World Journal of Engineering Research and Technology

Bisolu Sylvanus Hotchinson Betts* and Cecilia Adeline Bangura

ABSTRACT

Over the past years the tourism and hospitality industry has experienced a steady increase in tourist arrivals which has also contributed to an increase in visitor’s expenditure, employment and revenue generation. This has made a significant improvement in facilities within the country to meet the expectation of guests and economic growth. The outbreak of Ebola Epidemic in May 2014 has caused a negative impact in the tourism and hospitality industry in Sierra Leone such as the closure of many hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and airlines right across the country Drop in revenue, profit and unemployment. The purpose of this research is to examine the extent to which the Ebola outbreak has had negative impact on the tourism and hospitality industry in the country. A survey was conducted in four (4) regions namely, western, southern, northern and eastern Region of Sierra Leone. Random samples of 200 respondents were selected from four regions out of a population of 400. Questionnaires, interviews, discussions and document analysis were used for data collection. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences. It is recommended that disaster recovery plan and budget be developed by all active businesses within the tourism and hospitality sector.

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