On May 19th, 2023, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the National Tourist Board, KEIOS consultants, and the Tourism Advisor, joined forces with the World Bank Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP) to engage stakeholders and key development actors in Bo.

The purpose of this gathering was to emphasize the importance of developing a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan for the next five years.

This event followed a series of assessments and explorations conducted by the team, which included visits to Bonthe Island and discussions with community leaders across various islands in the Turtle Archipelago. These activities were undertaken as part of the ongoing efforts to identify and evaluate potential attraction sites throughout the country, forming a crucial foundation for the National Tourism Strategic Plan.

The engagement session in Bo served as the culmination of a week-long series of regional deliberations, during which the team examined key touristic areas. Prior to arriving in Bo, the consultants and stakeholders convened on Banana Island in the Western Rural Peninsula to discuss their findings.

Following the Bo session, the team is scheduled to hold a stakeholder engagement event in the Western Area, specifically in Freetown.

The objective of these consultations and engagements is to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, business owners, tourism operators, and government representatives. By involving all relevant parties, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs aims to ensure that the Tourism Master Plan aligns with the aspirations and needs of the people, while also promoting sustainable development and economic growth.

The development of a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan is a significant step forward for Sierra Leone’s tourism sector. It will provide a roadmap for the strategic development and promotion of the country’s tourism assets over the next five years, helping to attract both domestic and international visitors and boost the overall tourism industry.

The Ministry’s Information Unit expressed enthusiasm about the progress made thus far and encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate in the upcoming consultations. By working together, Sierra Leone can unlock the immense potential of its tourism sector, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.