1. INVESTING IN SIERRA LEONE Spotlight on Tourism
Hon. Memuna Pratt, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs
June 2019
UK – SL Trade and Investment Conference

2. Significance of tourism worldwide and in Africa
One of the largest and fastest growing export industries
Experiencing a consistent growth in international arrivals and receipts estimated at 1.4 billion international arrivals (+6%) in 2018
International tourist receipt generated USD$1.3 trillion in 2018
Africa accounted for:
67.1 million international arrivals in 2018
US$ 37 billion in international receipt (+8%) in 2017
Tourism is a labor intensive industry, providing 1 in every 10 jobs in 2017 worldwide
Tourism can stimulate growth in other sectors, namely manufacturing, transportation, aviation, and agriculture – it contributes ot 10% of the world’s GDP
The sector can contribute to Sierra Leone’s protection of the environment and our rich cultural heritage

3. Sierra Leone’s most popular tourism features
Scenic beauty
Year-round sunny climate
Rich heritage and wildlife
Warm, friendly and hospitable people
Most peaceful country in West Africa
Religiously tolerant nation
Politically stable
Sierra Leone has 2,090 know species of higher pants, 147 mammals, 626 birds, 67 reptiles, 35 amphibians, and 99 fish species

4. Strategies for tourism development: the National Development Plan
Tourism has been identified as one of the key sectors to contribute to the diversification and transformation of the economy
Key strategies from the NDP:
Embark on robust marketing and promotion to improve the image of Sierra Leone
Develop skills within the sector
Improve the policy and legal environment
Develop the tourism infrastructure
Diversify the tourism product offer
Improve the tourism experience of domestic and international visitors

5. International tourists arrivals in Sierra Leone

6. Major strides undertaken to reform the sector within the last 10 months:
The review of policies and legislation – visa on arrival and reduction in the cost flight tickets
Intensifying marketing and promotional drive; moving towards e-tourism
Forging partnerships with communities – community empowerment, sensitization, protection of resources and trainings
Partnering with the private sector and consolidating the entertainment industry and cultural and traditional groups
Attracting partners to assist in providing training for both the public and private sector operative in the industry – B.sc in THM
Expanding our tourism offer – parks, reserves, cultural heritage and exotic islands

7. Opportunities in beach tourism / island tourism
Sierra Leone’s pristine beaches include:
Sulima area which has around 11km of beach between the Moa and Mano rivers
Turner’s Peninsula with an amazing 100km of beaches
Sherbro Peninsula, with around 40km of beaches
Shenge with 15km of beaches
Freetown Peninsula, with 40km of beaches backed with beautiful mountains
Lungi, along with Bullom Peninsula, with around 15km of beaches
Scarcies estuary, which has around 8km of beaches
Investments opportunities in:
Restaurants
Hotels
Eco-lodges
Marina
Cruise facilities
Boating
Leisure and recreational activities

8. Opportunities in cultural / back to the roots tourism
Sierra Leone is unique in its history as a free nation founded by former slaves and their descendants. A true melting pot of cultures, language groups, and religious affiliations. Sierra Leone is known for its cultural diversity and tolerance. Potential for cultural / back to the roots tourism: Excursions to islands with cultural and heritage significance: Bunce Osland, Tasso island, Banana island, Plantain Island
Investment opportunities in:
Eco-lodges
Catering facilities
Tourist boat cruises with considerable capacity for weekend trips

9. Opportunities in cruise tourism
1. International Luxury Cruises for longer trips and stopovers
2. Cruise boats for:
Frequent services on the Sierra Leone Estuary
Internal transfer
Leisure

10. Opportunities in eco-tourism / adventure tourism
Sierra Leone has 31 protected natural areas which are home to pygmy hippos, tarpons, chimpanzees, elephants, and many species of birds. They offer exceptional eco-tourism potential.
Outamba-Kilimi National Park and Kum Hill Complex
Loma Mountains National Park
Tingi Hills
Western Area Peninsular National Park
Go la Rainforest National Par k
Kangari Hills Non Hunting Fo rest Reserve
Kambui Hills Forest Reserve
Tiwai Island Game Sanctuary
Lake Sonfon Sanctuary
Mamuta-Mayosso Wildlife Sanctuary
Yawri Bay
Mape and Mabesi Lakes
Sierra Leone River Estuary
Shebro River Estuary and Turtle Islands
Scarcies River Estuary
Investment opportunities in:
Eco-lodges
Food and beverage facilities
Facilities and services for sport fishing
Hiking, adventure trails
Camp sites
Boating
Rest stops with facilities for parking, wash rooms, etc.

11. Other opportunities for investment
More than 90% of international visitors to Sierra Leone arrive by Air.
Facilities required for the transfer of visitors by land, air, water, are:
LAND
AIR
WATER
Open air tour buses and luxury coaches from Freetown to the provinces
Stopover motels, guesthouses, restaurants, information shops, toilet facilities
Expansion of existing airport and rehabilitating of runaway at Lungi International Airport to cater for long haul flights
Rehabilitating regional air fields
Operation of an airline plying between Freetown and London.
Boats for small groups excursions and coastal excursions
Cruise boats for international and regional visitors
Marina
Water park facilities
Jetties
Theme park

12. The Ministry’s support to the tourism sector
Facilitate the removal of financial constraints on tourism businesses such as multiple levies, taxes and charges applied by other institutions
Facilitate the provision of attractive incentives for start-ups including not just hotels but also other tourist establishments such as guest houses, restaurants, night clubs, tour operators, travel agencies, etc. to make the sector more attractive to invest in
Encourage joint partnership ventures with foreign investors in funding tourism projects
Promote foreign and local tourism investments that adopt sustainable tourism practices; invest in less developed rural areas; provide quality products and services; care for the welfare and career development of their employees and create opportunities for indigenes

13. Investment project: Establishment of a model leisure, business and entertainment destination
Amenities, facilities and services required:
Accommodation: 3-5 star hotels and eco-lodges/resorts
Entertainment: pubs, discos, bars, casinos, arena
Leisure and recreational activities: amusement parks, water parks, marina, shopping malls, golf course
Business: multipurpose convention, conference and exhibition centres, international tour operating companies, long haul flights from China
Transfer: jetties, free shuttle connecting attractions and an airfield
Possible locations:
Turtle Island
Sherbro Island
Banana island

14. GoSL is providing an enabling environment for investment in tourism
Sierra Leone is open for business
Government is committed and supportive
The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs is ever prepared to assist in the development of any specific tourism projects you may wish to undertake wither now or in the near future
INCENTIVES
Incentives in the development of tourism falls under the general incentives for trade
The review of the Development of Tourism Act is in process and will consider the provisions of incentives for both local and international investments in the sector
Meanwhile the Tourism Minister in consultation with the Minister of Finance may grant further tax relief to new tourism investment ventures

15. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION