About Visit Sierra Leone
VisitSierraLeone.org (VSL) is more than just a comprehensive guide for travellers to Sierra Leone. It is a one-stop shop of travel services and information for anyone looking to visit or move to the country whether for business or leisure. Launched in July 2004, the site has grown significantly and has become the leading online resource for Sierra Leone travel information.
Since its launch, VSL has been challenging the negative perceptions held of Sierra Leone and continuously promoted the tourism industry and its institutions. In September 2005, VSL took part in the filming of a documentary for the BBC which focused on the industry’s opportunities and challenges. The programme which was shown on the BBC and SLBS TV significantly raised the profile of VSL and our visitor base.
The National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone has endorsed VSL with its official stamp of approval in recognition of the work being carried out by Visit Sierra Leone.
Our interactive forum is a dynamic support system and is of particular interest to first-time visitors and investors as they can seek advice on various aspects relating to their trip from the community.
The Lonely Planet West Africa Guide said of our forum community “Tons of travel advice and an active discussion forum where, no matter how obscure your inquiry, someone will probably have an answer”.
The Team:
| ABIMBOLA CARROL |
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Bimbola is the founder of Visit Sierra Leone and has played a major part in the revival of tourism since 2004. In 2005, he took part in a documentary for BBC World (http://www.tve.org/lifeonline/index.cfm?aid=1747) which explored the Tourism potential and challenges for Sierra Leone. This later formed the basis of DFID’s Tourism Promotional Video released a year later. Bimbola often provides consultancy and advice to various individuals and businesses seeking information on Sierra Leone tourism industry on an informal basis.
He is a Director of the Sierra Leone Diaspora Network (www.sldn.org.uk) and is a member of the Sierra Leone Conservation Society. Since launching the site in 2004, he has overseen the growth of Visit Sierra Leone to what is now the most comprehensive website for Sierra Leone Travel Services and Information. He supervises the publication of a monthly online newsletter which contains the latest developments in the travel industry and Sierra Leone in general. He enjoys organising excursions as well as visiting new places in Sierra Leone. Bimbola also runs Otolo Web Solutions (http://www.otolo.net) an IT firm with a main focus on enabling Sierra Leonean companies to get an effective web presence. His background is in Marketing and IT with Internet Marketing being his forte. Following frequent trips to Sierra Leone, Bimbola has recently returned to Freetown, to continue developing Visit Sierra Leone. |
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| ALIEYA KARGBO - FREETOWN OPERATIONS |
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| Alieya holds a National Diploma in Travel and Tourism Studies from the Milton Margai College of Education and Technology where he was also Minister of Finance in their student cabinet. He fluently speaks English, French, Krio and Temne. Whilst in Guinea - during the conflict - he was elected director of the Sierra Leone Refugees Coordinating Committee in charge of the Embassy’s Sensitization Unit. Since returning to Sierra Leone in 2003, he has written and directed various plays - another passion of his. He is currently employed by Visit Sierra Leone as the Freetown Operations Officer. Dynamic and resourceful, Alieya deals with questions or issues our guests may have during their trip. |
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| MOHAMED FOFANA - LUNGI OPERATIONS |
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| Mohamed is the Lungi Operations Officer of Visit Sierra Leone. He is responsible for all operational activities at the airport including greeting our guests at the airport (if required). He has a wealth of experience and has been stationed at the airport for 4 years during which time he has built on an impressive array of contacts. Warm and friendly, Mohamed will deal with any questions that you have when you arrive. |
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| MIKE CARROL |
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| Mike is the grand overseer of Visit Sierra Leone and ran the Freetown operation whilst Abimbola was in the UK. His business experience is vast and extremely valuable to Visit Sierra Leone. Mike has run his own business as an Importer, Wholesaler and Manufacturers Representative for medicaments and general merchandise since 1994. He is the agent for Kensington International Marketing Company Ltd. - UK. He is currently the Chairman of the Boards of Access Bank (Sierra Leone) Ltd and the National Petroleum Company Ltd; and is a past President of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce. He is a Director of The Pharmacy Board of Sierra Leone, FABRA Construction Company Ltd. and the Vine Memorial Secondary School for Girls. He has extensive links in the business community and provides business advice and consultancy as necessary. |
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