The South African High Commissioner to Ghana and Sierra Leone, Grace Jeanet Mason with her delegation has in a courtesy visit on the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs discussed possible investment opportunities in the tourism sector.

Welcoming the delegation to the Ministry, Permanent Secretary, Andrew L. Sorie, thanked the High Commissioner for expressing interest in Sierra Leone and seeking investment opportunities in its tourism sector. He noted that Sierra Leone and South Africa have been there for each other before the apartheid and the war. He urged her to explore the beauty of Sierra Leone and assured her of its unwavering hospitality.

The General Manager, National Tourist Board, Fatmata Hamid Carew said they were delighted to have the envoy and her team to the sector, noting that the Ministry and the Board have conducted a study tour to South Africa to get first hand insight and explore avenues to incorporate in the Sierra Leone’s context.

In her statement, the South African High Commissioner to Ghana and Sierra Leone, Grace J. Mason, appreciated the Minister for making time for them amidst her busy schedule. She thanked President Bio for appointing women in leadership positions which she was very passionate about. She stated that the contribution of Sierra Leone to the South African history can never be forgotten, noting that it was high time they leveraged the opportunities that exist between the two countries. She maintained that despite the difficulties experienced by the two nations, they would endeavour to continue to strengthen their bond. She committed herself to the development of Sierra Leone’s tourism saying that she would endeavour to bring the issues discussed for possible actions .

On her part, Minister Pratt expressed delight for the visit on the basis that South Africa was the first point of call for the transformation of tourism in Sierra Leone. She said the ambition of the High Commissioner was a perfect fit for what the Ministry is all about. She mentioned that their trip to South Africa in the height of COVID-19 signaled the commitments that exist between the two countries. She proposed an exploratory visit of tourism businesses in South Africa to see what exists in Sierra Leone and also help in the development of wildlife tourism.

A presentation on the investment opportunities in the tourism sector and presentation of gifts in the form of glass painting to the South African High Commissioner drew the cottons to a close.