The Role of Tourism in The Development of Sierra Leone: Bisolu Sylvanus Hotchinson Betts

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The Role of Tourism in the Development of Sierra Leone
Bisolu Sylvanus Hotchinson Betts*
Milton Margai College of Education and Technology Jomokenyatta Road Brookfields, Freetown Sierra Leone
+232/0023230297234/+23276709929
Email: [email protected]
Abstract
Tourism is now one of the World’s largest industries and one of its fastest growing economic sectors for many
countries, tourism is seen as a main instrument for regional development, as it stimulates new economic
activities. Tourism may have a positive economic impact on the balance of payments, on employment, on gross
income and production, but it may also have negative effects particularly on the environment. Unplanned and
uncontrolled tourism growth can result in such a deterioration of the environment that tourist growth can be
compromised. This study examines the role of tourism in the development of Sierra Leone with key references
to both positive and negative economic contributions. The main research instrument used was the questionnaire
which was administered among respondents from various sectors within the Tourism Industry in Sierra Leone.
Data collected was analyzed by the use of the statistics packages for social sciences (SPSS). One thing I am
looking forward to is that the Government will provide adequate fund for Tourism Development in the country.
Keywords: Tourism; Development; Sierra Leone.
1. Introduction
Tourism activities had been going on in Sierra Leone for quite some time, the first indication of government’s
active involvement and interest in tourism development dates back to 1964 with the establishment of the Hotels,
Travel Agencies, Airlines and National Tourist Board by an act of parliament. The board was charged with the
responsibility of overseeing the development and promotion of tourism in Sierra Leone and operated within the
framework of the then Ministry of Trade and Industry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Corresponding author.
205
American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) (2016) Volume 26, No 4, pp 205-224
In those early years, the growth and development of the industry both at home and abroad was slow and
haphazard. There was practically no national policy evolved on which the sustained and directional growth and
development of the industry would be based-Decisions made by those at the top were adhoc and generally
inconsistent. Operators within the industry were left to do what they thought was good for the industry and for
themselves. This state of affairs continued for close to a decade.
In 1973, however, government decided to establish a Tourism Ministry that would harness the abundant
potential tourism resources of the country in order to ensure sustained socio-economic growth in an organized
manner thus the creation of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. The Hotel and Tourist Board became
an integral part of the newly created Ministry two years later in 1975.
With the establishment of the Ministry, development in the industry started taking shape as was manifested by
government’s management of, and construction of Hotels such as Paramount Hotel, Cape Sierra Hotel,
Brookfields Hotel, Bintumani Hotel, Mammy Yoko Hotel, and Lungi Airport Hotel and the Provision of other
necessary infrastructure facilities.
The financial benefits that accrued to the country from the industry however remained minimal due to
ineffective monitoring policies adopted by government as well as heavy leakage factor and tax evasion by the
private operators.
Tourism is travel for recreation, leisure, religion, family or business purposes, usually for a limited duration.
Tourism is commonly associated with international Travel, but may also refer to travel to another place within
the same country. The WTO defines tourists as people “travelling to and staying in places outside their usual
environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes.
Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. Tourism can be domestic or International, and
International Tourism has both incoming and outgoing implications on a country’s balance of payments. Today,
Tourism is a Major Source of income for many countries and affects the economy of both the source and host
countries, in some cases being of vital importance Tourism in Sierra Leone is an important growing national
service industry. Beaches and other natural habitats are the biggest parts of the nation’s tourism industry.
According to the International labour organization, approximately 8,000 Sierra Leoneans are employed in the
tourism industry, with a growing number of Jobs expected to be created in the future. The main entrance point
is Lungi International Airport, where transport to and fro has been problematic. The problems in the tourism
sector are a snap shot of the damage done to the wider economy by Ebola, which has forced many industries to
stop or reduce work, including much of Sierra Leone’s valuable gold, diamond and mineral sector. Ironically,
the relatively isolated beach communities have largely been spared from the Ebola outbreak, which began in
Sierra Leone’s forested interior and spread to urban centers such as Freetown.
Sierra Leone’s tourism industry has been badly hit by the current Ebola epidemic, to the extent that the sector is
losing millions of US dollars and making the country unattractive to visitors, according to the Ministry of
206
Tourism and Cultural Affairs who state that revenue generated from the tourism industry has seriously
plummeted and that the current situation makes it even worse.
“In 2012, revenue generated from the tourism industry stood at $41.6 million and in 2013, revenue generated
$58.6 and this shows a progressive growth in the industry.
As the Ebola Epidemic ravages the country, major airlines that fly into the country arrive half empty. Hotels too
are virtually empty. Airport officials have confirmed the sharp drop in the number of airlines coming to the
country.
During the spread of the Ebola pandemic a lot of destruction took place in the tourism industry. Sierra Leone’s
tourism industry was badly affected by the rebel war of the 90’s. It is only now, it has started growing or
picking up again.
2. Research methodology
2.1 Research design
The study is designed as a descriptive case study. The researcher prefers the Method because of its ability to
describe a situation and its minimum bias in the collection of data. The descriptive design involves large
numbers of persons, and describes population characteristics by the selection of unbiased sample. It involves
using questionnaires and sometimes interview tests, and generalizing the results of the sample to the population
from which it is drawn. Descriptive design is the most frequently used method of collecting information about
peoples’ attitudes; opinions and habits on social issues and such studies usually do not involve hypothesis
testing. The study was not concerned with testing of hypothesis.
2.2 Population
The population for this work is an entire group of individuals, events and objects with the same common
observable characteristics. The study of population includes staff of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural
Affairs, National Tourist Board, Travel Agencies, Hotels, Restaurants, Airlines, Tour Operators and Tourist
Handling Agents.
2.3 Sampling frame
A sampling frame is list, directory or index of cases from which a sample can be selected. The sampling frame
for this study was the directory of the National Tourist Board which includes list of all sectors within the
tourism industry currently operating in Sierra Leone.
2.4 Sampling technique
A sample technique is part of the target (or accessible) population that has been procedurally selected to
represent it. The area of study, as tourism was selected. The target population composed of staff of the various
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sectors within the tourism industry in Sierra Leone who were selected using random sampling technique for
categorization. The respondents were selected using simple random sampling technique.
2.5 Sample size
Sample Size is an important feature of any empirical study in which the goal is to make inferences about a
population. To obtain the sample size the researcher selected 50 (Fifty) staff from among all the sectors within
the tourism industry in Sierra Leone.
3. Research instrument
The main research instrument for this study was a Questionnaire for all staff of the above mentioned sectors.
The Questionnaire was open and close ended to ease analysis of data. It consists of Questions gearing toward
sounding their opinion about the contribution of tourism to the development of Sierra Leone.
All Questions were with options and it was left to the respondents to only select the appropriate one for him or
her. Interviews schedules was prepared for key senior management team of these sectors and assist to determine
whether responses from other respondents were correct or biased. A focus group discussion was conducted with
some staff members across Freetown. A total of 5 persons group were selected since the number was easy to
organize and manage. A series of visitations were made at these places to observe the interaction between the
staff and customers in relation to the quality of service delivered to customers. So many discussions were held
with management team especially those who are directly responsible for the tourism policy and objectives
setting.
4. Data collection procedure
The source of data was primary as this study was an original study. As indicated earlier a close and open ended
Questionnaire for staff was used as the main instrument to collect data. Personal interviews were conducted
with key staff of the above mentioned sectors. The appropriate time for administration was negotiated between
the researcher and the respondents. The Questionnaire distribution was facilitated by the researcher who also
assisted in the collection process. The whole of this exercise was done for a period of two months as some of
the respondents were too busy due to work load constraints.
5. Data processing and analysis
Data collected was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using the statistical packages for social sciences
(SPSS). Before starting, the analysis process, the researcher processed the data by editing, categorizing and
coding it appropriately. After processing the researcher then fed the data into the computer via the 5PSS
programme.
5.1 Economic Impacts of Tourism
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Tourism is considered by many to be the largest industry in the world and the fastest growing. Tourism can
provide many benefits for host communities and countries but there are also negative effects. Impact studies are
carried out with the aim of improving our understanding of the positive and negative impacts of tourism so that
steps can be taken to lessen the negative effects and work at sustainable tourism development. In other words,
sustainable tourism development is concerned with maximizing the benefits while minimizing the negative
effects.
Tourism is seen by governments as a useful tool for economic development. The economic benefits tourism
may offer include:
5.2 General effects of tourism:
• It creates employment for people of the country.

• It promotes cultural awareness and also helps to preserve local culture and traditions.
• Money gained from tourism can be used to develop the infrastructure and services e.g. new roads and
airports.
• In LEDCs money can be invested on developing education, clean water and sanitation.
• The foreign money can become aid to local people.
• Natural attractions can be protected using income from tourism.
5.3 Positive Economic Impacts
• It generates foreign exchange.

• It creates new job and employment opportunities.
• It stimulates trade, income and entrepreneurship – especially in small business sectors.
• The provision of new infrastructure which is available for non-tourism uses.
• It increases regional development – particularly in isolated areas.
• It generates greater collection of taxes and revenues.
5.4 Negative impacts
• It can have a negative impact on the environment. It increases air travel and thereby contributes
towards air pollution.
• Mostly local people are employed in low skill, poorly paid work in unhygienic working conditions.
• Travel agents, airline companies and hoteliers benefit more than local companies when holidays are
booked to destinations in LEDCs.
• Destroys local culture and traditions.
• Locally run accommodation companies face competition with foreign companies which build hotels in
this new tourist destination.
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5.5 Negative Economic Impacts
• Necessity to import goods increase. This is especially with small economies which often do not
produce what the tourists demand, and therefore import to meet the demands of the tourist.
• Displacement effects. When a new tourism project takes customers away from an existing industry or
facility, the economy is said to be shifted.
• Over-dependence on tourism. When initially developing, the tourism industry is in vigor. The people
start investing their money in this industry, resulting in downfall
• Of other industries that were initially present. But soon tourists begin to dislike the particular tourist
location and the economy falls.
• Over-reliance on labour. As the tourists would increase, the labour required to fulfill their
requirements would increase. The industry would extensively rely on labour; therefore these
companies would highly exploit labour to meet the tourist demands.
• Higher land values. Higher number of tourists would require more accommodation. Therefore hotels,
lodges and rest houses are built. These results in shortage of land and the prices shoot up, which affect
the locals.
• Prices of goods increases. More tourists’ means more needs of supplies example: food, water,
electricity, gas supply, etc. Also maintenance and repair would increase. These would make the
market more expensive, making difficult for local people.
5.6 Tourism and Revenue
According to statistics released by the National Tourist Board over estimated revenues from the Tourism
Industry for the years 2013 and 2014, it has been revealed that tourism revenues dropped by US$27 million
from US58.8 million in 2013 to US$31.8 million in 2014. This drastic decrease is credited with the spread of
the Ebola virus which badly affected the tourism industry. The loss in revenue is directly related to the arrivals
through Lungi Airport by flight. There were 37,519 less people who flew into Sierra Leone in 2014 than in
2013. According to the statistics 81,250 visitors arrived in 2013 as against a 46.1% drop or 43,731 visitors who
arrived in 2014. It is estimated that these figures will probably decrease more if the spread of the Ebola virus is
not curtailed before the rainy season.
5.7 Demand and Supply
Tourism demand has been defined in numerous ways, including the total number of persons who travel, or wish
to travel, to use tourist facilities and services at places away from their places of work and residence’ [1:1].
Other studies have defined it as, the relationship between individuals’ motivation [to travel] and their ability to
do so’ [2]. In contrast, more economic-focused definitions of demand are primarily concerned with ‘the
schedule of the amount of any product or service which people are willing and able to buy at each specific price
in a set of possible prices during a specified period of time’ [3:15]. Supply may be defined as the value of final
output that firms are prepared to sell, plus the value of imports. The money that is paid out to firms goes in
wages, profits and taxes and some is saved [4:105]. The act of supply requires the willingness and ability of an
210
enterprise to acquire resources, including goods and services produced by other enterprises, and to process those
resources into an output of products for sale (even at zero price) to consumers. Most analysts would nowadays
include the roles of marketing the products as part of supply [5:78].
6. Results
Data Presentation and Analyses
Introduction
This is detailed analysis and presentation of data collected from respondents in relation to the economic
contribution of tourism to the development of Sierra Leone Seventy questionnaires was administered among
respondents within the tourism industry. Only fifty was filled and returned and is used for analysis. This is
71% respondent’s rate.
Table 1.1: what sector best describe you
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative percent

Hotel 15 30.0 30.0 30.0
Restaurant 10 20.0 20.0 50.0
Travel Agency 7 14.0 14.0 64.0
Tour Operator 4 8.0 8.0 72.0
Airline 4 8.0 8.0 80.0
Tourist Handling 3 6.0 6.0 86.0
Others 7 14.0 14.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Table 1.1 revealed that 30% of the respondents are from the hotel sector, 20% are from restaurant, 14% from
travel agencies, 8% from tour operators, 8% from airlines, 6% from tourist handling agents and 14% from others
like night clubs, casinos etc. It can be concluded that more of the respondents contacted were from the hotel
sector because there are more hotels in Sierra Leone as compared to any other sector.
211
What sector best describe you
100%
80%
60%
Cumulative Percent
40%
Valid Percent
20% Percent
0% Frequency
Figure 1
Table 1.2: Current position held

Manager 20 40.0 40.0 40.0
Supervisor 15 30.0 30.0 70.0
Head of Department 10 20.0 20.0 90.0
Others 5 10.0 10.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Table 1.2 revealed that 40% of the respondents were managers, 30% were supervisors, 20% were head of
departments and 10% were others like marketer, IT, cleaners and security.
It can be concluded more of the respondents contacted were managers because they are responsible for the daily
operations of the sector.
Current position held
Table 1.3 revealed that 60% of the respondents contacted were male and 40% were female. It can be concluded
more male respondents were contacted as compared to female.
The reason being that more senior managerial position is held by male and lower positions occupied by female.
212
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% Cumulative Percert
50% Valid Percent
40% Percent
30%
Frequency
20%
10%
0%
Manager Supervisor Head of Others Total
Department
Figure 2
Table 1.3: Gender of respondents

Male 30 60.0 60.0 60.0
Female 20 40.0 40.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Gender of respondents
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% Cumulative Percent
50% Valid Percent
40% Percent
30% Frequency
20%
10%
0%
Male Female Total
Figure 3
213
Table 1.4: Educational background

Diploma 30 60.0 60.0 60.0
HND 8 16.0 16.0 76.0
First Degree 4 8.0 8.0 84.0
Masters 2 4.0 4.0 88.0
Others 6 12.0 12.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Table 1.4 revealed that 60% of the respondents contacted were diploma holders, 16% were holders of HND, 8%
were degree holders, 4% were master holders and 12% are others like certificate and WASSCE holders and can
be concluded that more of the respondents contacted are holders of national diploma.
The reason being that it is the commonest qualification that can be easily obtained in the country.
Educational background
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
Cumulative Percent
50% Valid Percent
40% Percent
Frequency
30%
20%
10%
0%
Diploma HND First Masters Others Total
Degree
Figure 4
214
Table 1.5: The rate of tourism development in Sierra Leone

High 8 16.0 16.0 16.0
Moderate 30 60.0 60.0 76.0
Slow 12 24.0 24.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Table 1.5 revealed that 16% of the respondents contacted indicated that the rate of tourism
Development in the country is high, 60% indicated moderate and 24% indicated slow. It can be concluded that
the tourism development is at the moderate rate due to many factors like the Ebola virus outbreak, past rebel
war, inadequate infrastructure among other factors.
The rate of tourism development in Sierra Leone
100%
80%
Cumulative Percent
60%
Valid Percent
40% Percent
20% Frequency
0%
High Moderate Slow Total
Figure 5
Table 1.6: What is your perception about tourism contribution to the country?

Positive 35 70.0 70.0 70.0
Negative 10 20.0 20.0 90.0
No Idea 5 10.0 10.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
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Table 1.6 revealed that 70% of the respondents contacted indicated that their perception about tourism
contribution is positive, 20% indicated negative and 10% indicated no idea. It can be concluded that the
perception of people about tourism is a positive reasons being that people
Believed that as tourism is highly contributing to the economic development in other countries the same will
happen in Sierra Leone.
What is your perception about tourism contribution to the country?
100%
80%
Cumulative Percent
60%
Valid Percentage
40% Percent
20% Frequency
0%
Positive Negative No Idea Total
Figure 6
Table 1.7: In which area is tourism contributing greatly?

Employment 20 40.0 40.0 40.0
Balance of Payment 5 10.0 10.0 50.0
Revenue 20 40.0 40.0 90.0
Others 5 10.0 10.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Table 1.7 revealed that 40% of the respondents contacted that tourism contribution is greatly seeing in the area
of employment, 10% indicated balance of payment, 40% indicated revenue and 10% indicated others like the
stimulation of local market growth. It can be concluded that all of the above mentioned areas, tourism is
contributing to them.
216
In which area is tourism contributing greatly?
100%
90%
80%
70%
50% Valid Percent
40%
Percent
30%
20% Frequency
10%
0%
Employment Balance of Revenue Others Total
Payment
Figure 7
Table 1.8: what are the contributions of tourism to Sierra Leone?
Frequency Percent Valid Cumulative

Percent percent
General foreign exchange 8 16.0 16.0 16.0
Create employment 20 40.0 40.0 56.0
Stimulated trade, income and entrepreneurship
Provision of new infrastructures which is available 6 12.0 12.0 68.0

for non-tourism uses
General collection of taxes and revenues

4 8.0 8.0 76.0
Total
12 24.0 24.0 100.0
50 100.0 100.0
Table 1.8 revealed that 16% of the respondents contacted indicated generate foreign exchange, 40% indicated
create employment, 12% indicated stimulate trade, income and entrepreneurship 8% indicated provision of new
infrastructures which is available for non- tourism uses and 24% indicated generate collection of taxes and
revenue. It can be concluded that all of the above mentioned positive contributions is being evident in Sierra
Leone.
217
What are the positive contributions of tourism to Sierra Leone?
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
20%
Valid Percent
10%
0% Percent
Frequency
Figure 8
Table 1.9: what are the negative contributions of tourism to Sierra Leone?
Frequency Percent Valid Cumulative

Percent percent
Local people are employed in low skill, poorly paid
work in unhygienic working conditions.
Various sector benefit more than local companies

when holidays are booked to destination. 20 40.0 40.0 40.0
Destroys local culture and tradition.
Local entrepreneurs face strong completion from

foreign entrepreneurs.
5 10.0 10.0 50.0
Total
10 20.0 20.0 70.0
15 30.0 30.0 100.0
50 100.0 100.0
218
Table 1.9 revealed that 40% of the respondents contacted indicated that tourism will lead to local people are
employed in low skill, poorly paid work in unhygienic working conditions, 10% indicated various sectors
benefit more than local companies when holidays are booked to destination, 20% indicated destroys local
culture and tradition and 30% indicated local entrepreneurs face strong competition from foreign entrepreneurs.
It can be concluded that once tourism is contributing positively to the development of a country all of these
above mentioned negative impacts will be evident.
What are the negative contributions of tourism to Sierra Leone?
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
20% Valid Percent
10%
0% Percent
Frequency
Figure 9
Table 1.10: Negative economic impacts

Necessity to import goods increase 15 30.0 30.0 30.0
Displacement effects 4 8.0 8.0 38.0
Over – dependence on tourism 4 8.0 8.0 46.0
Over – reliance on labour 5 10.0 10.0 56.0
High land values 12 24.0 24.0 80.0
Prices of goods increases 10 20.0 20.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
219
Table 1.10 revealed that 30% of the respondents indicated necessary to import goods increase. This is
especially with small economies which often do not produce what the tourists demand, and therefore import to
meet the demands of the tourist, 8% indicated displacement effects.
When a new tourism project takes customers away from an existing industry or facility, the economy is said to
be shifted, 8% indicated over-dependence on tourism.
When initially developing, the tourism industry is in vigour. The people start investing their money in this
industry, resulting in downfall of other industries that were initially present. But soon tourists begin to dislike
the particular tourist location and the economy falls, 10% indicated over-reliance
on labour. As the tourists would increase, the labour required to fulfill their requirements would increase. The
industry would extensively rely on labour; therefore these companies would highly exploit labour to meet the
tourist demands, 24% indicated higher land values.
Higher number of tourists would require more accommodation. Therefore hotels, lodges and rest houses are
built. These results in shortage of land and the prices shoot up, which affect the locals and 20%, indicated prices
of goods increases.
More tourists’ means more needs of supplies example: food, water, electricity, gas supply, etc. Also
maintenance and repair would increase. These would make the market more expensive, making difficult for
local people.
Negative economic impacts
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
20%
10% Valid Percent
0% Percent
Frequency
Figure 10
220
Table 1.11: what are the challenges faced in tourism development in Sierra Leone?

Inadequate funds 15 30.0 30.0 30.0
Weak human resource capacity 8 16.0 16.0 46.0
Inadequate infrastructures 10 20.0 20.0 66.0
Absence of a national carrier 5 10.0 10.0 76.0
Weak training institution 4 8.0 8.0 84.0
Lack of tourism policy 8 16.0 16.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Table 1.11 revealed that 30% of the respondents contacted indicated inadequate fund, 16% indicated weak
human resource capacity, 20% indicated inadequate infrastructures, 10% indicated absent of a national carrier,
8% indicated weak training institutions and 16 indicated lack of tourism policy. It can be concluded that all of
the above mentioned challenges are currently inhibiting the development of tourism in Sierra Leone.
What are the challenges faced in tourism development in Sierra Leone
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30% Cumulated Percent
20%
10% Valid Percent
0%
Percent
Frequency
Figure 11
221
7. Discussion
Tourism is now one of the world’s largest industries and one of its fastest growing economic sectors for many
countries tourism is seen as a main instrument for regional development, as it stimulates new economic
activities. Tourism may have a positive economic impact on the balance of payments, on employment, on gross
income and production, but it may also have negative effects, particularly on the environment. Unplanned and
uncontrolled tourism growth can result in such a deterioration of the environment that tourist growth can be
compromised. The environment, being the Major Source of tourist product, should therefore be protected in
order to have further growth of tourism and economic development in the future.
This is especially true with regard to tourism based on the natural environment as well as on historical cultural
heritage sustainable tourism has three interconnected aspects: environmental, socio cultural, and economic.
Sustainability implies permanence, so sustainable tourism increases optimum use of resources, including
biological diversity; minimization of ecological, cultural and social impacts and maximization of benefits for
conservation and local communities. It also refers to the management structures that are needed to achieve this.
The study provides a theoretical framework for tourism.
Sierra Leone is located on the west coast of Africa with a square kilo meter of 27925. It has a population of 1.5
million (source 2009 survey). Geographically, the country is divided in to four (4) regions namely Eastern,
Northern, Southern and Western area which includes the capital city Freetown. There are sixteen (16) ethnic
groups and the western area is predominantly considered to be a base of the early freed slaves (Creole, Limba,
Loko and Temne).
The Sierra Leone government in the sixties provided leadership for the development of tourism. The French also
manifested some interest towards the development and construction of some hotels along the peninsula. The
overall policy objective which the government of Sierra Leone intended was to encourage the development and
growth of tourism in order to provide better benefit to both the nationals and internationals. The objectives were
as follows:
• To significantly increase the country’s power for generating foreign exchange.

• Create employment opportunity for citizens.
• To improve the quality of life of the people of Sierra Leone.
In recognition of tourism potential importance to the economy of Sierra Leone, the government through the
ministry of tourism and cultural affairs had develop a marketing and development strategies for the tourism
sector.
These strategies are:
• To re-organize the industry in order to be private sector oriented.

• To provide adequate investment incentive that can encourage both foreign and local entrepreneurs.
• Promoting general economic development through the tourism income multiplier (TIN) effect.
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• To upgrade and rehabilitate the only hotel and tourism college in Freetown / Sierra Leone (the
MMCET Brookfields campus).
• Embarking on a confidence and email building campaign in tourist generating countries as well as
attending tourism workshop, seminar, conferences, trade fears and exhibitions above.
8. Conclusion
Tourism has the potential to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction particular in low-income
developing countries. The sector’s capacity to generate employment and income owing to its backward and
forward linkages makes it important for economic diversification and economic growth. At the same time,
however, the negative impact can inflict on the environment and culture cannot be overlooked. To ensure that
tourism provides employment and income opportunities in the long run and contributes to sustainable
development, its operations including the activities that are linked with it must be sustainable. As Argued in this
issues notes calls for ambitious strategies and policy agenda’s. In this context, the expert meeting provides on
opportunity to address the key issues regarding the contribution of tourism to economic growth and sustainable
development. The key questions are as follows:
i. Want are the specific features of tourism that lend themselves to domestic capacity building and economic
development and are particularly relevant to poverty reduction?
ii. What are the negative aspects of tourism that require policy makers to pay extra attention in formulating
policies and strategies for tourism development?
iii. How can governments attract adequate levels of investment to build supply capacities, develop
effective linkages between tourism and other sectors and at the same time address economic leakage and
anti-competitive practices in the tourism industry?
iv. Given that tourism – related activities rely on the development of infrastructure, preservation of the
environment and cultural heritage sites, supply of energy and water and other factors, how can tourism as
an economic activity be made sustainable?
v. What are the policies and strategies that government need to pursue to promote sustainable tourism and to
ensure that tourism contributes to sustainable development?
Finally, it was not an easy task in carrying out this research work. The research work was faced with
constraints and some of them are as follows
• Availability of finance to print, administer questionnaire, transportation fear to and from different stake
holders of the tourism industry in Sierra Leone was a limiting factor but the budget allocated for the
research was sufficient for the plan data collection.
• The busy schedule of the staff of the tourism industry makes it a difficult part of the research but later
appointments were made and interviews conducted. Overall the findings in this study are sufficient for
223
the achievement of the objective of the study.
Acknowledgement
Thanks to God for His infinite love. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to my director of tourism, Mr.
Mohamed Jalloh, ministry of tourism and cultural affairs, Freetown Sierra Leone for thoroughly scrutinizing the
work and for contributing towards promoting a good journal. My appreciation also goes to Mrs. Fatmata Osagie
of the Sierra Leone National Tourist Board and Mr. Kai Bockarie Saquee of the National Tourist Board Sierra
Leone for furnishing me with the needed materials for this project. Also to the editor in chief (Dr Mohammad
Othman Nassar) American Scientific Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS) for editing
this work (journal) for me. Finally I want to thank my wife and children for the sacrifice they made for releasing
me to this research for this project. May the good Lord bless you all.
References
[1]. Mathieson and Wall. “Other studies have defined it as, the Relationship between Individuals’
Motivations to travel and their ability to do so”, 1992.
[2]. Pearce. “In contrast, more economic-focused definitions of demand are primarily concerned with ‘the
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The Role of Tourism in the Development of Sierra Leone

Bisolu Sylvanus Hotchinson Betts*

Keywords: Tourism; Development; Sierra Leone.

2.1 Research design

2.3 Sampling frame

2.4 Sampling technique

2.5 Sample size

4. Data collection procedure

5. Data processing and analysis

5.1 Economic Impacts of Tourism

5.2 General effects of tourism:

• It creates employment for people of the country.

5.3 Positive Economic Impacts

• It generates foreign exchange.

5.4 Negative impacts

5.5 Negative Economic Impacts

5.6 Tourism and Revenue

5.7 Demand and Supply

Data Presentation and Analyses

Table 1.1: what sector best describe you

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative percent

Restaurant 10 20.0 20.0 50.0

Travel Agency 7 14.0 14.0 64.0

Tour Operator 4 8.0 8.0 72.0

Airline 4 8.0 8.0 80.0

Tourist Handling 3 6.0 6.0 86.0

Others 7 14.0 14.0 100.0

Total 50 100.0 100.0

What sector best describe you

Table 1.2: Current position held

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative percent

Supervisor 15 30.0 30.0 70.0

Head of Department 10 20.0 20.0 90.0

Others 5 10.0 10.0 100.0

Total 50 100.0 100.0

Current position held

Table 1.3: Gender of respondents

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative percent

Female 20 40.0 40.0 100.0

Total 50 100.0 100.0

Table 1.4: Educational background

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative percent

HND 8 16.0 16.0 76.0

First Degree 4 8.0 8.0 84.0

Masters 2 4.0 4.0 88.0

Others 6 12.0 12.0 100.0

Total 50 100.0 100.0

Table 1.5: The rate of tourism development in Sierra Leone

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative percent

Moderate 30 60.0 60.0 76.0

Slow 12 24.0 24.0 100.0

Total 50 100.0 100.0

The rate of tourism development in Sierra Leone

Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative percent

Negative 10 20.0 20.0 90.0

No Idea 5 10.0 10.0 100.0

Total 50 100.0 100.0