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Sierra Leone is set to welcome more than 1,200 international visitors after being selected as the permanent finishing destination for the 2026 Budapest–Bamako Rally, one of the world’s largest amateur overland rallies.
Making the announcement during a press briefing at the Miatta Civic Centre, Managing Director of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida Carew, disclosed that approximately 1,280 tourists are expected to arrive in the country in phases over the coming month. The arrivals follow an initial group of rally participants and supporters who entered the country days earlier.
According to Madam Carew, many of the visitors are projected to remain in Sierra Leone for several weeks, with some staying up to a month — a development expected to significantly stimulate tourism-related business activities.
She emphasized that hosting the rally’s finish line brings direct and indirect economic gains, as spending circulates across multiple sectors including hospitality, transportation, food services, entertainment, arts and crafts, and other local enterprises. Additionally, some rally vehicles and motorbikes are reportedly sold locally at the end of the race, creating further economic opportunities within communities.
The designation of Sierra Leone as the rally’s permanent endpoint signals growing international recognition of the country’s tourism potential. Madam Carew revealed that discussions are ongoing toward a possible ten-year partnership agreement between rally organizers and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, aimed at solidifying long-term collaboration.
She noted that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to reposition Sierra Leone within the global tourism market. While previous campaigns emphasized ecotourism, this year’s focus highlights culture and creativity under the “Tourism for All” campaign.
Several flagship projects were also outlined as part of efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure and visitor experience. These include the Leicester Peak development project in partnership with the World Bank, the Tacugama Innovation Center, Bureh Surf Club initiatives, and the restoration of the historic Fourah Bay College building. Cultural events such as the One Nation Reggae Festival are also being leveraged to attract both regional and international audiences.
Madam Carew underscored that Sierra Leone’s appeal extends beyond its beaches, pointing to the country’s hospitality and welcoming atmosphere as key attractions for visitors.
The National Tourist Board maintains that the rally and related initiatives form part of a long-term strategy to promote sustainable tourism growth while delivering measurable economic benefits to local communities.
