Sierra Leone in West Africa, recently named one of the most exciting travel destinations of 2024 by National Geographic Traveler, will this year become a member of ASA AFRICA, the neutral association of around 100 experts and specialists for Africa travel.
Beforehand, an ASA delegation explored and familiarised itself with the country during an ASA Scout Fam Trip at the end of April. Subsequently, a high-ranking delegation from Sierra Leone with the new Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis met with ASA during a visit to Germany and it was jointly agreed that Sierra Leone would be the first West African country to join the important ASA network.
With the new member, ASA-Africa is expanding its focus, which previously centred on southern and eastern Africa. As an ASA member, Sierra Leone can support travel agencies in the B2B sector by providing information, advice and training. ASA members not only benefit from the exchange of experience within the large network, but also have the opportunity to present themselves at roadshows, travel fairs and seminars and to provide both B2B partners and customers with comprehensive information.
Sierra Leone is aiming for a stronger presence on the German travel market and puts particular emphasis on sustainable tourism. Sierra Leone’s national tourism strategy emphasises the promotion of environmentally and socially responsible tourism, with nature-based ecotourism playing an important role. For example, one of the world’s most important populations of the endangered West African chimpanzee is being protected in the Tacugama Conservation Reserve with major international support.
The recently expanded Freetown International Airport in Sierra Leone has also increased the number of flights from Europe (e.g. four direct flights per week from Brussels to Freetown with Lufthansa subsidiary Brussels Airlines). The best time to travel to Sierra Leone is between November and April.
