By Ruth Yeabu Seasy
Head of Communication and Public Relations National Tourist Board Sierra Leone, Kai Bockarie Saquee says the number of tourists coming to the country rose to 145,000 (one hundred and forty-five thousand) in 2022, which he said is an encouraging development for the country.
Speaking to Politico Saquee said the Ebola outbreak greatly affected tourism but there have been more people coming to the country since then, with the country recording 120,000 (one hundred and twenty-thousand) tourists in 2018, setting the stage for a steady increase.
He said some people come to the country to visit relations and friends, do business, or attend conferences. He mentioned other reasons for the increase in travel to the country, such as African Americans coming to know their roots after DNA tests, and the Budapest/Bamako Rally the latter of which he said has impressed and motivated more visitors to come to Sierra Leone.
Saquee stated that people are very interested in coming to Sierra Leone to do business despite the rains. He said even though the country is currently in the rainy season, people are still here from abroad, to do business.
He said the tourism sector contributes almost 8% to the country’s GDP and is a source of employment for many people. He stated that the country is making steady progress when it comes to destination management by improving tourist spots like Banana Island with the construction of chalets and the Wara Wara Mountain whose trail routes have been upgraded and entertainment centres established.
He said they have also modified Tiwai Island in Kenema District by furnishing the place with the necessary amenities that will attract as well as make tourists feel at home.
Saqee said they also want to promote domestic tourism to encourage Sierra Leoneans to visit what nature has provided to them as a nation.
He said tourism can only thrive when we maintain peace and discourage the spreading of rumours with the potential to put off visitors who will, in the end, opt for other destinations.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (30/06/23)
