By Kai Bockarie-Saquee
Communications, P.R. Officer- NTB
On January 17th, amidst the bustling ambiance of the Matka Tourism Trade Fair in Helsinki, Sierra Leone’s tourism potential was cast into the spotlight.
Best Travel Solutions (BTS), in collaboration with The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, embarked on a mission to unveil the West African gem’s allure to the Finnish travel market for the second time.
Spearheaded by CEO Mr. Foday Fornah and Communications and Public Relations Officer Kai Bockarie-Saquee, the duo, attended a day-long B2B workshop, engaging in fruitful discussions with prominent tour operators in Finland and from other European countries.
Matka, the Nordic region’s largest travel industry event, provides an unparalleled platform for countries to showcase their tourism offerings.
As the event commenced on January 17th, it presented a unique opportunity for Sierra Leone to engage with industry professionals, foster relationships, and promote its diverse attractions to an international audience.
The engagement of Best Travel Solutions with the Finnish market is a strategic move to diversify Sierra Leone’s tourist demographics. With a day dedicated to B2B interactions, Mr. Fornah and Mr. Bockarie-Saquee leveraged the occasion to network and build partnerships. Their presence at the fair underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to tapping into the European travel ecosystem and expanding its tourist reach.
The concerted efforts of Best Travel Solutions, The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone denote a unified approach to tourism development and marketing By combining resources and expertise, these entities aim to position Sierra Leone as a must-visit destination, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and biodiversity.
During the trade or B2B, seven significant meetings unfolded between Best Travel Solutions and various tour operators, including the likes of Inspiration Africa. These sessions were aimed at discussing potential collaborations, exploring Sierra Leone’s tourism products, and securing magazine features to amplify the country’s visibility.
Sierra Leone, often referred to as the “Explore Freedom” of West Africa, boasts an array of attractions. From the history-laden Bunce Island to the idyllic shores of River No. 2 Beach, the country is rich in cultural and natural treasures. The Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the lush greenery of the Gola Rainforest National Park offer immersive experiences for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Best Travel Solutions’ participation in the Matka fair is expected to yield significant results. By effectively communicating Sierra Leone’s tourism narrative, the organization aims to stimulate interest and convert these initial dialogues into tangible itineraries and tour packages.
