By Grace Q. Bryant
The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) has inaugurated the Liberia Tourism Working Group, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at coordinating efforts to rejuvenate and sustain the country’s tourism industry.
The launch, held on Wednesday, December 4, at the Charles Gbeyon Conference Hall, brought together government officials, private sector representatives, civil society leaders, and international development partners, all united in their commitment to revitalizing Liberia’s tourism sector.
During the official launch, Minister Jerolinmek Piah acknowledged past shortcomings in the ministry’s oversight of tourism development and emphasized the need for collective action to unlock the sector’s potential.
“For too long, MICAT’s focus was narrowly centered on information dissemination, leaving tourism development largely neglected. This lack of coordination has stifled the growth of an industry that holds immense potential to drive Liberia’s economic transformation,” he stated.
The minister expressed gratitude to development partners such as the European Union, USAID, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank for their contributions to biodiversity conservation, a cornerstone of ecotourism in Liberia.
He also highlighted President Boakai’s administration’s historic commitment to making tourism a cornerstone of the national development agenda, a first in Liberia’s 177-year history.
The Tourism Working Group will serve as a strategic platform to coordinate policies, streamline programs, and align sector interventions.
Key initiatives include drafting a National Tourism Policy and Master Plan and implementing a real-time coordination dashboard to map activities and stakeholders.
Minister Piah noted several recent milestones, including the finalization of a five-year Tourism Development Strategy under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and promotional materials have been created to showcase key sites such as the Marshall Wetlands, East Nimba Reserve, Sapo National Park, and birdwatching hotspots.
“Together, we can make Liberia the final destination for tourism,” Minister Piah noted
Other advancements include the establishment of Liberia’s first tourism information booth at Roberts International Airport and an agreement with the World Monuments Fund to rehabilitate the historic Providence Island.
The Vice president of the Liberia National Tourism Association (LINTA), Rudolph Antoune, emphasized the private sector’s readiness to invest in and innovate within the industry.
“Liberia is an untapped tropical paradise with a rich history, culture, and natural attractions. If properly developed, tourism could generate tens of millions of dollars annually,” he said.
He urged the government to address barriers to growth, including high visa costs, lack of online visa processing, and excessive taxes on airline tickets.
The Public Works Minister, Roland Giddings announced plans to rehabilitate key infrastructure, including a 20-kilometer road leading to Kpatawee Falls in Bong County, by next year.
He also highlighted Grand Cape Mount County’s potential as a tourism hub.
“Road connectivity is vital for tourism development. This is why President Boakai is prioritizing infrastructure as part of the national agenda,” he emphasized.
The Chair of the History Department at the University of Liberia, Samuel Kortue stressed the importance of exposing students to Liberia’s historical and natural attractions as part of their academic experience.
Deputy Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, John F. Hervey, pledged the agency’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving the country’s tourism goals.
With the reactivation of the Liberia Tourism Working Group, Liberia is poised to transform its tourism sector into a vibrant, economically viable industry.
