Tourism

Top reasons to select Sierra Leone for investing in Tourism

With a rapidly growing tourism market, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and improving infrastructure, Sierra Leone offers lucrative opportunities for investors seeking long-term value in the tourism industry.

📊 Strong Demand

The number of international arrivals in Sierra Leone have increased by 23% annually between 2015 and 2019 to reach 71,000.

Tourism expenditures (in terms of $ exp.) on leisure tourism and business tourism have grown by 18% and 9% annually respectively between 2009-2019.

🧭 Diverse Tourism Attractions

Sierra Leone is strong in several segments of tourism such as sun & sand, eco-tourism, cultural and business tourism driven by the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse flora & fauna, and vibrant culture.

✈️ International Connectivity

The Lungi International Airport in Sierra Leone has several direct flights to and from countries across the Europe, the Middle East & Africa.

The government of Sierra Leone has also introduced Visa on Arrivals for several countries.

👷‍♂️ Skilled & Cost-Effective Workforce

Sierra Leone offers a vibrant and eager workforce, expected to reach over 3 million persons by 2024.

Sierra Leone is also very cost-effective, having some of the lowest costs of labour when compared to other West African locations.

🛣️ Rapidly Improving Infrastructure

The government of Sierra Leone has taken several steps to improve the country’s infrastructure network.

These include building a bridge connecting the airport and the capital, improving the road network and providing reliable electricity supply.

💼 Open for Business

Sierra Leone has strong macro-economic fundamentals and its economy is expected to rebound strongly post-COVID.

Sierra Leone is one of the most peaceful and politically stable countries in Africa.

Investment Opportunities in Sierra Leone’s Tourism Sector

Establishment of hotels along the beaches and other eco-tourism locations across the country.
Establishment of hotels and guest houses in District headquarter towns to serve the growing private sector demands for better quality rooms, conference accommodations, etc.
Promotion of cultural tourism (ROOTS Tourism) for the African American Diaspora and others interested in this sub sector.

Current Investors Are Experiencing Success

Several large chains and other investors have already invested in Sierra Leone based on the sector’s current and projected growth. Some of these players include:

Sierra Palms Resort

Sierra Palms Resort

Sierra Palms Resort is the ultimate destination for both business travellers and tourists who are looking for comfort, productivity and entertainment.

Atlantic Lumley Hotel

Atlantic Lumley Hotel

Located along Lumley beach, the Atlantic Lumley Hotel boasts two conference rooms, an Italian Restaurant, English-style pub, Wine Bar, and The Pastry and Chocolate Shop.

Golden Tulip Hotel

Golden Tulip

The newly refurbished Kimbima Hotel with 66 rooms was rebranded by Golden Tulip, pioneering international hotel branding in Sierra Leone.

Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko

Radisson Blu

This joint venture between a US private equity investor and Sierra Leone’s National Pension Fund (NASSIT) revitalized the Mammy Yoko Hotel under the Radisson Blu brand.

Hilton Cape Sierra

Hilton

Through a UK-based firm, IDEA-UK, Hilton is reviving Cape Sierra Hotel—a 200-bedroom facility with an estimated investment of $47 million USD.

Eco-Tourism

Outamba Kilimi National Park

Outamba Kilimi National Park

Outamba-kilimi National Park is a main ecotourism attraction. A mixture of savannah and jungle, the park is a magical place embedded between two rivers, the Great Scarcies and the Mongo Rivers. It is home to elephants, hippos, leopards, and other primates.

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary

This outfit is locally owned and operated as a home for rescued chimps before they are released into the wild.

Tiwai Island

Tiwai Island Wildlife Resort

Tiwai is a unique rainforest island where visitors can camp in prepared tents surrounded by an evergreen forest. The sounds of hornbills and monkeys calling from the canopies can be heard. Tiwai is home to 11 species of primates, over 135 different bird species, and the rare pygmy hippo.

Shebro Islands

Shebro Islands

This is one of the premier locations for sport fishing of tarpons and other exotic sea animals.

Gola Rainforest

Gola Forest

Sierra Leone’s green diamond is 40 km east of Kenema. Gola Rainforest National Park is Sierra Leone’s second national park. This park boasts exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife.

Source: World Travel & Tourism Council, World Bank, Visit Sierra Leone, Outlook Travel

Why Invest in Sierra Leone