Monrovia – The Government of Liberia has officially signed into law the establishment of the National Tourism Authority of Liberia (NTAoL), marking a decisive shift in the nation’s efforts to reposition tourism as a major pillar of economic growth and national branding.
By Sylvester Choloplay, contributing writer
The legislation provides a 90-day deadline for the Authority to transition into full operation. The NTAoL is now mandated to set up its headquarters, design a working budget, recruit professional staff, and install all systems necessary to begin delivering on its national mandate.
This development also signals the removal of tourism from the portfolio of the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), an arrangement that had, for years, left the sector marginalized within government, with limited autonomy, resources, and policy direction.
The creation of an independent Authority, with full administrative and operational control, is seen as a necessary correction to elevate tourism to a strategic national priority.
The transition was championed by Ambassador Christopher Hayes Onanuga, who was appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai in 2024 as the Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism.
Since his appointment, Ambassador Onanuga has worked to reshape the national conversation around tourism, building partnerships, drafting institutional frameworks, and laying the foundation for the newly established Authority.
“This is the beginning of a new era,” Ambassador Onanuga told journalists following the official signing of the Act. “Liberia is finally taking ownership of its cultural and environmental treasures. With the Authority in place, we now have the legal power and administrative independence to move from potential to performance”, Amb. Onanuga took his Facebook page.
Why NTAoL’s Independence NNecessary?
Tourism had long remained a neglected portfolio within MICAT, overshadowed by media, information services, and cultural affairs. The lack of a specialized agency meant fragmented programming, underfunded initiatives, and limited national or international marketing.
Now, as an independent Authority, the NTAoL will operate with its own budget line, organizational structure, and the ability to forge direct partnerships with international tourism bodies, donors, and private investors.
“The global tourism industry is competitive and fast-paced. We cannot compete globally while tied to bureaucratic structures that are not designed for tourism promotion,” Ambassador Onanuga noted.
The Economic Promise of Tourism!
Tourism is widely recognized as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing industries. Globally, it accounts for more than 10% of GDP and one in ten jobs.
Liberia, with its pristine beaches, rainforests, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural traditions, has the raw potential to tap into this global flow of visitors and investments.
Tourism in Liberia can drive multiple streams of economic benefit: Job creation: From hotels and guesthouses to tour operators, food vendors, and craft makers, tourism can generate employment across a wide spectrum, especially for youth and women.
Another benefit is foreign exchange earnings. Tourism brings in international currency, which supports Liberia’s balance of payments and increases national revenue.
Local businesses’ stimulation is not beneficial. Restaurants, transportation services, markets, and entertainment industries benefit directly from tourist spending.
A tourism-focused economy demands better roads, airports, telecommunications, and water systems, which also benefit local citizens.
Environmental and heritage preservation is an addition to invest in. Well-managed tourism can provide resources for protecting national parks, historical monuments, and cultural sites like Providence Island, Kpatawee Waterfalls, Sapo National Park, and the Gola Forest.
Attracting Investment and Global Recognition
With a dedicated Authority, Liberia is now better positioned to attract foreign direct investment in tourism. Investors typically seek stability, clear governance structures, and professional oversight, all of which the NTAoL is expected to provide.
In the coming months, the Authority is expected to engage with regional and global tourism institutions, such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the African Tourism Board, and ECOWAS tourism networks, to position Liberia as a viable destination.
“We will soon begin branding campaigns and setting standards that meet global expectations. Liberia must compete not just regionally, but globally”, Ambassador Onanuga
The Next 90 Days
The 90-day operational deadline is both a challenge and an opportunity. It demands swift action, from recruiting technical staff to setting up offices and aligning with international partners.
Ambassador Onanuga, who remains at the center of the transition process, emphasized that execution will now determine success.
“Our government has done the heavy lifting by passing this law. Now we must deliver measurable results. The world is watching, and so are the Liberian people,” he said.
The establishment of the National Tourism Authority of Liberia marks a historic departure from decades of underutilization and missed opportunity. With clear leadership, legal backing, and a national development mandate, the country’s tourism sector now stands a real chance to become a driver of economic transformation, national unity, and international admiration.
As Liberia opens its doors to the world, the journey from forgotten beauty to global destination has officially begun.
