It was all hands-on deck at Sierra Leone’s strategically located corner piece pavilion at the just concluded World Travel Market in ExCel London.

About the few pavilion with top government officials in attendance, it definitely wasn’t a tea party nor one reduced to funfair as was happening in neighbouring stands. The atmosphere was serene, friendly but businesslike even on a grand finale of a 3-day treat when enthusiasm naturally would have become subdued. The Salone spirit as evidently displayed by officials remained upbeat. Draped in Sierra Leone colour scarf, Hon Nabeela Tunis – Sierra Leone’s ‘poster girl’ for Tourism proudly led her ministry’s officials at the pavilion taking enquiries on her pet subject -Tourism for Sierra Leone.

Ably supported by Pastor Edward Yankson, Permanent Secretary in the ministry of tourism and culture and retinue of officials, the Sierra Leone’s pavilion was a beehive of activities. My half an hour wait to see the honourable Minister whilst she was busy taking enquiries was worth the while.

Her passion to sell Salone tourism shone through in the eagerness to take on my enquiries and posers as soon as Pastor Edward finished with the introductions: ‘Hon Minister, this is Terry of the Financial Standard Newspapers’.

And being mindful that the talking business in a customary environment - especially when done continuously and repetitively for 3 days consecutively - could be draining, I was not ready to probe with questions beyond the introductory line. ‘I have come visiting to acquaint you and your officials with our publication - the Financial Standard Newspapers and to express our shared aspiration on tourism development in Sierra Leone’.

More like ‘take me on please, I’m here to speak for Tourism and Sierra Leone’. Her state of alertness, the eagerness and passion to escalate the conversation about tourism in Sierra Leone belied the fatigue expected of someone that had been occupied with talking same subject matter for 3 days. ‘We are here to seek partnership that would work for our tourism’, she told me as a matter of fact as we sat down to have a chat. Her passion filtering through her voice. ‘Our country - Sierra Leone - has the potentials to be the destination of choice for tourists and adventure seekers. That is the point we are making and that is the height we are aiming at’.

Showing up at the prestigious event for her and her team, therefore, is not just an issue of carnival. ‘We’ve come to use this platform to meet investors in tourism, potential tourists and also foreign partners that we can leverage with in exploring our potentials to the fullest’. Adding that the 3-day travel event provided the platform for that. And how has it turned out? I enquired. ‘It’s been very rewarding’, she responded in the affirmative.

Pastor Edward Yankson, Permanent Secretary in the ministry confirmed that Sierra Leone’s participation and attendance this 2024 edition was hugely successful. The turnout of visitors – both first time and returning visitors – he told FS was quite remarkable. The Sierra Leone pavilion in the first 2 days of the event, according to him received 820 and 753 visitors, respectively. This is a no mean feat in an event with over a thousand trade exhibitors. With Hon Nabeela Tunis and her team in charge, the only way to go for Sierra Leone’s tourism is up.

For most first-time travellers to Siera Leone, it’s usually a surprise (to them) that their travels actually do not terminate at the touch down at the international airport in Lungi. To access Freetown there is one more crucial journey by boat across the Sierra Leone River. It is a compulsory transit.

I had an experience of that boat ride as I got myself on the way for the inaugural editorial meeting of the Financial Standard in Freetown recently. As I approached the ferry, I could not but noticed the bustling lively environment – the staff working on the ferry, the other passengers like myself and maybe a couple of wayfarers and others on just sightseeing. The security arrangements caught my eyes. I felt completely safe and assured of my safety. The ferry system worked well and that was pleasing and reassuring. The environment was warm and inviting as locals and visitors conversed and laughed together, with several vendors referring to local cuisine. Embracing the sense of togetherness onboard the ferry was one of my cherished aspects of the trip.

It was quite easy to purchase a ticket for the passage. I did without fuss, and I boarded the ferry which has clear signs for direction. The ferry itself had both indoor and outdoor seating arrangements. Well-kept and vast, the ferry this day was clean, and everything was orderly. I chose the outside area so I could take in the stunning views of the city and the sea. I couldn't help but be in awe of the breathtaking scenery as we left Lungi and headed towards Freetown. In no time we arrived in Freetown and got welcomed by the breathtaking views of the city.

Freetown is a vibrant city with a rich cultural and historical heritage that is situated on the coast of west Africa. On the other hand, the city of Lungi, which is home to the international airport in Freetown, is located across the Sierra Leone River. This indicates that in order to get to Freetown, travellers must cross a sea; the ferry is the primary means of transit. The security and layout of the ferry terminal caught my attention right away when I was leaving for the Financial Standard meeting in Freetown.

The location of the ferry terminal in the city is central and very accessible to various part of Freetown. It was therefore very easy continuing my journey from the terminal into the city.. I took a taxi ride just outside the terminal to my destination in town. Meeting over, I headed back to Lungi re-enacting the ferry experience one more time. And I was not let down. I had a wonderful return voyage to Lungi.