National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone
THE NATIONAL TOURIST Board (NTB) of Sierra Leone was setup as a semi-autonomous body through the enactment of the Tourism Development Act 1990.
Today, the organisation operates with the mandate to promote and develop all aspects of tourism in Sierra Leone, its activities including the implementation of government tourism policies; developing and promoting sustainable tourism; facilitating private investment in the tourism industry; and classification, registration and licencing of all tourist establishments in Sierra Leone.
Lucy Kay, Marketing Manager for NTB, took time out to answer our questions.
Africa Outlook (AfO): Since inception, how has the National Tourist Board developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?
Lucy Kay (LK): Over the years, the National Tourist Board had thrived through it all. The Lumley Beach Development Project has been partly implemented and there is still room for more improvements and development.
The marketing and promotion of the destination is still ongoing, and we are even exploring new markets every year. As stated in the Manifesto of the New Direction, the tourism industry has been given a chance to be one of the leading sectors after agriculture and fisheries. The messages are very positive in manner as interest in the sector is on the rise.
AfO: How would you say Sierra Leone has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?
LK: Business travel is on the rise, evidenced by the fact that the statistics of arrivals into the country for business travel by air, land and sea is increasing. The border point by road is open and visas can be attained on arrival. For air travel, the purpose of travel for business since 2016 to date has increased drastically.
AfO: Why, in your opinion, should someone visit Sierra Leone?
LK: Sierra Leone is definitely an ideal place to visit because it is a winter sun destination. It is approximately six hours away from Europe, we experience blue skies with no rain at all for almost six months of the year, and the people are warm and friendly and are always ready and willing to help strangers.
In terms of the nature and beauty of the landscape, the country has abundant wildlife, flora and fauna, lush vegetation, and a 400-kilometre stretch of beautiful coastlines, as well as rich cultural heritage. I can say Sierra Leone has it all, and it’s definitely the ideal place to visit.
AfO: Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?
LK: There are a series of attractive places to visit in Sierra Leone, it all depends on what you want to see and do.
If you love to see a bit of wildlife whilst in the city, you can visit the Tacugama Chimp Sanctuary, and the River No. 2 Forest Reserve also offers you a bit of bird watching. Tiwai Island further south is also a place to visit.
If you are a lover of the sea, you can immerse yourself in some scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing with a visit to Banana Island. If you are a lover of surfing, Sierra Leone’s