The Role of Tourism in the Development of Sierra Leone

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