Rich, cultural heritage could provide basis for revival of tourism sector
The historical role Sierra Leone played in the slave trade adds to its advantages of beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery

Tradition has it that Sierra Leone was given its name when Portuguese explorers sighted its coastal mountains during a storm at sea in1460 and thought their profile resembled that of a crouching lion.
During the 1700s there was a thriving trade transporting slaves from Sierra Leone to the rice plantations of South Carolina and Georgia in America. And in 1787, Freetown was the obvious choice of name for the settlement for freed slaves founded on the Sierra Leone peninsula.
In time, it was to become today’s sprawling modern capital and the huge Cotton Tree that can be seen in the center of the city is a much-prized symbol of its origins.

Freetown became a British Crown Colony in 1808 and by the mid-19th century had become a place of learning and education, thanks to the colonial administrators, teachers and missionaries who flocked there, earning it the appellation “the Athens of Africa.”
Today it’s a steady stream of tourists that the government wants to attract to Sierra Leone as it believes the sector is a potentially huge moneyspinner. Competing with other African countries for its share of the market, it regards the nation’s cultural heritage as a strong selling point.
All the natural advantages on which to build a successful tourism industry are to be found in Sierra Leone–a warm, tropical climate, mile upon mile of palm-fringed sandy beaches, a rich variety of wildlife and a people noted for their friendly welcome.

The indigenous population is made up of 18 ethnic groups. The Temne in the north and the Mende in the South are the largest, while the descendants of the slaves are to be found among the 60,000 Krio, whose English-based patois can be heard in the capital.
Before it was destroyed by the civil war, the tourism made a significant contribution to the national economy. “Now that peace and security have been reestablished, we need to start from scratch and rebuild our image,” says Chernor Jalloh, Minister of Tourism and Culture. “We need to develop our facilities with a special emphasis on our unique culture.”
European and American tourists are the target. “We have everything here to attract them, but we don’t have the raw cash, so we are encouraging investment,” says Mr. Jalloh.

Hotel and entertainment facilities are being developed in Freetown

The government has drawn up a major investment strategy to restore the tourism infrastructure and is inviting investors to come and rebuild the resort areas. Hotel and entertainment facilities are being developed in and around Freetown and the islands are another focus for potential development.
A prime example is Bunce Island. Once a fortified trading center used for holding and shipping slaves, the island is currently uninhabited. The cost of its preservation and development as a national historic site is estimated to be at least $2 million. The U.S. government has been approached for funding.