Summit Communications: There was a time not so long ago, when, thanks to its lush vegetation, its pristine beaches and its friendly people, Sierra Leone attracted around a hundred thousand visitors a year. What are the main challenges you are facing in order to attract these tourists back again?

Mr. Peter Balis: Many people around the world don't have a real picture of what was really happening in this country during their 10 years long civil war. The fact that a war took place scares people and especially tourists far away from that region. This country is now safe and peace is here. The United Nations troops will leave by the end of the year. This will send a very positive message to the rest of the world: Sierra Leone's war is long past and it is not a dangerous place any longer. As a next step the government should advertise and market the country all over the world. Unfortunately, the National Tourism Board, which is designed for this purpose, is not getting the financial and technical support in order to achieve these goals. Another very serious problem is the poor quality of infrastructure, particularly the roads that definitely need to be developed considerably. Despite this, there is so much for tourists to enjoy here. There are amazing beaches, beautiful and unspoilt landscapes, fascinating islands such as Banana and Turtle Islands and attractions like the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. At the moment Sierra Leone cannot provide more than 4-5 days program package for active tourists, but this could be extended with some of the neighbouring countries attractions to work out a colourful 10 day or 2 week program for visitors. Several new airlines are starting flights to this country this year, too.

Summit Communications: What do you think it was that made Sierra Leone one of the most popular destinations in West Africa? And how do you feel that those strengths should be capitalized on?

Mr. Peter Balis: First of all a General Tourism Development Program should be figured out, based on the strengths of this country. During the war people did not have the chance to attend to school and this is one of the major disadvantages this country has to face in the future. The lack of education and a skilled or well-trained workforce in the tourism sector makes the beginning of any project very challenging, at least at the vocational level. New schools should be established at the secondary level as well new schools for training. Our corporation is supporting any ideas that can help this industry to return to that level it was at before the war. We also provide practicing opportunities to young, talented individuals who are willing to work hard.

Summit Communications: The Cape Sierra Hotel is one of the landmark institutions in the tourism sector and many people reading this in New York, would not expect to find an establishment offering as high service as your hotel does. Can you please tell us what Cape Sierra Hotel can offer?

Mr. Peter Balis: We offer a unique location with a captivating view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Cape Sierra Hotel has 57 Standard Rooms, 6 Junior Suites and 3 Executive Suites. We also have 49 Apartments/Chalets for long-term staying customers. Our Lobby Bar and Snack Bar is open 24 hours a day with Room Service Facility. Our International Executive Chef from Hungary ensures that quality and quantity is there at all times. For recreation, we have our swimming pool and tennis court available every day. We also have a fully-equipped business center and since the beginning of the year we have provided wireless internet service in all rooms and chalets. Our Corporation runs the Lagoonda Entertainment Complex. It is just five minutes walk from the hotel compound and has a casino, a nightclub, a cinema and a first class restaurant with piano bar and terrace.

Summit Communications: Working in a post-conflict environment it must be a challenge to ensure quality of service. How have you been able to raise standards since you took over earlier this year?

Mr. Peter Balis: Considering the fact that the majority of our customers are business people the most important thing was to extend our breakfast service. We increased the variety of items and we also employed a new Pastry Chef in order to give our guests the perfect start for the day. We have also tried to develop our catering services for both indoor and outdoor functions and here we have met with great successes. Our recent customers include the State House, the President of Sierra Leone and all the leading institutions in this country. We have started to renovate some rooms for one of our Airline Crews, which works will be finished in the next few weeks.

Summit Communications: What kind of occupancy rate are you enjoying at the moment?

Mr. Peter Balis: The current occupancy rate we are having is the lowest since October last year. The reason is the rainy season. This is the time when most of our customers are planning their holidays. Also NGO missions usually terminate in this period and people are leaving the country. From mid-September business will pick up again and we hope to have an occupancy rate of between 70% and 100% until the beginning of the next rainy season. These coming three months until December will be very busy.

Summit Communications: Which of the changes or reforms that you brought into the hotel that has gives you greatest satisfaction?

Mr. Peter Balis: My answer may sound funny for the people from the developed world, but here in Africa it can cause you a lot of problems: the utilities. There you will always have a 24-hour power and water supply but here these service providers have serious difficulties. Their machines are older than me, they try to maintain and repair them, but the interruptions in service can cause extra costs for the businesses. We have managed to get new generators and make some changes in the water supply system and now we can guarantee our guests 24-hour power and water supply, whilst most of our competitors still cannot.

Summit Communications: The United States is a strong supporter of peace, stability and development in Sierra Leone. Outside of Europe, the United States is Sierra Leone's largest trading partner and second-largest source of imports and is of course a major aid donor, providing over 25% of the cost of running UNAMSIL amongst other support. What areas should be highlighted to American corporate investment?

Mr. Peter Balis: I can see plenty of opportunities for investment all around the country. There are some virgin areas, such as the ship cargo business. Also the mining industry can provide opportunities, the country is incredibly rich of mineral resources, mainly diamond, gold etc. My personal suggestion is the tourism industry, particularly the hotel business. There are no premium category hotels in this country, and at the moment there is not even high demand for it, but once the the government makes the necessary investments in infrastructure are taking place in parallel with the Tourism Development Program, then the demand will be there.

Summit Communications: Mr. Balis, please share with the readers of the New York Times something about your background and how it has influenced the way you carry out your job here at Cape Sierra.

Mr. Peter Balis: I am a Hungarian. After I had finished my studies as an economist specialized in tourism, I started to work in the hotel industry in Budapest. Later when my country changed so quickly, I decided to take another degree specialized in the economy of the European Union. I finished this study early last year, and then I heard about this vacancy at Cape Sierra Hotel from one of my colleagues. Although most of my friends and family did not even know, where Sierra Leone is, I decided to face this challenge here as Financial Controller. I wanted to try myself in a situation where I can only rely on my skills and abilities. I have not regretted my decision at all. The experiences I gained here will definitely help me through any kind of difficulties I have to handle in my future carrier as a Manager.

Summit Communications: Mr. Balis, I've reached the end of the interview. I'd like to give you the opportunity to send a final, direct message to the readers of the New York Times. Please go ahead…

Mr. Peter Balis: My last and final message to the readers of the New York Times is that Sierra Leone is a beautiful country with a lot of opportunities for investment, entertainment, tourism and all kinds of business. I am confident that the tourism sector will return again to the level where it was before the war when this country was full of tourists from all around the world. And if you come to Freetown the best choice you can have is Cape Sierra Hotel that welcomes guests all through the year!