TOURISTS VISITING SIERRA LEONE AGAIN

After a decade of civil war and political chaos, Sierra Leone has turned to ecotourism to bring much needed funds to the country and to get rid of the demons of the past at the same time. Although certain inroads have been made, the situation is still far from healthy and travelers still live in fear of visiting such a dangerous place. Before the war (1991-2002), around 100,000 tourists came to Sierra Leone per annum. After falling to around the zero mark during the fighting, the number of tourists is beginning to rise again, though a few years are needed for greater progress to be made.

The organisation Tribewanted may have a lot to do with any future success story. It organizes holidays for tourists, who have the privilege of paying $450 for a stay in a typical poverty-stricken community. They are, naturally, fully aware that their fee is more of a donation to a community very much in need of some cash. Most of them leave with the knowledge that it was well worth the money to live through something so unusual.

Tribewanted has a number of challenges, which it has to deal with. One of the major ones is dealing with literature and tourist materials, which warn tourists of the dangers all over Sierra Leone, particularly in and around the capital, Freetown. As long as these warning and danger signs continue to be spread, whether justified or not, the whole country will struggle to gain the trust of visitors.

Americans would never rebook at a hotel with dirty floors

A recent Cintas Corporation survey conducted by telephone by Harris Interactive among 1,009 U.S. adults ages 18 and older revealed what is most likely to prevent a consumer from rebooking with a hotel. Eighty-five percent of U.S. adults said they would not rebook at a hotel if there are dirty floors in the guest room, lobby or entryways. In addition, 80 percent of adults indicated dirty lobby restrooms as a turn-off.

“This research confirms that a high standard of cleanliness is critical to a hotel’s success. From restroom cleaning to tile and carpet cleaning services, hotels must have the right programs in place to maintain a safe and clean establishment to ensure guests are satisfied.” "Consumers have many hotel options and have come to expect a clean room and facility regardless of the room rate or location,” said Mike Thompson, Senior Vice President, Cintas Facility Services. “This research confirms that a high standard of cleanliness is critical to a hotel’s success. From restroom cleaning to tile and carpet cleaning services, hotels must have the right programs in place to maintain a safe and clean establishment to ensure guests are satisfied.”

Survey findings indicate differences in opinion by area within a hotel. For example, 83 percent cited dirty guest room floors as a turn off, while 70 percent cited dirty lobby floors and entryways as experiences that would likely prevent them from rebooking. The survey also reveals differences by age. For example, 63 percent of adults 65 years and older cited wet floors with no signage as a reason for never rebooking with a hotel. In contrast, only 37 percent of 18-34 year olds would find this to be an issue.

“Maintaining a clean and safe facility is imperative for success but requires a lot of time and energy,” added Dave Mesko, Senior Director of Marketing, Cintas. “Partnering with Cintas allows hotels to boost productivity and brand image, while improving comfort for both guests and employees.”

Cintas offers a wide range of solutions that enable hotels to build their image and increase profitability and productivity while improving the comfort and well-being of their guests and employees. Whether it’s regularly providing a safe floor program with custom logo mat service or a complete cleaning and janitorial supplies program, Cintas’ cleaning solutions can save hotels time and money.