SIERRA LEONE TOURISM AUTHORITIES TARGET FRENCH INVESTORS AND TOURISTS

In a bid to portray a positive image of Sierra Leone abroad and market the country as an attractive tourist destination; more so as the Government attaches significant importance to tourism development; the National Tourist Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs recently participated in the Le Monde de Paris (MAP) Tourism Exhibition in Paris France 13^th – 17^th March 2008 formerly Salon Mondial de Tourisme et Voyage (SMTV).  This event is held annually wherein tourism generating countries and destinations interact with a view to tapping the tourism potential and opportunities; with stakeholders serving as purveyors of the respective services offered.

This visit was facilitated through the Integrated Framework Tourism Project under the supervision of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with the Ministry of Trade & Industry serving as Focal Point.  The decision to support Sierra Leone under this project was as a result of the recommendation in the Diagnostic Trade Integrated Study (DTIS).  In addition to funding Sierra Leone’s participation at the Event, the project also made available funds for the production and printing of publicity materials and other travel expenses.