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Tourism in Sierra Leone, as in other developing countries, has become the most dynamic and fastest growing industry. It is an aggregate of many different industries and services, and is influenced by almost every facet of society.
Many governments in developing countries including Sierra Leone expect economic and social benefits from tourism development such as:
- Foreign exchange earnings
- The development of areas with no other immediate possibilities of expanding economic activity
- Creation of employment opportunities
- A boost for the local production of the goods and services consumed by the tourists
- More tax revenue for the State
- The integration of national cultures and societies and safeguarding of the national cultural identity from foreign culture influences
- Reasonable returns on investment in the sector
- The promotion of the true image of the country to attract holidaymakers and foreign entrepreneurs as part of the drive to step up international political and economic cooperation
- Encouraging fair distribution of national income and creating new markets for consumer goods
- Providing additional infrastructure and amenities that will encourage and support the tourist industry as well as benefit local and national interests
- It is in pursuit of these benefits that the government of Sierra Leone had identified tourism as a priority sector for development – thus tourism has now become the largest contributor to the economy of Sierra Leone after mining and agriculture.
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