After sustained efforts at improving its tourism infrastructure and offerings, Sierra Leone is stepping up its campaign to woo global tourists, starting with its West African neighbours and other African countries.
Part of the campaign is a monthly tourism declaration, which is themed according to the target set for the month and in line with its 2024 Tourism For All Campaign.
As well, the country has declared February, a ‘Month of Travel and Hospitality’, urging tourists to visit and savour the unique natural and man-made offerings across the English-speaking West African country.
Speaking on the rationale for the declaration, Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in Sierra Leone, noted that the monthly and themed celebration encourages the country to explore its beautiful landscape, diverse traditions and welcoming spirit of its people.
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She urged global tourists to visit Sierra Leone in order to explore her numerous natural and tourism trappings.
“While in Sierra Leone, find time to climb the Loma Mountains or bond with the Chimpanzee, our national animal at Tacugama Sanctuary.
“You can take a boat ride at Estuary Resort, John Obey in the Western Rural District or simply enjoy nature at Bush Garden in Bo District or Tariqs Resort in Lungi,” she urged.
The beaches, according to her, also offer breathtaking experiences. “Whether you are in Sulima or Sherbro, make sure you revel in the beauty of our coastline”.
Visitors can also immerse themselves in the rhythms of local music, dance to bubu, gumbay and many more locally produced beats and instruments.
They can also savour the West African country’s nutritional and organic cuisine in various restaurants, eatery hangouts and barbecue stands across the country.
Pointing at other attractions, Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis said, “Reminisce and reflect on our rich history at the National Museum, Cotton Tree; National Railway Museum in Cline Town and Peace Museum at the Special Court.
“You may want to pass by Big Markit in Freetown as well to purchase some kontri cloth, gara, and ronko’s, all original patterns and products of Sierra Leone”.
She further urged visitors to enjoy the warm reception and smiles that greet them everywhere in Sierra Leone, as well as foster positive connections with places and people because they deserve some leisure time.
Most importantly, she appealed that would-be visitors should not let the month end without visiting somewhere and please share their stories to inspire others.
It would be recalled that the month of January was accorded such recognition and celebration, particularly at the just-concluded FITUR in Madrid, Spain, where the country joined the global tourism fraternity for mutual exchanges.
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Sierra Leone in numbers: Sierra Leone ranked 3rd in Sub-Saharan Africa in the 2023 Global Peace Index and 47th globally as a peaceful nation.
The nation topped the charts as the #1 country in the world for the highest proportion of people (83%) who helped someone they did not know and secured the #3 spot for the top countries to volunteer.
Additionally, Sierra Leone was recognized as the 7th most generous country in the world in the most recent World Giving Index (2022).
