Chinese Economic Counselor Mr Shen Xiaokai has observed that the tourism industry has all the potential to sustain the country’s economy in the very long run.
He stressed that the industry was a huge economic sector in the past according to his research and believes the time is ripe again for the country to put more emphasis on it as it will help develop the economy as well as sell the positive image of the country internationally.
“It is very important for us to know that tourism is not only artistry, but most importantly, it can serve as the backbone of the economy. Countries like Senegal and Gambia to a very large extent their economy depends on tourism and groundnuts.” Mr Shen said with the setting up of Relics Commission, the strengthing of the hotel sector and the beautiful beaches, there is all possibility that with little push from the Tourism Ministry and Tourist Board, Sierra Leone can benefit a lot from tourism.
He said even though there is a big challenge to get to Freetown from the airport, still many tourist will find the country pleasant and interesting for them to stay and enjoy themselves and go back and propagate the good news of Sierra Leone.
The Chinese Economic Counselor said the essence of tourism is to create wealth and redistribute the wealth and he believes that the Ministry can provide that opportunity. He averred that it is also the reason why China is backing the country to have a new airport that will make transportation easy at all times from the airport to the hotels.
Mr Shen reiterated that many of the developed countries including China depends a lot on tourism because it is not like minerals that will be mined off or the price will fall, but he said in tourism so long the country is peaceful and safe there will always be tourists coming in.
He said Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with friendly and passionate people that are warm and helpful. “Because of the people’s mentality tourism will always thrive in the country.”
Friday July 08, 2016
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