The tourism sector in Sierra Leone has significant potential for growth. Key assets include 360km of beaches, wildlife reserves, historical sites, and world-class fishing. However, civil conflict in the 1990s disrupted the sector's development. Now, local entrepreneurs are serving the market through small hotels, lodges, and tours. The government has a four-point strategy to develop tourism, including improving infrastructure to access beaches. There is potential for high-end resorts and lodges similar to other parts of Africa. The sector could experience dramatic growth in tourist arrivals with investment and development of opportunities such as beachfront properties, hotels, and resorts.

1. Tourism
Sector Overview

2. The Best Kept Secret in Destination Tourism
With 360km of beautiful , 18 national heritage sites
un-spoilt white sand beaches… linked to Sierra Leone’s rich
past of both the slave trade
…31 protected areas with and as a home for returning
unique wildlife including slaves…
pygmy …all only 3 hours away
hypos, chimpanzees, jungle from Lagos, Africa’s
elephants, and many species largest city, 8 hours
of birds… away from the US, and 6
hours from Europe…
…world-class game
fishing, with record …highlight the opportunities for
setting tarpon catches… first movers in both leisure and
business hospitality in Sierra Leone

3. 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 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

4. 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 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

5. 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
Ecotourism
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
Freetown
fishing of tarpon off
Founded in 1787 as the “Province of Freedom”. Mixes heritage
Sherbro Island
(eg, Old Fourah Bay College), with vibrant nightlife & social scene

6. ...Including West Africa’s Most Stunning Beaches
“River No 2, with its mountainous backdrop and Peninsula Sites:
glittering oceanic horizon, rivals anywhere on earth Mama Beach
Bureh Town
for breathtaking coastal grandeur…” – The Observer Tokeh
Lakka Beach
Critically acclaimed but still underinvested, and almost John Obey
entirely untouched Hamilton
No. 2
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
Sites of potential interest

7. Dramatic Step-Change Growth Potential
Annual Tourist Arrivals
(in ‘000s)
1000.0
“There is nowhere quite like
Freetown anywhere else in the 800.0
world…This is real Africa, not
600.0
comparatively clinical South Africa, or
package-holiday north Africa - this is 400.0
where the sights, the sounds and
200.0
smells of the continent come alive.”
The Observer 0.0
7

8. 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
3. Government reforms to ease difficulties of investing in Sierra Leone
4. Review and upgrade of tourism related regulation
8

9. Exciting Opportunities for Investment
Cape Sierra State owned Hotel leased to NASSIT since February 2009 for 25 years with
Hotel an option of renewal of 25 years. Hotel to be rehabilitated to 4 star rating.
Brookfields State owned Hotel close to city centre with 100 rooms. Hotel to be
Hotel upgraded to 3 star rating and operated also as a Training Institute for the
Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Lakka Former tourist resort with a great beach location close to Freetown. Local
Cotton Club joint venture partner/site owner looking to partner with investors.
Tokeh On one of the best beaches of Western Peninsular, presented as 4 star
Resort international standard with extensive facility mix (spa, indoor sports facility,
extensive water sports and pier for direct boat access to Lungi Airport).
Konakridee A beautiful resort environment with a variety of recreational activities.
Resort Located close to the Lungi International Airport, the project will include a
(MAPE
Project) beach hotel (such as villas and chalets), presidential accommodation etc