Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHATA) expressed deep concern over recent increases in airport taxes, warning that the additional charges could hinder the growth of the country’s tourism industry.
The association stressed that the combined costs of new arrival and departure fees, as well as charges for safety and air navigation, present a heavy burden on travelers potentially deterring visits and slowing down tourism-driven development.
Effective March 1, 2024, several new fees were introduced at Freetown International Airport under a revised Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement with FLAA. These include an increase in the Passenger Service Charge from $25 to $35, a $100 Airport Development Charge, and additional safety and navigation fees.
SLHATA’s National President, Johnny Shallop, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to improve the tourism sector, which he said currently lacks sufficient hotel infrastructure and international investment. He pointed out that neighboring countries like Ghana, Senegal, and Guinea boast hundreds of hotels, while Sierra Leone lags behind. “Why are we not on the tourism map?” he asked, adding that private sector collaboration is key to tackling these challenges.
Shallop noted that the high cost of entering the country has discouraged tourism and slowed the pace of investment. However, he disclosed that discussions are ongoing with relevant stakeholders to address these issues and reduce travel costs.
He further stated that a reduction in airport fees could spark a boost in tourism and encourage broader economic activity. SLHATA, he said, is also engaging with government ministries to remove overlapping sanitation charges, particularly in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Water Resources.
Southern Region Vice President Samuel A. Goba highlighted significant tourism investment in his region, citing the presence of hotels, restaurants, and bars. He expressed hope that ongoing upgrades to hospitality facilities would bring them up to international standards.
Annette Iye Bangura, Northern Region Vice President, acknowledged that investment interest is growing despite existing hurdles. She praised SLHATA’s leadership in bringing together stakeholders and pushing for necessary reforms in the sector.
SLHATA remains confident that with reduced taxes and strengthened partnerships, Sierra Leone can unlock the full potential of its tourism sector.
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