Monrovia – The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) is pushing for increased budgetary support in Fiscal Year 2027 to accelerate tourism infrastructure development, strengthen destination marketing, attract private-sector investment, and position tourism as a stronger contributor to Liberia’s economic growth.

The call was made during the Authority’s FY2027 Budget Hearing with the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) on Thursday, October 8. Led by Director General Princess Eva Cooper, the LNTA delegation presented the institution’s achievements, financial performance, operational challenges, and strategic investment priorities for the coming fiscal year.

The Authority is proposing approximately US$32.41 million for FY2027. The proposed increase reflects the Authority’s intention to transition from institutional establishment to active tourism development, with greater emphasis on infrastructure, destination promotion, tourism investment, and revenue generation.

Presenting the Authority’s priorities, Director General Cooper emphasized the need for sustained Government investment to unlock Liberia’s tourism potential and create economic opportunities across the country.

“We have to be intentional about investing in our tourism sector,” Cooper stated, highlighting the importance of moving beyond identifying tourism opportunities to making the investments necessary to develop and promote them.

The proposed budget increase prioritizes the development and rehabilitation of tourism sites, including Providence Island and other priority attractions, alongside efforts to strengthen Liberia’s destination branding, visibility, and international competitiveness. The Authority also intends to expand tourism product development, package market-ready investment opportunities, and attract greater private-sector participation in the industry.

Additional priorities include expanding tourism education and public awareness to encourage community participation, workforce development, and domestic tourism. The LNTA is also seeking to strengthen tourism inspections, regulatory compliance, revenue collection, and data management while addressing critical operational, logistical, and equipment gaps that continue to affect institutional performance.

The Authority explained that its FY2026 budget largely supported institutional establishment, including securing office space, transitioning personnel, developing the Tourism Strategic Plan, and introducing policies and systems necessary for effective operations.

Despite progress during its initial year of operations, the LNTA continues to face resource constraints that affect its ability to fully implement tourism development programs and strengthen service delivery nationwide.

Deputy Director General for Finance and Corporate Services, Melvin Nye, highlighted these challenges, noting that the Authority was able to procure only one computer in 2026 despite having approximately 150 employees. He emphasized the need for essential operational equipment and increased investment in tourism facilities, including electricity, water supply, and visitor services.

Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan, speaking during the hearing, acknowledged tourism’s potential to contribute to Liberia’s economic transformation and commended the Authority for the progress made.

“Tourism is the last in the ARREST Agenda, but it is not the least. It is one untapped sector we are looking at in the transformation of the economy,” Minister Ngafuan stated.

He further emphasized the importance of marketing in tourism development, underscoring the need to give the sector greater attention and support.

On revenue generation, Director General Cooper disclosed that tourism revenue increased from approximately US$7,000 in 2024 to US$15,000 in 2025. However, revenue collection was suspended in 2026, with the Authority currently engaging relevant institutions to address the matter.

Should the suspension be lifted, the LNTA projects tourism revenue of approximately US$500,000 in 2027, subject to the resolution of applicable tourism fees and improvements in tourism business data.

The Authority is also advancing plans for a proposed 2% tourism levy by 2029 as part of efforts to establish sustainable financing for tourism development.

In outlining ongoing interventions, the LNTA highlighted progress on the first phase of Providence Island development, where mobilization and site-clearing activities have commenced, alongside plans for the renovation of the National Museum.

The Authority is also assessing tourism assets across the country to develop market-ready tourism products and investment opportunities capable of attracting private-sector participation and creating jobs.

On destination marketing, Cooper highlighted ongoing efforts to reposition Liberia’s tourism image through digital platforms, promotional partnerships, and engagement with local influencers and content creators. These initiatives include the Authority’s official website and the Unforgettable Liberia platform, which provide information on tourism destinations, attractions, activities, and accommodation.

The hearing also highlighted progress in digital transformation. Deputy Director General for Planning, Research and Development, Dogba Norris, presented the Authority’s digital registration and permitting system, designed to support tourism operations across Liberia’s 15 counties.

The system supports business registration, permitting, revenue monitoring, and tourism data collection, while ongoing efforts to establish a Tourism Satellite Account are expected to strengthen the measurement of tourism’s contribution to the national economy.

The LNTA further highlighted Liberia’s restoration of full membership in UN Tourism after more than 13 years, opening opportunities for technical cooperation, capacity building, and institutional support.

Concluding the presentation, Director General Cooper emphasized that Liberia’s more than 540 kilometers of coastline, biodiversity, forests, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage present significant opportunities for tourism investment and economic diversification.

The Authority maintained that realizing these opportunities will require stronger Government investment, improved tourism infrastructure, effective destination marketing, and increased private-sector participation.

The proposed FY2027 budget remains subject to Government review and approval, but the LNTA says increased investment will be essential to transforming Liberia’s tourism potential into tangible economic opportunities and positioning the country as The Choicest Destination.

Monrovia – Liberia, on Thursday, September 24, witnessed the arrival of the SH Diana in Monrovia, with 141 international passengers visiting the country as part of a 13-night journey along the West African coast.

By Jaheim T. Tumu

The visit marked the country’s third international cruise arrival of 2026 and included stops at several historical and cultural sites in the capital.

The SH Diana, operated by Swan Hellenic, began its current voyage in Dakar, Senegal, on September 16. The expedition includes destinations in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.

During its call in Monrovia, passengers visited several notable sites, including Ducor Hotel, the National Museum of Liberia, Providence Baptist Church, Providence Island and the Centennial Pavilion.

The sites introduced passengers to different aspects of Liberia’s history and heritage, including the country’s early settlement, religious history, cultural traditions and connections with the wider African diaspora.

The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), in collaboration with the Liberia National Tourism Association (LINTA), coordinated tourism activities for the 141 international passengers aboard the SH Diana. The vessel berthed in Monrovia as part of its West African cruise itinerary, with the LNTA facilitating visits to key historical and cultural sites across the capital.

At Providence Island, the passengers were welcomed with a cultural performance by the National Culture Troupe. The historic site is associated with the arrival of the first settlers from the United States in 1822 and the early establishment of the settlement that would become Liberia. The site also reflects the broader history of departure, return and resettlement that shaped Liberia’s early history.

The National Museum of Liberia, which is currently undergoing renovation, was also incorporated into the activities. Selected historical artifacts were brought outside for the passengers to view, allowing them to engage with Liberia’s history and cultural heritage during the ongoing renovation.

The cruise also created opportunities for local tourism businesses and service providers. Tour guides, transportation operators, restaurants, artisans, souvenir vendors and other tourism-related businesses engaged with the passengers during their stay in Monrovia.

The LNTA’s involvement forms part of its broader mandate to promote Liberia as a tourism destination and strengthen the presentation of the country’s historical, cultural and heritage assets to international visitors.

The latest cruise call also highlights the importance of coordination between public tourism institutions and private-sector stakeholders in developing Liberia’s cruise tourism sector and strengthening the visitor experience.

Built in 2023, the SH Diana is a luxury expedition vessel designed for smaller-scale journeys focused on culture, history and nature. Its current voyage connects several destinations along the West African coast before concluding in Tema, Ghana.

Liberia’s continued inclusion in international cruise itineraries comes as tourism stakeholders work to increase the country’s visibility as a destination and create greater opportunities for businesses operating across the tourism sector.

The SH Diana’s call in Monrovia adds to Liberia’s cruise tourism activity in 2026, bringing 141 international travelers into the capital and providing another opportunity to showcase the country’s history, culture and heritage.

Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Monday broke ground for the redevelopment of Providence Island, launching one of his administration’s flagship tourism and heritage projects amid questions over the protection of the site’s archaeological and cultural heritage and the transparency of the procurement process.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

The project, being implemented by the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), is expected to enter its next phase in September 2026. Officials say it is funded by the Government of Liberia through the Public Sector Investment Program and is being executed under a design-and-build arrangement that the LNTA says will allow the final design to respond to site conditions, technical assessments and heritage-preservation requirements identified during the project’s initial phase.

But even as the government moves to transform the historic site into a major tourism destination, concerns have emerged over whether previous archaeological, heritage, environmental and technical studies have been adequately incorporated into the project and whether sufficient information has been made available to the public.

Providence Island, located in the heart of Monrovia, occupies a central place in Liberia’s history. It was the landing point for freed Black Americans in 1822 and became associated with the establishment of the settlement that eventually grew into Monrovia.

Twenty-five years later, Liberia declared independence, further cementing the island’s place in the country’s founding narrative.

Formerly known as Dozoa, the island lies between the Mesurado River and Stockton Creek, roughly 500 to 600 meters from the Atlantic Ocean’s bar mouth. Covering approximately 11.22 acres, the island has a distinctive guitar-like shape when viewed from above.

Over the years, the Liberian government has worked with international partners to document and preserve Providence Island’s historical significance. Those efforts have included archaeological investigations, heritage studies and preservation initiatives.

As the government embarks on a new redevelopment effort, however, questions are being raised about how those earlier findings will influence the project.

Calls for Greater Disclosure

FrontPage Africa contacted the LNTA following concerns raised by Liberian professionals and researchers, including architect and infrastructure systems consultant B. Garmondyu Zogar, who called for greater public disclosure of documents connected to the project.

Among the documents he said should be made available are the project feasibility study, master plan, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Heritage Impact Assessment, archaeological investigations, geotechnical and hydrological studies, environmental permits and procurement records.

The concerns are particularly significant because Providence Island has already been the subject of preservation and archaeological initiatives involving Liberian and international institutions.

U.S.-Liberia Preservation Initiative

FrontPage Africa established that Liberia and the United States signed a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding for a U.S.-Liberian Collaborative Initiative for the Preservation of Providence Island.

The initiative followed a nearly US$100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of State to the World Monuments Fund (WMF) through the Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation, under the oversight of the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia.

The grant supported research into the preservation and potential reuse of Providence Island. University of Virginia Professor Allison James was selected to lead the study and consulted Liberian stakeholders, including historian Dr. William B. Allen of the University of Liberia.

FrontPage Africa asked the LNTA whether it was aware of that research and whether its findings had been incorporated into the current redevelopment plans.

The Authority said it recognizes the body of work previously undertaken on the island.

“The Authority is aware that Providence Island has benefited from the involvement of a range of national and international institutions, historians, archaeologists, preservation specialists, development partners, and community stakeholders,” the LNTA said.

It added that the current project “is not intended to erase or disregard the history, archaeological record, or previous work undertaken on the Island.”

Raymond W. Stephens, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, responding to an FPA query, said the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation in Washington provided the funding, while the U.S. Embassy managed the funding process but was not directly involved in implementing the project.

He said the project was “entirely between WMF and MICAT” and that the World Monuments Fund would have therefore submitted any final report to the Ministry.

Thousands of Artifacts Recovered

The archaeological record of Providence Island has added another layer to the debate over its redevelopment.

Following the collapse of the island’s sacred cotton tree in 2019, members of the Back-to-Africa Heritage and Archaeology (BAHA) Project were invited to assist with salvage efforts.

That intervention developed into systematic archaeological research conducted over two seasons in 2022 and another season in 2023, in collaboration with the National Museum of Liberia.

The work resulted in the recovery of thousands of artifacts now in the custody of the National Museum.

Some of the artifacts reportedly predate the arrival of the settlers in 1822, suggesting that human activity on Providence Island extends beyond the conventional narrative surrounding Liberia’s founding.

The archaeological surveys also identified the island’s original extent, areas with high concentrations of artifacts and sections considered particularly vulnerable to coastal erosion.

BAHA has said its work was conducted in consultation with the team associated with the World Monuments Fund, including landscape architects at Studio Zewde.

Researchers, community elders and other stakeholders subsequently developed what BAHA described as a long-term plan for the island.

The plan sought to protect the island’s archaeological heritage while maintaining public access and recognizing both the 1822 settlement and Indigenous use of Providence Island before and after the settlement.

FrontPage Africa asked the LNTA whether it is engaging with BAHA, whether it is aware of the archaeological findings, and whether BAHA, the National Museum, World Monuments Fund, Studio Zewde, or other heritage experts were consulted in preparing the current redevelopment plan.

The LNTA did not provide specific responses to each question but said the redevelopment would build on existing research and involve relevant institutions and stakeholders.

“The relevant studies will build upon existing research, historical records, technical studies, and other available information, supplemented by additional investigations where required,” the Authority said.

It also acknowledged the importance of the archaeological discoveries.

“The LNTA acknowledges the significance of archaeological findings reportedly recovered from Providence Island and the importance of ensuring that archaeological resources are appropriately protected throughout project implementation,” it said.

LNTA: Physical Construction Will Follow Studies, Approvals

The LNTA said the Providence Island Development Project is being implemented as a Design & Build project procured under IF No. LNTA/SP/NCB/001/2026.

According to the Authority, Phase I of the contract will focus on the technical studies, investigations and detailed designs necessary to establish the engineering and regulatory foundation for the project.

The studies are expected to include topographical and site surveys, geotechnical investigations, hydrological and drainage assessments, structural and civil engineering studies, environmental and social assessments, heritage and archaeological investigations, as well as other pre-construction assessments.

The LNTA stressed that the anticipated September 2026 commencement does not mean physical construction will begin before the required studies and approvals are completed.

“Consequently, the anticipated September 2026 commencement should be understood within the phased sequencing of the Design-Build contract and should not be interpreted to mean that physical construction will proceed without the requisite detailed studies, designs, statutory approvals, licenses, and permits,” the Authority said.

It said approvals and permits will be obtained from the Ministry of Public Works, Environmental Protection Agency and other competent government institutions before physical construction begins.

The Design-Build team, the LNTA added, will work with government institutions, technical agencies, environmental authorities, heritage institutions and other stakeholders to identify and incorporate environmental, social, heritage and archaeological safeguards into the final designs and construction methodology.

Public Review Promised

The LNTA said it intends to organize public engagements after Phase I is completed and the necessary approvals obtained.

Those engagements, according to the Authority, will present the findings of the technical studies and detailed engineering designs and provide an opportunity for public and professional review before construction begins.

The Authority said the ultimate goal is to transform Providence Island into a major national heritage and tourism destination without compromising its historical and cultural value.

LNTA Defends Procurement

Beyond heritage concerns, questions have also been raised about how the project was procured.

The LNTA said the project went through a competitive public procurement process in accordance with Liberia’s procurement laws and under the oversight framework of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission.

The Invitation for Bids, the Authority said, was advertised in four local daily newspapers and online.

Seven companies purchased the bidding documents, which the LNTA cited as evidence of competitive market interest.

The Authority said the Design-Build contract was processed in accordance with required procurement procedures and received the requisite “no-objections.”

However, in its response to FrontPage Africa, the LNTA did not provide copies of the feasibility study, master plan, environmental assessment, heritage assessment or other procurement records requested by the newspaper.

Instead, it maintained that several of the technical studies in question will form part of Phase I of the Design-Build contract.

Balancing Development and Preservation

The planned redevelopment places the government at the intersection of two competing demands: transforming Providence Island into a more accessible and economically productive tourism destination while preserving the historical and archaeological evidence embedded beneath and around the site.

For heritage advocates and researchers, the concern is that development could permanently alter a site whose significance extends beyond the arrival of settlers in 1822.

For the LNTA, however, the redevelopment represents an opportunity to provide Providence Island with the infrastructure and management needed to establish it as a major national heritage and tourism destination.

The Authority maintains that development and preservation can proceed together.

“Constructive dialogue is important, particularly where the protection of Liberia’s national heritage is concerned,” the LNTA said, extending an invitation to researchers, historians, archaeologists, heritage professionals, institutions and other interested parties to engage with the Authority.

Still, with the project expected to move into its next phase in September, questions remain over which previous studies will ultimately influence the final design, how archaeological discoveries will be protected and whether the public and heritage experts will have meaningful input before irreversible changes are made to one of Liberia’s most important historical sites.

For a country whose modern political history is inseparable from Providence Island, the success of the redevelopment may ultimately be measured not only by what is built there, but by what is preserved.

A two-day masterclass led by Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya has concluded in Liberia, bringing together nearly 200 content creators for practical sessions on content creation, digital storytelling and the growing role of creators in promoting Liberia.

The masterclass, hosted by the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) at the Liberia Learning Center in Paynesville, was designed to equip members of Liberia’s creative community with knowledge and practical insights to strengthen their work and reach wider audiences through digital platforms.

The first day focused on content creators in general, with sessions exploring the fundamentals of creating engaging content, effective storytelling, audience building, personal branding and strategies for growing a presence across social media and other digital platforms.

The second day placed a particular focus on travel vloggers and creators, looking at how compelling digital stories can help showcase Liberia’s destinations, culture, heritage, people and tourism experiences to audiences both locally and internationally.

Speaking during the masterclass, Wode Maya stressed the importance of authenticity, consistency and purpose in content creation, encouraging participants to see their platforms as more than just spaces for entertainment.

“Content creators have the power to change the way people see a country. Liberia has so many stories, places and experiences that the world needs to discover, and creators have a responsibility to tell those stories in an authentic and engaging way,” Wode Maya said.

He encouraged creators to take advantage of the opportunities offered by digital platforms to build their personal brands while using their influence to contribute to the promotion of Liberia’s tourism potential.

Participants also explored the importance of authenticity and consistency in content creation, as well as the potential for creators to contribute to Liberia’s tourism promotion by presenting the country through fresh and engaging perspectives.

For participants, the masterclass provided an opportunity to gain new skills, exchange ideas and learn from an experienced content creator with a wide audience across Africa and beyond.

“This masterclass reminded us that the stories we tell can go beyond our individual platforms. We have an opportunity to use our creativity to showcase Liberia, highlight what makes our country unique and connect our stories with audiences beyond our borders,” said Maureen Jennifer Davies, a participant in the masterclass.

The programme also featured a panel discussion bringing together voices from Liberia’s creative space. Panelists shared their experiences, discussed opportunities and challenges within the industry, and examined how stronger collaboration between creators and the tourism sector could contribute to the promotion of Liberia.

The discussions highlighted the growing importance of digital storytelling in tourism promotion, particularly as social media and other digital platforms increasingly influence how people discover destinations, explore travel experiences and decide where to visit.

The masterclass comes at a time when digital platforms are playing an increasingly important role in how destinations are discovered, experienced and perceived, placing content creators at the centre of conversations about Liberia’s image and tourism potential.

With nearly 200 creators participating, the two-day programme not only provided a platform for learning and knowledge-sharing but also underscored the growing potential of Liberia’s creative community to help tell the country’s tourism story and take it to audiences around the world.

The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) has welcomed the dedication of the US$1.2 million Business and Domestic Occupational Training Center (BDOTC) Hospitality Training Center, describing it as a major milestone in developing Liberia’s tourism and hospitality workforce.

The center was established under the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) through its TVET Department, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and with support from the European Union (EU), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the International Centre for

Education and Development (IECD).

The facility was officially dedicated on Thursday, August 6 by Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr. on behalf of the Government of Liberia (GoL). LNTA Director General Princess Eva Cooper delivered the keynote address, describing the center as “more than the opening of a new facility.

It represents the fulfillment of a promise we have made to the young people of Liberia—that their future matters and that the government is prepared to invest in building that future.”

Director General Cooper commended the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education and the development partners for delivering a modern institution that will prepare young Liberians with the practical skills needed to grow the country’s tourism and hospitality industry. She emphasized that Liberia’s tourism potential can only be realized with a skilled workforce capable of delivering quality services.

She noted, “The journey ahead is demanding, but as I have always maintained, the destination is glorious. Today, we are not just launching a building; we are laying the foundation for sustainable youth development and national growth.”

She also congratulated the BDOTC management, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education, the EU, AFD, IECD and UNIDO for their dedication and leadership in making the project a reality.

LNTA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Education, development partners, and the private sector to ensure graduates of the center are connected to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities across Liberia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The Authority noted that continued investment in hospitality training is essential to building a competitive tourism industry, creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting sustainable national development.

Monrovia – The Government of Liberia, in partnership with the European Union and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), has officially broken ground for the construction of Robertsport’s first Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Hospitality and Tourism Training Center under the Youth Rising Project.

The ceremony, held at the Tubman Cultural Center site in Robertsport, marks a major milestone in Liberia’s push to expand technical education and unlock the economic potential of its tourism sector.

The facility represents Phase II of the Youth Rising Project, a nationwide initiative aimed at establishing TVET institutions across all 15 counties.

Speaking at the ceremony, Liberia’s Minister of Education, Dr. Jarso Mallay-Jallah, emphasized the importance of partnership and local ownership in driving development.

“I’m pleased to be here today and to see such strong partnership and presence around this opportunity,” she said. “We are thankful to our partners, the European Union, and most importantly to the leadership of Cape Mount County. Because if you didn’t agree to work along with us, we wouldn’t be here.”

She also acknowledged the instrumental role of Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah M. Varpillah in securing the land for the project.

“She played an instrumental role in ensuring that we get this deed and all of what we needed to get the land ready,” the Minister noted.

Dr. Mallay-Jallah used the occasion to call on other counties to expedite land acquisition processes for similar projects, stressing that development partners require confidence in land ownership before committing resources.

“Time is of the essence, and we must deliver for the Liberian people,” she said.

Highlighting Liberia’s vast natural assets, the Education Minister pointed to the country’s more than 300 miles of coastline as a transformative opportunity.

“That alone can transform Liberia,” she declared. “But it takes us. The partners can come and provide all the funding, but it takes Liberians.”

She stressed that the Robertsport training center is designed to bridge the gap between tourism activity and local economic benefit.

“Tourism here is real, but it’s not yet structured in a way that allows local people to fully benefit from it,” she said. “This is the gap we are addressing with this project.”

The center will provide practical training in hospitality, eco-tourism, and small business development, equipping young people with skills directly linked to existing economic activities in the area.

“These are not abstract skills,” she added. “They are directly linked to the activity already taking place in this town.”

Delivering remarks on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., Dr. Augustine Konneh described the project as a turning point in Liberia’s development narrative.

“We are not merely here for a groundbreaking; we are laying the foundation for a new chapter in Liberia’s development story,” he said.

He underscored the project’s alignment with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, particularly its focus on human capital development and youth empowerment.

“Through this project, our young people are no longer passive observers; they are becoming active architects of Liberia’s prosperity,” Konneh stated.

He also praised the European Union for its continued support.

“Your sustained investment is not simply development assistance; it is a strategic partnership in nation building,” he said.

Providing an overview of the initiative,

Assistant Minister for STEM, TVET and SIE at the Ministry of Education, Nathaniel K. Cisco, Jr., said Phase I of the Youth Rising Project successfully established TVET centers in several counties, including Margibi, Montserrado, Bong, Grand Gedeh, Sinoe, Maryland, and Lofa.

Phase II, he explained, will expand to additional counties, including Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bomi, River Gee, Grand Kru, River Cess, Grand Bassa, and Nimba.

“Upon completion of this project, TVET will have a presence in all 15 counties of Liberia,” Cisco announced. “This means that high school students as well as post-secondary community members will have access to quality skills training right within their counties.”

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations system, UNICEF Liberia Country Representative Andy Brooks praised the initiative as a critical step toward addressing youth unemployment.

“This is very much in line with the President’s commitment toward addressing youth employment and providing opportunities for the many young people of this country,” he said.

Brooks highlighted the broader UN collaboration supporting education in Liberia, including UNESCO’s role in curriculum development, the World Food Programme’s school feeding initiatives, and UNICEF’s focus on foundational and digital education.

EU Delegation Governance Team Leader Anna Brzozowska noted that the tourism component of the project was introduced following alignment with the government’s priorities.

“We restructured our program to align ourselves with this very ambitious agenda which is really transformative for Liberia,” she explained.

She expressed optimism that the project would elevate Robertsport’s global profile.

“This very beautiful place, so full of potential, is not known and is not being developed,” she said. “I believe it is the right moment for us to make this investment.”

The European Union has committed over $800,000 toward the project, which is expected to be completed within nine months.

Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Henry Yonton, described the initiative as part of a broader effort to create sustainable pathways for young people.

“Anything that concerns young people concerns all of us,” he said. “We are now about changing the paradigm where we are finding predictable pathways for all of our young people.”

Meanwhile, Senator Dabah M. Varpillah called on residents to take ownership of the project.

“This center is a pathway for sustainable youth development and by extension, national development,” she said. “Let us support it. Let us own it as our own.”

She emphasized that the project would not only create jobs but also strengthen decentralization and expand opportunities for young people in the county.

“We didn’t have these opportunities,” she reflected. “The President and his team have decided that that will change.”

When completed, the Robertsport TVET Hospitality and Tourism Training Center is expected to serve as a hub for skills development, entrepreneurship, and tourism-driven growth in Grand Cape Mount County and beyond.

As Dr. Mallay-Jallah concluded:

“The building itself will not determine success. What will matter is whether young people in this community are able to earn from the opportunities that already exist around them.”

MONROVIA -Liberia continues to position itself as an emerging tourism destination following the arrival of more than 200 international visitors aboard the Silver Wind cruise ship in Monrovia.

By Anthony Gray, contribuing writer

The visit marks the second cruise ship docking at the Freeport of Monrovia in less than five days, signaling a growing interest in Liberia’s cultural and historical offerings.

Upon arrival, guests embarked on a carefully curated heritage tour across some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks.

The tour included stops at Ducor Hill, the J. J. Roberts Monument and the National Museum of Liberia. Visitors also explored the historic Providence Baptist Church, followed by the Centennial Pavilion and the College of West Africa.

The cultural experience extended beyond monuments as tourists were guided through vibrant communities including Mamba Point, known for its diplomatic presence, expatriate population, and artisan markets.

Visitors interacted with residents and supported local businesses through the purchase of handmade goods.

Some guests also toured the Sacred Heart Cathedral before participating in the Broad Street Historic Walk, further immersing themselves in the city’s rich history.

Operated by Silversea Cruises, the Silver Wind is renowned for offering immersive travel experiences that highlight the culture, traditions, and daily life of destinations worldwide.

The vessel arrived in Monrovia from Abidjan, having previously departed from Walvis Bay and is scheduled to continue its journey to Freetown.

The recent influx of cruise visitors reflects growing international curiosity about Liberia and presents new opportunities for the country’s tourism sector to expand and thrive.

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.