierra Leone. The Sierra Leone Stand at ITB had never attracted so much crowd.

From the groundnut soup to the locally-produced rice, ginger drink to the tamarind everything was eaten by the visitors to the pleasure of the National Tourist Board.

“The food is delicious,” remarked one partaker. “I love this and will like to have more.” commented another.

The ingredients in the food made it even more difficult for the visitors to spare the extras. It was a joyful moment for the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt. She has always maintained that food tourism could be used to get more tourists to visit Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone has some of the best delicacies and spicy foodstuff that could forge a love relationship between a tourist and the nation. The cuisine from Sierra Leone could attract more tourists than we think.

The ITB Tourism Trade Show attracts over 10,000 visitors annually. Sierra Leone’s participation is part of efforts to attract more tourists to the country.

 

CategoriesArticles Discover News Press Release The world Travel By Sierra Leone National Tourist Board

Press Release – SIERRA LEONE WELCOMES VISIT BY DR. JANE GOODALL (DBE) WITH THREE MAJOR CONSERVATION AND TOURISM ANNOUNCEMENTS

Order of the Rokel designation, chimpanzee named Sierra Leone’s national animal and visa on arrival are announced

 

Images from all events at http://www.cornersun.com/janegoodall – note credits in file names

Click here for destination images

 

Freetown, Sierra Leone, March 4, 2019 – Sierra Leone honored Dr. Jane Goodall (DBE, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace), the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, during her three-day visit to the country this past week, with three major announcements – first,  bestowing the country’s highest honors on Dr Jane Goodall; second, the announcement of changes in the visa policy to allow for visas on arrival; and third, the declaration of the Western Chimpanzee as the National Animal of Sierra Leone. These announcements coincide with the 27th anniversary of the founding of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary of which Jane Goodall played an instrumental role.

 

Announcement #1 – The Order of the Rokel

The Order of the Rokel, Sierra Leone’s highest and most prestigious decoration, is awarded to those in Sierra Leone who have made valuable contributions to the country. The award was presented to Dr. Jane Goodall on February 27th in recognition of her diligent and committed work to the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the conservation of the biodiversity in the country. Tacugama is Sierra Leone’s first and only sanctuary and it is located just 30 minutes from the capital, Freetown. The sanctuary plays a critical role in protecting the country’s rich biodiversity, two of Freetown’s main water catchments and the critically endangered western chimpanzees.

“What an honor, I am truly, truly humbled. I don’t really feel I deserve this, but I want to assure you that I will do my level best to do everything I can do help conservation in Sierra Leone,” said Dr. Jane Goodall upon receiving the honor.“ I am committed to doing what I can in Sierra Leone. You have wonderful forests that people from around the world would be excited to visit. I thank you for this. It is very special to me. It’s very moving. Thank you.”

 

“The honor is yours and you deserve this particular Order. Thank you very much for your hard work and dedication around the world,” said H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone. “I am a conservationist. I promise that I will do my best to support wildlife protection. Thank you so much for accepting our honor.”

 

Announcement #2 – Visa on Arrival

Dr. Jane Goodall’s visit comes at the perfect time as Sierra Leone prepares to reintroduce itself on the world tourism stage. Wildlife tourism, conservation, and sustainability are taking top billing on the global tourism stage and Dr. Jane Goodall’s stature as a world-leading-conservationist provides an important global platform for Sierra Leone’s growth as a new tourism destination.

 

As a first step towards its re-emergence as a tourism destination, Sierra Leone is launching a new visa on arrival and eVisa system making it much easier to visit the destination.

 

Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of Sierra Leone announced the new visa system at a State Dinner at the President’s residence in honor of Jane Goodall this past Wednesday night.

 

“We are working towards putting infrastructure in place to declare Sierra Leone a visa-free country which means so many people around the world can just jump on a plane and come to Sierra Leone and get a visa on arrival. This country does not have a lot of foreign Missions across the world so the best way you can encourage tourists, business people and investors to come is to make things easy for them. We are also looking at instituting an eVisa system which means you could sit down in your home and apply for your visa electronically to come to Sierra Leone. We are investing in infrastructure.”

“[Tourism] means a lot for the future of Sierra Leone,” continued Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. “We see it as an entry point for rebranding Sierra Leone. We want to send a strong signal to the world that Sierra Leone is open for business and also for tourism. We see the tourism sector as one of the vehicles to drive diversification of the economy. We see that it is able to stimulate growth and also build an economic base that offers jobs for boys and girls across the country.”

The World Bank who supported the event as part of their commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, drew attention to the clear linkages between conservation and economic development. Gayle Martin, Country Manager of the World Bank gave several examples of countries that have transformed their tourism sectors with good conservation practices and encouraged Sierra Leone to follow suite.

Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Memunatu Pratt, added, “I want to declare today the birthday of tourism industry in Sierra Leone.”

 

Announcement #3 – Chimpanzee Designated as Sierra Leone’s National Animal

Sierra Leone is home to one of the largest western chimpanzee populations in the world. They are the flagship species for tropical forests and woodland areas and play a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of their ecosystems. Their decline, and potential extinction, may precipitate the decline of other culturally, economically and /or ecologically important species and the ecosystem in which they live. Dr. Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees and Tacugama has had a huge and positive impact on saving the chimpanzee and the chain reaction that brings.

 

For that reason, Sierra Leone, in a special ceremony held at Freetown’s Bintumani Conference Centre this past Thursday evening, has named the chimpanzee the National Animal of Sierra Leone. Minister of Agriculture Dr. Joseph J Ndanema made the announcement stating, “Chimpanzees are part of Sierra’s Leone’s cultural heritage…as such, we have a moral duty to conserve their legacy so that we can share it with future generations. On this note, with concurrence from other ministries, departments and agencies and with the endorsement from His Excellency the President, I as Minister of Agriculture, hereby declare the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) as the National Animal of Sierra Leone.”

It is expected, with this new designation, the positive role chimpanzees and their habitats play in providing direct and indirect benefits to local communities will greatly increase.  It is also hoped that Jane’s visit will showcase the country’s sustainable tourism offerings and increase awareness of the need for conservation of these critically endangered species.

 

Also announced was that HE Fatima Jabbe-Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, will become a Patron of Tacugama further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to conservation and the special place Tacugama holds in the tourism fabric of the country.

 

At the British Council this past Friday, Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer addressed 300 children who marched from the Youyi Building to the Cotton Tree and then onwards to the British Council waving signs in support of Jane Goodall and conservation efforts across the country. Dr. Jane Goodall inspired the children with stories of her childhood, and officially launched ‘Roots and Shoots Sierra Leone’ – a program that seeks to inspire an interest in conservation from an early age. Roots & Shoots Sierra Leone will be sponsored by UNICEF.

 

For more information, contact: The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone info@sierraleonenationaltouristboard.gov.sl or info@ntb.gov.sl.

 

About Sierra Leone

With its palm-fringed beaches, breathtaking mountains, tropical rain forests and vibrant culture, Salone is one of West Africa’s most alluring destinations. The true African Sierra.

About Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global community conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. By protecting chimpanzees and inspiring action to conserve the natural world. JGI improves the lives of people, animals and the environment. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Jane Goodall, JGI makes a difference through community-centered conservation and the innovative use of science and technology. JGI works closely with local communities around the world, inspiring hope through the collective power of individual action. Through Roots & Shoots, JGI’s youth-led community action and learning program, young people in nearly 80 countries are acquiring the knowledge and skills to become compassionate conservation leaders in their own backyards.