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.
