Download - Tourism sector presentation
TourismTourismSector Overview
The Best Kept Secret in Destination Tourism
With 360km of beautiful ,
un-spoilt white sand beaches…
18 national heritage sites
linked to Sierra Leone’s rich
past of both the slave trade
and as a home for returning
slaves……31 protected areas with
…world-class game
fishing, with record
setting tarpon catches…
…all only 3 hours away
from Lagos, Africa’s
largest city, 8 hours
away from the US, and 6
hours from Europe…
slaves……31 protected areas with
unique wildlife including
pygmy
hypos, chimpanzees, jungle
elephants, and many species
of birds…
…highlight the opportunities for
first movers in both leisure and
business hospitality in Sierra Leone
A History of Interrupted Development...
Tourism expanded rapidly during the 1980’s
There were a number of international brands operating in country
Frantel Hotel Group, Caledonia Hotel Management, Hotel Sofitel and Accor
Tourist services were active and expandingTourist services were active and expanding
Trained guides and industry staff, catamaran tours, fishing
expeditions, traditional and cultural experience tours, etc
However, the civil conflict of the 1990’s erased the gains that had been made
Leaving the Sector Underserved, but Set to Rebound
Currently no international brands operating in Sierra Leone
Vibrant group of small local entrepreneurs and community organisations
currently serving the market
A fishing lodge, operated by local entrepreneursA fishing lodge, operated by local entrepreneurs
An eco-village, run by a local community
Series of guesthouses, run by local operators
Leaving the abundant tourism assets of the country primed for development
Wide-Ranging Wealth of Tourism Assets...Bunce Island
Built in the 17th century, the
island was the major collection
point for slaves destined for
Europe and the Americas
EcotourismEcotourism
Some of the premier locations
in West Africa, including Tiwai
Island, Outamba Kilimi National
Park, Tacaguma Chimpanzee
Sanctuary and the Gola Forest
Sport Fishing
Record breaking sport
fishing of tarpon off
Sherbro Island
Freetown
Founded in 1787 as the “Province of Freedom”. Mixes heritage
(eg, Old Fourah Bay College), with vibrant nightlife & social scene
...Including West Africa’s Most Stunning Beaches
Peninsula Sites:
Mama Beach
Bureh Town
Tokeh
“River No 2, with its mountainous backdrop and
glittering oceanic horizon, rivals anywhere on earth
for breathtaking coastal grandeur…” – The Observer
Sites of potential interest
Tokeh
Lakka Beach
John Obey
Hamilton
No. 2
Critically acclaimed but still underinvested, and almost
entirely untouched
Significant opportunities for high-end tourism
lodges, similar to those in other parts of Africa
Government is building the required infrastructure to
improve access to key beach locations
Dramatic Step-Change Growth Potential
800.0
1000.0
Annual Tourist Arrivals
(in ‘000s)
“There is nowhere quite like
Freetown anywhere else in the
world…This is real Africa, not
7
0.0
200.0
400.0
600.0world…This is real Africa, not
comparatively clinical South Africa, or
package-holiday north Africa - this is
where the sights, the sounds and
smells of the continent come alive.”
The Observer
Supported by a Focused, Motivated Government...
The Government of Sierra Leone has a four point strategy for development:
1. Targeted tourism development around the Western Area Peninsula
2. Institutional capacity building within the MoT, NTB and the Hotel/Tourism School
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2. Institutional capacity building within the MoT, NTB and the Hotel/Tourism School
3. Government reforms to ease difficulties of investing in Sierra Leone
4. Review and upgrade of tourism related regulation
Exciting Opportunities for InvestmentCape Sierra Hotel
State owned Hotel leased to NASSIT since February 2009 for 25 years with
an option of renewal of 25 years. Hotel to be rehabilitated to 4 star rating.
BrookfieldsHotel
State owned Hotel close to city centre with 100 rooms. Hotel to be
upgraded to 3 star rating and operated also as a Training Institute for the
Tourism and Hospitality IndustryTourism and Hospitality Industry
LakkaCotton Club
Former tourist resort with a great beach location close to Freetown. Local
joint venture partner/site owner looking to partner with investors.
TokehResort
On one of the best beaches of Western Peninsular, presented as 4 star
international standard with extensive facility mix (spa, indoor sports facility,
extensive water sports and pier for direct boat access to Lungi Airport).
KonakrideeResort (MAPE Project)
A beautiful resort environment with a variety of recreational activities.
Located close to the Lungi International Airport, the project will include a
beach hotel (such as villas and chalets), presidential accommodation etc