African diaspora tourists' experiences of wellbeing

Despite the growing body of knowledge on diaspora tourism, relatively few studies have focused on understanding the sociopsychological benefits of such trips with regard to developing countries. This chapter, therefore, explores how a sense of psychological wellbeing is experienced by members of the Sierra Leonean diaspora living in London, United Kingdom. A total of 12 in-depth interviews were conducted in London in 2019. Thematic analysis of the data revealed four prevalent themes: feelings of isolation and estrangement in London before their visit to Sierra Leone, intimacy and togetherness, attachment to the land and a sense of belonging, and satisfaction in fulfilling social obligations. By and large, the study suggests that diaspora community provides a utilitarian function in assisting the loved ones financially, but the visits have a therapeutic effect on the travelling community, which diaspora tourism provides.