Sierra Leone will participate in the world’s leading travel trade show in Berlin, Germany.
The International Tourismus Borse (ITB) which takes place from the 6th-10th March 2019 attracts professionals in the travel industry from across the world.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Madam Memunatu Pratt has expressed determination to change the negative perception that the international community has formed about Sierra Leone.
Peter Altmaier, the German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs is expected to open ITB Berlin 2019.
A Special Day, Sierra Leone Day would be used to celebrate Sierra Leone in Germany. It promises to be an unforgettable day.
Officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the National Tourist Board, Monuments and Relics Commission and the private sector are participating in the events.
Full highlights of the Show will be brought to you as events unfold.
The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone is tasked with the responsibility of marketing Sierra Leone to improve and promote tourism.
Mohamed Faray Kargbo
Education and Outreach Unit
Monuments and Relics Commission
SIERRA LEONE HONORS DR. JANE GOODALL (DBE) DURING
THREE-DAY ANNIVERSARY TOUR SETTNG STAGE FOR TOURISM DEBUT
Major Announcement Expected Impacting Sierra Leone’s Conservation and Tourism Efforts
Click here for images
Freetown, Sierra Leone, February 21, 2019 – Sierra Leone will welcome 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, February 27 to March 1st where, 27 years ago, she was instrumental in the founding of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The three-day visit highlights the emerging conservation movement in Sierra Leone as well as the country’s
re-emergence on the world stage as a sustainable tourism destination.
Tacugama, Sierra Leone’s first and only sanctuary, plays a critical role in protecting the country’s rich biodiversity, two of Freetown’s main water catchments and the critically endangered chimpanzees. Since its establishment, the sanctuary has become internationally recognized, benefiting Sierra Leone’s people through jobs, wildlife protection, environmental education, ecotourism, research and health initiatives. Dr Goodall continues to provide inspiration to Tacugama by guiding and inspiring the Sanctuary’s future.
“We look forward to welcoming back Dr. Jane Goodall,” said Her Excellency Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone. “Her visit allows us to share Sierra Leone’s story with the world and to revitalize the international image of our country, which is critical for the development of sustainable tourism, conservation, and economic development. The beauty of our natural diversity, wildlife and culture is also a story that we want to share.”
Dr. Goodall’s visit comes at a time when wildlife tourism, conservation, and sustainability are taking top billing on the global tourism stage. Her stature as a world-leading-conservationist, provides an important global platform for Sierra Leone’s growth as a new tourism destination. The visit will showcase the country’s sustainable tourism offerings and increase awareness of the need for conservation of these critically endangered species. It will also highlight the clear link between conservation and sustainable tourism.
Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, commented regarding her upcoming visit, “I’m looking forward to my visit to Sierra Leone and proud of the impact the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary has had on saving the country’s remaining chimpanzees while providing needed jobs for local people. I am particularly excited to meet the children of Sierra Leone and share with them my Roots and Shoots program. They are our future hope.”
SIERRA LEONE HONORS DR. JANE GOODALL (DBD)…/2
The three-day program in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone, is as follows:
• Wednesday, February 27th – Morning – Dr. Jane Goodall tours the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, press interview.
• Wednesday, February 27th – Evening – State Dinner hosted by Her Excellency Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone.
• Thursday, February 28th – 6:00 pm. – Dr. Jane Goodall Speaking Engagement hosted by Ministry of Tourism and attended by Her Excellency Fatima Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone – Bintumani Conference Hall.
• Friday, March 1st – Children’s March – 300 children will march from the Youyi Building to the Cotton Tree and then onwards to the British Council where Dr. Jane Goodall will address the children and talk about her Roots and Shoots program. Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyer will speak at this event.
Setting stage for tourism
Jane’s visit to Sierra Leone (a country known in Creole as Salone) comes at the perfect time as the destination prepares to reintroduce itself on the world tourism stage. Most people continue to associate Sierra Leone with its troubled past, so the goal now is to propel the destination into the future, showcasing the results of the its transformation into the next “must visit” location for both leisure and business travelers.
“We are excited to show our “only-in-Sierra Leone” offerings, many of which will surprise world travelers,” said Mrs. Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism, Sierra Leone. “Sierra Leone offers world class beaches, stunning endemic wildlife, rich culture and historical sites, adventure travel, exquisite local cuisine, and a warm and welcoming people, that make our country one of Africa’s most promising new tourism destinations.”
Sierra Leone has one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in the wild anywhere in the world. Adventure travelers can also find little-seen wildlife such as the endangered Diana monkey in the forests of Tiwai Island on the Moa river, three types of colobus monkeys, rare birds and pygmy hippos.
Sierra Leone recently opened a new Tourist Information Office in the capital city of Freetown, near the historic Cotton Tree, the oldest cotton tree in Freetown or possibly in the world and synonymous with freedom of the earlier settlers. That and the launch of a new Tourism In-Flight Traveltainment Magazine and investment in infrastructure are seen as important steps forward for the sector.
SIERRA LEONE HONORS DR. JANE GOODALL (DBD)…/3
Sharing tourism assets
To begin to showcase all this incredible country has to offer to the world, Michaela Guzy, Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Influencer and On-Air Talent for OTPYM (Oh The People You Meet), and David DiGregorio, founder of CornerSun Destination Marketing, will be in Sierra Leone to cover the series of Jane Goodall events. Michaela will capture on film, the wildlife, beaches, people and natural offerings of this relatively undiscovered country. The film will be shown at a special screening in New York City in early spring, to set the stage for Sierra Leone’s tourism renewal in 2020.
“The Jane Goodall visit, and announcement provides us with an amazing first-hand opportunity to show the combination of a rich conservation history and unknown adventure experiences visitors can eventually enjoy,” said Guzy. “We are sierraously excited to share the secrets of Sierra Leone with the world, and who better to introduce Sierra Leone as a sustainable tourism destination than Jane Goodall?”
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.
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. 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.
About the Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees are flagship species for tropical forests and woodland areas and play a key role in maintaining the health and diversity of their ecosystems, and their decline and potential extinction may precipitate the decline of other culturally, economically and or ecologically important species.
Media Contact:
Elisa Fershtadt, Public Relations
CornerSun Destination Marketing LLC
Email: elisa@cornersun.com/Telephone: +1 917-88-6554
www.cornersun.com
Freetown 5th February, 2019: The Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Tuesday 5th February, 2019 launched the country’s first Tourism In-Flight Traveltainment Magazine and also commissioned the first City Tourist Information Office at the National Museum, Pademba Road, Freetown.
Delivering the Keynote address, the Hon. Vice President
commended the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Memunatu Pratt and her staff for such a
laudable effort in giving the country’s Tourism sectors a facelift.
Tourism he said is one of the sectors they as a government
have been following because it is among one of the critical areas that the ‘New
direction’ government wants to use to diversify the country’s economy, move
Sierra Leone from a mineral dependent economy to a new area that they can tap
in for more additional resources for the development of the nation.
He said the Tourism industry is very closed to the new
administration and that it is a sector that the President wanted to see developed
in order to boost the country’s economy.
VP Jalloh stated that, he has no doubt that the Tourism
In-Flight Traveltainment Magazine and the Tourist Information Office are a critical
step in boosting the sector
He added that, it’s an indication that the tourism sector is
one of the sectors that the government of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio wanted
to move forward in order to make Sierra Leone more attractive to stimulate
economic growth, create job opportunities and make Sierra Leoneans themselves
enjoy the beauty of their country.
Dr Jalloh went on to state that, it is part of the ‘New
Direction’ drive to identify where they can spend additional resources to turn
around the country’s tourism sector as they believed it is one of the fastest
growing sectors in the world.
“When you look at the productive nature of the tourism
Sector and the critical innovations that are taking place in that sector and
what it could bring in terms of economic dividend, I believe Sierra Leone has
to tap into that sector.” He reiterated.
He maintained that, Sierra Leone has a lot to offer in the
area of attracting tourist and business people. The offers he said ranged from
wild life, parks, beaches to historical sites.
He furthered that, the tourism sector over the years has
been over shadowed by critical challenges that have no doubt want to slow down
the growth of the country that is capable of being on the map as a tourist
attraction destination.
VP said as a government, they were able to take critical
steps to overcome some of those challenges.
He outlined some the critical steps they have taken in order
to boost the country’s Tourism sector. This he said among them, they were able
to implement a Regulatory Framework to ensure that the prices of Air tickets to
fly to Sierra Leone will become cheaper, the reduction of taxes on air travel
to ensure that flying to Sierra Leone will become reasonable and the
implementation of a visa on arrival.
He said that, they took up such ventures to attract more
tourists and business people to the country. In the area of infrastructure, he
said the government of President Bio is investing resources to develop
infrastructure and boost tourist sites in the country.
In her statement, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural
Affairs, Mrs Memunatu Pratt told the gathering that, as a ministry, they have
accomplished one of their milestones of rebranding, re-imaging Sierra Leone and
also, change the negative perception of the country and make tourism a
household name for people to know that tourism is alive and is being awakened
from slumber.
She said the big role of their recent effort has to do with
how they will inform, attract tourists and investors and how to get Sierra
Leoneans to understand domestics tourism.
To do this, she said, they realized that information is
vital hence the opening of the tourist Information office for people to get
more information on the sector and the country in particular.
She went on to talk on the sector’s partnerships with a lot
of Airline Agencies, Banks and international Agencies. She also talked on the
symbiotic relationship between Tourism and Aviation.
The Chairman of Civil Aviation, Mr Patrick Kaikai in his
statement said the launching of the magazine and commissioning of the Tourist
Information Office have a positive impact on the Aviation industry. Tourism and
Aviation, he said, complement each other and that they depend on each other
hence the need for collaboration and cooperation with each other.
The representative from the Private Sector, Managing
Director of Rokel Commercial Bank, Dr Ekundaya Walton Gilpin in his remarks
thanked the government of His Excellency for taking up such journey to empower,
renovate, give stories about tourism in Sierra Leone to the people around the
world.
He said the initiative to launch the magazine and commission
the Tourist Information Office is an opportunity to start making people to be
attracted to Sierra Leone as the country has the human resource capacity to
nurture and give hope to Sierra Leoneans to make them understand that they have
a positive story to tell about the country out there.
The Secretary Board of Airlines, Mr Edgar Lacle in his
speech thanked the Minister and her team for such a positive move in the right
direction.
He called on Sierra
Leoneans to be proud of their country as the In-flight Magazine will be added
to the world list of In-Flight Magazines.
The magazine he said will help tourist and investors to
discover, identify the beauty, uniqueness, rich tradition, culture, development
strides, economy and politics of the country and her people.
Giving the purpose of the gathering, the Acting General
Manager of the National Tourist Board, Mrs. Fatmata Abe-Osagie said the
rationale behind the launching of the magazine and opening of the Tourist
Information Office was to rebrand Sierra Leone.
The Chairman of the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of
Information, Hon. Solomon Jamiru in his remarks, commended the Minister and her
team for such initiative.
He said today marks
another milestone in the history of the country, as the country has got a
magazine for tourists that will be placed in airlines, given to the country’s
embassies and other missions abroad, financial players and public sector
players.
He said the magazine encapsulated very interesting readings, stories and information about the tourism sector in the country.
FITUR is a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero American and other markets. Therefore as the rebranding process continues, Sierra Leone is on a penetrative entry strategy for the Spanish markets using trade fairs like FITUR as a key tool, to re-write the Country’s narratives, by showcasing its tourism assets and demonstrate readiness for business as a nation.
From day one onto day five today, it has been more busy for the Minister of Tourism and team as they fully engaged in meaningful meetings, to establish viable networks with other key states Minister’s, tour operators, airliners, investors who gave their genuine opinions that indeed Sierra Leone is coming up strong as a new destination.
Since day one the booth has attracted a huge number of Spanish visitors, who expressed interest in the country and they see the need to visit our the destination. Frank Kohomme a Spanish traveler and operator, explains how Sierra Leone was in the 1980s when he did his honeymoon in Tokeh beach, that experience he said is never to be forgetting.
Sierra Leone stand is position in pavilion 6D, where we have: Maldives, Japan, Nepal, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Ghana, The Gambia, Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Kenya, Djibouti and many more.
This is Sierra Leone’s first appearance in the Spanish market, but so far the respect accorded, the attention and correct awareness created have gone a long way that will yield a future business dividend for the sector and the country generally.
Fruitful and meaningful meetings were attended to continue the message that Sierra Leone is safe, peaceful, stable and in business.
SIERRA LEONE – SIERRAOUSLY SURPRISING
MTCA/NTB
SPAIN MADRID
China endorsed Sierra Leone Visa Free for Service and Diplomatic Passports holders
What Does Visa-Free Travel Mean?
Clarity on visa free to Sierra Leone, this leverage is only enjoyed by Diplomats and active government’s employees with service passport status can have access to this pronouncement by the Chinese government.
Well one may want t
o ask what this means? Visas are documents that are issued by governments to foreigners who want to come to their destination. There are various kinds of visas, but the most common ones are tourist, business, and in-transit visas.
Visa-free travel is the ability to visit a country without having to complete lengthy visa procedures. Nationals of a country can have visa-free travel to another country if the governments of those two countries signed an agreement to that effect, or if the receiving country unilaterally opened its borders
Bonthe Municipal Island, Bonthe, Monday 24 December 2018 – His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has closed the 2018 Agro-Tourism Festival organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on Bonthe Municipal Island, southern Sierra Leone.
The event provided the platform for agricultural and tourism groups from within the district to showcase their various products.
In his keynote address, President Bio said he was pleased with the initiative of the two ministries in organising such a wonderful event geared towards showcasing both the agricultural and touristic potentials of the district.
He said his government considered agricultural and tourism as very important components in the governance structure and that they were integral in achieving economic diversification. He noted that with tourism and agriculture Bonthe district had the potential to be the breadbasket of the country.
He thanked the people of Bonthe for overwhelmingly voting him during the March-April elections. He said over the years Bonthe had been a deprived district in the country because of divisive politics, adding that his administration was ready to correct that injustice by embarking on development projects in the district.
“This once thriving district became a deprived and neglected city. As President, I will ensure that development is shared to every part of this country and Bonthe will no longer be an exception. We will revive this district and restore its lost glory.
“Very soon, we will begin the reconstruction of the sea face that will attract a lot of tourists to the district and will also construct 5 kilometres of roads inside the municipality as a start. Also, plans are underway to resume the Tormabom Agricultural Center, which alone can feed the entire nation with reserve to export,” he said.
In his unending quest for human capital development, President Bio also disclosed that within the shortest period his government would open a School of Excellence in Information Technology that would offer professional courses not only for Sierra Leoneans but also for the entire subregion.
Mayor of the Bonthe Municipal Island, Joe Sandi, said they were happy to receive their son for the first time as President of the country. He said they were so far pleased with the development strives that were already taking place in the district, noting that Bonthe had been a deprived settlement that needed urgent attention to catch up with other parts of the country.
He called on the President to provide more roads as a way of boosting the tourism sector in the district. He also cited challenges in the telecommunications sector, in particular, the urgent attention needed to connect the district with the rest of the world.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Jonathan Joseph Ndanema, said the festival was a way of finding suitable ways of reducing unemployment in the district and the country as a whole. He said Bonthe offered a lot of opportunities to the country which were not explored by past governments.
He stated that his ministry was working on transforming agriculture into a business adventure capable of producing enough food for consumption and for export. He said his ministry would continue the inter-ministerial collaboration and ensure the event was held annually.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr Memunatu Pratt, said Bonthe had made history for being the first district to host the event, saying that they would learn from the experience in Bonthe and implement similar event in other districts with Agro-tourism potentials.
She added: “Tourism is one of the core areas of government and I am happy for the political will received from the President. This Island has great potentials and if we can unlock them, it will create jobs for the locals and as well improve the national revenue.”
As the year roll by, Tourism festivities crowns it all.
In matching up with responsibilities and strategic plans to create a fair awareness it is highly incumbent on the Tourism sector leadership under the directives of The Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Dr. MB. Pratt in meeting targets and deliver result as measured.
Therefore; on this mandate The Sierra Leone National Tourist Board is fully participating in the first edition of the Lungi Tangains Festival, organized by The Standard Team Organization.
The Tourism Board is mainly here to liase, understand, and effectively communicate the stronger effect of Tourism by promotion of right tourism asset and showcasing the Country’s Tourism potential to Both local and International attendees.
The booth constructed and been decorated sends a stronger signal of tourism development and readiness. Staff of Lungi Airport are in full attendance on rota basis as the events prescribed.
From Lungi KAFFU Bullom arround the airport the random activities has hyped the Christmas momentum for all ages within here.
Diaspora Focus DEVELOPMENT AWARD- awarded Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs as the Best and most outstanding Minister of the year 2018..
Madam Memunatu B. Pratt indeed had a mass public vote and that was also demonstrated by the audience nonstop random applauses, as a signal of genuine win.
Dr. Pratt since the inception of her appointment as Minister of Tourism, she has been able to provide the correct leadership and strategic Tourism Governance by applying best practices for tourism sector.
If one could be sincere to measure the tangible performances of the Minister, it is of no doubt that indeed she has made a lot of correct and positive strides to keep the sector alert and proactive; among others she has been able to:
The introduction of a sustainable beach cleaning Nationwide.
The introduction of Adopt The Booth Theory, to keep the beaches clean, safe.
The Establishment of the entertainment foundation.
The massive ministeral supports extended to entertainers.
The tourism diagnosis trip to Bonthe/ Shebro Islands.
The introduction of Bonthe Agro- Cultural and Tourism Festival and KabalaFest
The rebranding and positioning of Sierra Leone in the tourist generating regions.
The review of the Tourism Act and other related acts.
Strong advocacy on Visa Free and Visa on Landing
Strong and timely advocacy on reduction on Air tickets.
Negotiation of Tourism studies program at Universities in Sierra Leone.
With these indicators, the voters and Diaspora Focus made no mistakes in voting her as the Minister of the Year.
World Travel Market amassed thousands of Exhibitors, Trade visitors, and a cohesive B2B networking. On the 5th of November, which happens to be the first day of the Trade fair, Sierra Leone commenced the trade fair with a well-organized Press Conference, which gathered quite a number of top travel writers, journalists, key Tour Operators and top officials of the Sierra Leone High Commission UK. This Conference was timely and needed to be held as Sierra Leone needs to position as a destination that is ready for business.
However, the Press Conference was hosted to ensure journalists and as well tour operators were given the first-hand information relating to accommodation, destination safety, airfares, water transportation, Tourism assets potentials and readiness of Government in partnering with the right investors to achieve these slated targets.
The Hon. Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs gave a resounding speech that pulled the Journalists and Tour Operators to request for a Familiarization Tours to Sierra Leone in few weeks ahead.
With a short but powerful presentation, from the new Tourism Rep Tim, he showcased Sierra Leone by just sliding high-resolution Tourism pictures, which captured the minds and hearts of these Tour Operators. Tim was able to introduce a new Tourism campaign slogan ” Sierraouisly surprising” Just after the Press Conference delegates processed to the booth for further meetings and networking. Finally, a new organization for AFRICA was launched at the Trade Fair called ATB African Tourism Board, where the Minister made a keynote address, on the timeliness and implored the team head, that this ATB must serve its purposes.
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and its Agencies have embarked on massive touristic sites identification and diagnosis, as Bonthe and Turtle Islands signal hopes for the tourism sector.
Therefore, as the effort multiplies in positioning Sierra Leone as a set and ready destination, more tourism attractions within the country has been unveiled and identified by the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural, The National Tourist Board and the Monuments and Relics Commission. During the four days feasibility and tourism assets identification, the advance team that was comprised of officials from Ministry of Tourism, National Tourist Board, Monuments and Relics with a heavy of presence of AYV and SLBC camera men and journalists to cover every discovery for both heritage natural tourism assets unveiled, this is to serve a coherent prove, that indeed Sierra Leone is a Green Gem that is yet untapped.
Turtle Island is made of seven different beautiful Islands, garnished with white sands and the tallest palm trees, which overlooks the beaches on every Island you go. The receptions from York, Victoria, Mania, Cheapoh and beyond sent a clear readiness and high hospitality of the locals that this time tourism must revive. With the already available cleaned beaches and nice people, it is now the call of the government to take the right steps as they have begun to do.
The Minister of Tourism and cultural Affairs Madam Memunatu B. Pratt on the very Saturday launched the official cleaning exercise on the Islands. This initiative was a laudable one and it was accepted by the communities and elders of the various Islands.
Sierra Leone’s Bonthe and Turtle Islands sent a clear signal of hopes that Sierra Leone could compete and be positioned as a destination that could stand out for international Leisure, sport, Yacht, canoeing, diving activities, which has the tendencies of shifting the tourist supply chains downward and sending the demand curve upwards to Sierra Leone, if only these Identified Islands and Bonthe Island are given special priorities.
Bonthe and Turtle Islands are indeed haven on earth, with beautiful sands bars, clear water channels, rare birds and special migratory birds are found the shores of these Islands. Interestingly Islands within the Archipelagos could be used for honeymooners, special events, Lovers Island and many more.
With these potentials, the Ministry and its agencies have placed hands on deck to ensure these beauty is not hidden but showcase to tourists and tourist generating regions respectively. These hopes will materialised if the right structures like proper water transportation is well handle with Private, Public Partnership approach as such investments are capital intensive.
Diaspora Focus DEVELOPMENT AWARD- awarded Dr. Memunatu B. Pratt Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs as the Best and most outstanding Minister of the year 2018..