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.
PRESS RELEASE-20/05/2020National Tourist Board corrects erroneous report about Sierra Leone
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE- May 20, 2020-The attention of the National Tourist Board, Sierra Leone, has been drawn to a misleading assessment report of the country on a travel advisory blog. (https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/
The Board wishes it to be known that that report is incorrect, erroneous, misleading and a total misrepresentation of what currently obtains in Sierra Leone.
Such reports have the tendency of undermining the gains already made in the tourism sector and scare away potential tourists and investors to destination Sierra Leone. Such fabrication is nothing but a figment of the writer’s imagination.
We call on the operators of that blog to immediately take-down that fallacious report and send researchers/reporters to do a proper assessment and situation report that portrays the present circumstances. (After covid-19 when travel restrictions would have been eased.)
We are appalled that at a time when the Board is making inroads in re-branding the country, such reports are still held up in blogs/websites. Even during the conflict, the situation was not as bleak as presented on that horrendous assessment. Terrorism threat, mugging, scam, attacks on women, bad roads, etc are some of the worst untruths that one can ascribe to a country that emerged from war close to two decades ago.
Sierra Leone is currently very peaceful, the country is safe to do business and tourism. In February 2020, the Budapest-Bamako rally chose Freetown as their end destination with about 700 tourists. In that same month, about 300 Danish tourists visited the country. None of them experienced any of the anomalies contained in that blog.
For more information please visit the National Tourist Board Website https://ntb.gov.sl/
The end
Visa-On-Arrival to Sierra Leone
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.
MTCA and NTB woo investors and Group Tour Professionals at ITB Berlin
The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone continues to woo investors and tourism experts from across the world to start doing business with Sierra Leone.
On Thursday March 7, 2019 in Berlin, Germany, officials of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs together with the Sierra Leone Embassy in Berlin held key meetings with top tourism marketing executives, documentary filmakers and hospitality training experts.
The discussions led to revelations that Sierra Leone like many other West African countries were not attracting too many tourists because of weak marketing.
Documentary Film-maker, Sascha Gottschalk of Filmemacher Deutschland had this to say.
“You need to show how beautiful your country is. Most Western tourists only think about East Africa when it comes to tourism in Africa. West African countries need to market the beautiful things they have to attract those tourists.”
The acute lack of expertise among staff in the hospitality industry in Sierra Leone is militating against the growth and development of the sector.
Minister of Tourism, Memunatu Pratt is ready to bring sanity in that direction.
During discussions with Bok Lardner of Terenga College, Nigeria, the need to train and develop professionals in the hospitality industry was laid bare.
Cobra Verde, Group Tour Expert also assured the Minister of Tourism that they were prepared to assess the touristic potentials of Sierra Leone with a view to marketing her to tourists.
The Acting General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Madam Fatmata Abe-Osagie said her institution would work round the clock to improve tourism in Sierra Leone.
Director of Tourism, Mohamed Jalloh and the Director of Culture, Foday Jalloh made brilliant interventions that would translate to national progress in the area of tourism and cultural affairs.
The ITB Trade Market continues on Friday March 8, 2019.
Mohamed Faray Kargbo
Education and Outreach Unit
Monuments and Relics Commission
Sierra Leone: Hawaii in Africa
Sierra Leone: Hawaii in Africa
At its press conference at ITB Berlin 2019 the West African country was in a confident and buoyant mood. Following political unrest and a serious Ebola epidemic in the period up to 2016, tourism has now become an increasingly important economic factor. Tourism Minister Dr. Memunatu Pratt invited travellers as well as investors to visit his country and participate in the emerging tourism sector. The country intends to focus on the wildlife and eco-tourism market. “In Sierra Leone, as well as elephants and the pygmy hippopotamus, visitors can find innumerable bird and ape species“, said Memunatu Pratt. In addition to wildlife and eco-tourists, beach holidaymakers and water sports enthusiasts will get their money’s worth too“, added Memunatu Pratt. “There is a reason why Sierra Leone is known as ’Hawaii in Africa’.
Ambassador M`Baimba Lamin Baryoh added that the West African country can be considered politically stable now, and safe. “Sierra Leone is de facto the third-safest country in Africa, and the capital Freetown is the safest in West Africa“, he said. “And safer than Berlin”, he added with a smile. The fight against corruption was so successful that investors were finding Sierra Leone an attractive proposition too.
M`Baimba Lamin Baryoh also stressed that Sierra Leone’s new government under President Julius Maada Bio – who has been in office for ten months – wanted to make sure that flights to the West African country would become cheaper in future.
Antje Hennecke-Lückingsmeier
Internet: sierraleonenationaltouristboard.com
Hall 21.a, Stand 117
Press contact: Jens Frenzel, KPRN Network GmbH
Email: frenzel.jens@kprn.de
Tel.: +49 (0) 30 – 240 477 1815
photo credit: Sierra Leone National Touristboard
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.
Sierra Leone to participate in ITB Berlin Trade Fair and Exhibition
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
Press Release – Jane Goodall’s visit to Sierra Leone
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
Click here to download Press Release on Jane Goodall’s visit to Sierra Leone
WTM DAY ONE – UK tour operators and media gurus request to visit Sierra Leone on farm trip
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.
Stay connected for more updates
Kai B. Saquee
Bonthe and Turtles Islands signal hopes for Sierra Leone Tourism Development
By Kai B. Saquee
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.
Marketing and Publicity Assistant Officer
National Tourist Board
+232 77 34 78 10
+232 78 64 95 19
