To T urism Sector Overview

Transcription

1 Tourism Sector Overview

2 The Best Kept Secret in Destination Tourism With 360km of beautiful, un-spoilt white sand beaches 31 protected areaswith unique wildlife including pygmy hypos, chimpanzees, jungle elephants, and many species of birds world-class game fishing, with record setting tarpon catches 18 national heritage sites linked to Sierra Leone s rich past of both the slave trade and as a home for returning slaves all only 3 hoursaway from Lagos, Africa s largest city, 8 hours away from the US, and 6 hours from Europe highlight the opportunities for first moversin both leisureand business hospitality in Sierra Leone

3 A History of Interrupted Development... Tourism expanded rapidly during the 1980 s There were a number of international brands operating in country Frantel Hotel Group, Caledonia Hotel Management, Hotel Sofitel and Accor Tourist services were active and expanding Trained guides and industry staff, catamaran tours, fishing expeditions, traditional and cultural experience tours, etc However, the civil conflict of the 1990 s erasedthegainsthat had been made

4 Leaving the Sector Underserved, but Set to Rebound Currently no international brands operating in Sierra Leone Vibrant group of small local entrepreneurs and community organisations currently serving the market A fishing lodge, operated by local entrepreneurs An eco-village, run by a local community Series of guesthouses, run by local operators Leaving the abundant tourism assets of the country primed for development

5 Wide-Ranging Wealth of Tourism Assets... Bunce Island Built in the 17th century, the island was the major collection point for slaves destinedfor Europe and the Americas Sport Fishing Record breakingsport fishing of tarponoff Sherbro Island Freetown Founded in 1787as the Province of Freedom. Mixes heritage (eg, Old Fourah Bay College), with vibrant nightlife& social scene Ecotourism Some of the premier locations in West Africa, including Tiwai Island, OutambaKilimiNational Park, Tacaguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Gola Forest

6 ...Including West Africa s Most Stunning Beaches River No 2, with its mountainous backdrop and glittering oceanic horizon, rivals anywhere on earth for breathtaking coastal grandeur The Observer Critically acclaimedbut still underinvested, and almost entirely untouched Significant opportunitiesfor high-end tourism lodges, similar to those in other parts of Africa Peninsula Sites: Mama Beach Bureh Town Tokeh Lakka Beach John Obey Hamilton No. 2 Government is buildingthe required infrastructureto improve access to key beach locations Sites of potential interest

7 Dramatic Step-Change Growth Potential There is nowhere quite like Freetownanywhere else in the world This is real Africa, not comparatively clinical South Africa, or package-holiday north Africa -this is wherethe sights, the soundsand smells of the continent come alive. The Observer Annual Tourist Arrivals (in 000s) 7

8 Supported by a Focused, Motivated Government... The Government of Sierra Leone has a four point strategy for development: 1. Targeted tourism development around the Western Area Peninsula 2. Institutional capacity building within the MoT, NTB and the Hotel/Tourism School 3. Government reforms to ease difficulties of investing in Sierra Leone 4. Review and upgrade of tourism related regulation 8

9 Exciting Opportunities for Investment Cape Sierra Hotel Brookfields Hotel Lakka Cotton Club Tokeh Resort Konakridee Resort (MAPE Project) State owned Hotel leased to NASSIT since February 2009 for 25 years with an option of renewal of 25 years. Hotel to be rehabilitated to 4 star rating. State owned Hotel close to city centre with 100 rooms. Hotel to be upgraded to 3 star rating and operated also as a Training Institute for the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Former tourist resort with a great beach location close to Freetown. Local joint venture partner/site owner looking to partner with investors. On one of the best beaches of Western Peninsular, presented as 4 star international standard with extensive facility mix (spa, indoor sports facility, extensive water sports and pier for direct boat access to LungiAirport). A beautiful resort environment with a variety of recreational activities. Located close to the LungiInternational Airport, the project will include a beach hotel (such as villas and chalets), presidential accommodation etc