By Grace Q. Bryant
Montserrado County District 17 Representative Bernard Blue Benson yesterday requested the plenary for passage of an Act to establish the Liberia National Tourism Authority.
Rep. Benson’s communication was read before the plenary seeking the indulgence of his colleagues for the passage into law a bill.
According to Rep. Benson, the purpose of the Liberia National Tourism Authority Act of 2024 is to establish a statutory body, namely the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), tasked with promoting, developing, and regulating tourism within Liberia.
He added that the proposed bill shall establish the LNTA to replace the Departments of Tourism and Cultural Affairs amending the Public Authorities Law, Title 30 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised.
“This Act aims to harness the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage to attract visitors from within and around the world, thereby stimulating economic growth, preserving cultural identity, and fostering national development,” Rep. Benson stressed.
He said further, by creating the LNTA, the Act seeks to centralize efforts to enhance Liberia’s image as a tourist destination, facilitate investment in the tourism sector, regulate tourism-related activities, and ensure the sustainable management of tourism resources.
“The Act outlines the structure, functions, powers, and financial visions of the Authority, as well as transitional arrangements for existing employees and the repeal of inconsistent laws,” he disclosed.
He, however, said the overall Act aims to promote the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in Liberia for the benefit of the economy, society, and environment noting, “Therefore, as the people’s Representative and Leader, I am kindly requesting your timely consideration for the passage into Law this bill which intends to promote, develop, and regulate our tourism sector within Liberia.”
He emphasized that the untapped sector in Liberia has endless possibilities, and tourism can significantly contribute to the country’s economy adding, “With its geographic and biological diversity, Liberia has a lot to offer to tourists, including amazing creatures, landscapes, and people.”
“Tourism can create employment opportunities and stimulate multiple sectors of the economy without relying on natural resources,” Rep. Benson maintained.
Rep. Benson added, “This bill to promote and develop tourism can bring essential foreign currency into the country and help establish a formal tourism policy in collaboration with stakeholders.”
The National Tourism Authority Act of 2020 was introduced to plenary by two members of the House of Representatives.
The bill, entitled “An Act to Amend Chapter 31 of the Executive Law of 1972 to establish the Liberia Tourism Authority,” seeks the establishment of a separate tourism body that will regulate tourism activities in the country.
It was received by plenary and turned over to the Committees on Information, Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Broadcast and Judiciary for scrutiny and subsequent recommendations within one week.
Liberia boasts of some of the beautiful geographical locations in the region. Some of its 350 miles long coastline is home to beautiful beaches, lagoons and lakes.
The country’s forest has several hundred of plants and animal species, some of which are only found in Liberia and no other parts of the world.
There are several national parks and protected areas including the Sapo National Park in Sinoe County, the Gola Forest National Park in Lofa and the Lake Piso Multipurpose Natural Reserve in Grand Cape Mount County.
As the first country to get Independent, Liberia played a significant role in the independence struggle of fellow African countries back in the late 1950s and 1960s.
However, the Liberian Senate on Wednesday concurred with the House of Representatives to pass into law the Act seeking to establish a Tourism Authority, following the report submitted by the joint legislative committees on Judiciary and Information, Broadcasting, Cultural Affairs and Tourism.
The report of the Committees suggests that the establishment of the “Liberia Tourism Authority Act of 2020,” that will positively impact the Government’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in terms of beefing up the revenue generation capacity, and as well attract more private sector investment.” It noted that the tourism sector is basically driven by private sector participation.”
Meanwhile, House Speaker, Fonati Koffa wants the proponent collaborate with the Executive to have a synchronize Bill for the tourism sector.
Speaker Koffa said attraction of the tourism sector is already a sub-set on the President’s ARREST Agenda thereby forwarding the Bill to the committee on Information, Culture, Broadcasting and Tourism.
