Freetown, Sierra Leone – 31 March 2026 – Sierra Leone is set to welcome its first internationally branded airport hotel following the signing of the Hilton Garden Inn Freetown Airport by global hospitality company Hilton.
The development represents a significant step in strengthening the country’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The 110-room hotel, expected to open later in 2026, will be located near the Lungi Congress Centre and forms part of broader efforts to enhance infrastructure around the country’s main international gateway.
The project is expected to support Sierra Leone’s ambition to position itself as a destination for business travel, conferences, and leisure tourism.
The hotel will feature modern facilities including a restaurant, lobby café, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and meeting spaces designed to accommodate both local and international guests. As Sierra Leone’s first globally branded airport hotel, the investment is expected to improve service standards and boost confidence among international visitors.
The development comes amid renewed efforts to expand the tourism sector under the leadership of Nabeela Farida Tunis. Official figures indicate that international visitor arrivals increased by approximately 25,000 in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting growing global interest in Sierra Leone.
Government initiatives in recent years have focused on promoting investment, strengthening destination marketing, and improving tourism infrastructure.
The entry of Hilton into the Sierra Leonean market is seen as a positive indicator of investor confidence and a potential driver of employment opportunities and economic growth.
Authorities expect the project to enhance the country’s capacity to host international events while contributing to broader economic diversification efforts through tourism.
