The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) has inaugurated the Liberia Tourism Working Group, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at Coordinating efforts to rejuvenate and sustain the country’s tourism industry. The launch, held at the Charles Gbeyon Conference Hall on Wednesday December 4, 2024 at the Ministry of Information cultural Affairs and Tourism. That brought together government officials, private sector representatives, civil society leaders and international development partners, all united in their commitment to revitalizing Liberia’s tourism sector. During the official launch Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah acknowledged past shortcomings in the ministry’s oversight of tourism development. He emphasized the need for collective action to unlock the sector’s potential. “For too long, MICAT’s focus was narrowly centered on information dissemination, leaving tourism development largely neglected,” Minister Piah said. “This lack of coordination has stifled the growth of an industry that holds immense potential to drive Liberia’s economic transformation.” The minister expressed gratitude to development partners such as the European Union, USAID, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank for their contributions to biodiversity conservation, a cornerstone of ecotourism in Liberia. Minister Piah highlighted President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration’s commitment to making tourism a cornerstone of the national development agenda for the first time in Liberia’s 177-year history. High-Level Platform for Coordination The Tourism Working Group will serve as a strategic platform to coordinate policies, streamline programs and align sector interventions. Its tasks include drafting a National Tourism Policy and Master Plan, as well as implementing a real-time coordination dashboard to map activities and stakeholders. Minister Piah noted several recent milestones, including the finalization of a five-year Tourism Development Strategy under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Promotional materials have also been created to showcase key sites such as the Marshall Wetlands, East Nimba Reserve, Sapo National Park, and bird-watching hotspots. Additionally, Liberia has established its first tourism information booth at Roberts International Airport and signed an agreement with the World Monuments Fund to rehabilitate the historic Providence Island. Speaking at the event, Rudolph Antoune, Vice President of the Liberia National Tourism Association (LINTA), emphasized the private sector’s readiness to invest in and innovate within the industry. “Liberia is an untapped tropical paradise with a rich history, culture, and natural attractions,” Antoune said. “If properly developed, tourism could generate tens of millions of dollars annually.” He urged the government to address challenges such as high visa costs, lack of online visa processing, and excessive taxes on airline tickets, which he described as barriers to the sector’s growth. Public Works Minister Roland Giddings announced plans to rehabilitate key infrastructure, including a 20-kilometer road leading to Kpatawee Falls in Bong County, by next year. He also highlighted Grand Cape Mount County’s potential as a tourism hub. “Road connectivity is vital for tourism development,” Minister Giddings said. “This is why President Boakai is prioritizing infrastructure as part of the national agenda.” Dr. Samuel Kortue, Chair of the History Department at the University of Liberia, stressed the importance of exposing students to Liberia’s historical and natural attractions as part of their academic experience. Deputy Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, John F. Hervey, pledged the agency’s support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving the country’s tourism goals. With the reactivation of the Liberia Tourism Working Group, Liberia is poised to transform its tourism sector into a vibrant, economically viable industry. Stakeholders left the event optimistic, pledging to collaborate to position Liberia as a global destination for sustainable tourism. “Together, we can make Liberia the final destination for tourism,” he said.