Travel and Tourism in Sierra Leone

New flights boost visitor numbers

Interest from prestigious international airlines has boosted travel and tourism in Sierra Leone. British Airways increased flights between London and the capital of Sierra Leone to operate on four days per week. In 2013, the US airline Delta Airlines, along with Qatar Airways and Air France, announced its interest in Sierra Leone.

Biodiversity attracts new tourists

Despite destruction caused by civil war, Sierra Leone has a huge biodiversity that remains protected. In addition to its main cities, its natural attractions, such as wildlife, idyllic islands and tropical rainforests, encourage new visitors to the country who wish to explore and find new adventures. Local communities have the most important role in the conservation of their natural habitats and the development of ecotourism. Projects like Tribewanted meet the demands of tourists by offering them contact with nature and adventure sports.

Ebola outbreak takes its toll on Sierra Leone´s tourism industry

Despite the positive performances seen in Sierra Leones travel and tourism industry in recent years, the Ebola outbreak has posed a major threat to its development, with travel restrictions dampening the economy of the region, namely its travel and tourism sector.

Once containment happens, it is likely that the positive news will be widespread, alleviating fears about the virus in Africa, particularly Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone. It is during this time that private and public players in Africa should work together to promote Africa as a destination to international tourists, who are much more likely to come once the threat of the virus, is contained.

Government strategies to revamp tourism post Ebola crisis

In order to get tourism back on track the government is putting together a tourism recovery plan to put Sierra Leone back on the international map, some of the measures include, road shows, trade fairs and marketing activities in Germany and Austria with the focus on promoting eco-tourism and cultural attractions as well as a domestic tourism campaign to help promote and rebrand the image of Sierra Leone.

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