A Policy Dialogue on Tourism for Sustainable Growth in Liberia
On October 14, 2025, the Governance Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, organized a one-day policy dialogue at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex. The event aimed to highlight the tourism sector and explore ways to foster sustainable economic growth and development. The dialogue was held under the theme: “A Review of Liberia’s Tourism Sector for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development.”
Diverse Tourism Assets and Visionary Leadership
Speaking at the event, Acting Chairman of the Governance Commission, Alaric K. Tokpa, emphasized the rich and diverse tourism assets of Liberia. These include lakes, islands, waterfalls, wildlife, and pristine forests. He described these as more than just destinations, but as invitations to explore, connect, and believe. According to him, when properly nurtured, tourism can become a catalyst for job creation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
Tokpa also reminded the audience of a recent visit by a high-level delegation from Sierra Leone. During that visit, the delegation was escorted to key cultural sites such as the National Museum, the Centennial Pavilion, and Providence Island. This tour provided an insight into Liberia’s rich cultural history and civilization.
The Governance Commission is currently leading the revival of the national history project in Liberia. Tokpa noted that when the history of tourism is written, it will be recorded that tourism plays a crucial role in job creation and national development. This is what the panel of experts is exploring during the dialogue.
Strengthening Institutional Frameworks
Commissioner Sianeh Sackie, Acting Vice Chair for Oversight on Public Sector Reform Mandate Area, provided an overview of the event. She highlighted that the Governance Commission has been studying the tourism sector for several years, aiming to revive the industry through reform, sectoral growth, and national development.
Sackie explained that the commission realized the need for strengthening the existing structure and regulatory leadership. As part of this initiative, the Governance Commission proposed establishing an independent body to govern the tourism industry, separate from the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism.
She recalled that this effort was supported by former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who recognized the importance of tourism for Liberia’s economy. In 2014, the Governance Commission drafted a bill for the proposed Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), which was a significant step in collaboration with the Ministry. Although the LNTA was not established then, consultations continued to build consensus for its formation.
Government Commitment and Strategic Vision
Sackie added that tourism is a key element of the National Development Plan—the ARREST Agenda. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai demonstrated his commitment by signing into law the Act establishing the LNTA and appointing officials to lead the entity. This gives the Governance Commission the opportunity to bring key stakeholders together to discuss strategies for developing the sector.
The dialogue brought together government officials, private sector players, tourism industry representatives, development partners, and friendly countries. Discussions focused on identifying growth potentials and addressing challenges faced by actors in the tourism sector. Presentations from the government and private sector, along with panel discussions, were part of the interactive sessions.
Strategic Development and Community Empowerment
Macdella Cooper, Political Advisor to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, emphasized that strategically developed tourism can boost national income and enhance Liberia’s image as a peaceful, welcoming, and culturally rich destination. Under the visionary leadership of President Boakai, the government is committed to transforming tourism into a key pillar of national development, consistent with the ARREST Agenda.
Cooper stressed that the administration views tourism as a strategic instrument for sustainable growth, community empowerment, and inclusive development. She highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening institutional coordination, encouraging public-private partnerships, positioning Liberia globally as an eco-friendly and culturally vibrant destination, and ensuring that tourism benefits reach local communities, especially empowering youth and women entrepreneurs.
Role of the Liberia National Tourism Authority
Princess Eva Cooper, Director General-designate of the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), emphasized that tourism is a collective enterprise requiring coordination, partnerships, and shared purpose. She stated that the LNTA is ready to serve as a unifying force, connecting government, private sector, communities, and development partners around a common vision of sustainable tourism.
According to her, the goal is to make Liberia the choicest destination for eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and creative enterprise under the President’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. She mentioned that the LNTA is modernizing policies and regulations to make it easier to invest, build, and operate within the sector. The focus is moving beyond sun-and-sand tourism to community-based tourism, where citizens become stakeholders and visitors gain authentic experiences.
Pillars for Sustainable Tourism
Cooper outlined four pillars for achieving sustainable tourism:
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism: Protecting natural resources and enforcing guidelines to preserve national parks, rainforests, beaches, and marine life.
- Community Empowerment: Ensuring revenue from tourism flows directly into the hands of citizens by creating jobs and lifting communities out of poverty.
- Public-Private Partnership: Encouraging Liberian entrepreneurs and international investors to invest in capacity building, hospitality, and infrastructure.
- Strengthening the National Brand: Telling the Liberian story with confidence and creativity, hosting international events, and training frontline staff to be professional ambassadors.
The occasion was graced by international partners and Mr. Christopher H. Onanuga, Chairman of the Board of the Liberia National Tourism Authority.
