Liberia: LNTA Pushes for Increased FY2027 Budgetary Allocation to Accelerate Tourism Development

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.