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

8

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