The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) on Tuesday, August 4, met with officials of the Maryland County in Harper City.
The meeting was a part of a nationwide tour the staff is conducting to identify, and promote cultural, and historical tourism sites.
Maryland County Superintendent, Nathaniel S. Toe, Jr. received members of the delegation at the County Administration Building.
The officials discussed how to develop Maryland’s rich cultural heritage into viable tourist attractions.
LNTA’s Deputy Director General said, the purpose of the visit was to conduct an on-the-ground assessment of potential cultural, historical, and heritage sites in the county that could be packaged, and promoted nationally, and internationally.
“We are here to identify what Maryland has that is unique, and to work with you to develop those sites so they can attract visitors, create jobs, and generate revenue for the county.”
He said, the county, with its coastal beaches, historic architecture, and deep cultural traditions, has significant untapped tourism potential that aligns with the government’s agenda to diversify the economy beyond natural resources.
Supt. Toe welcomed the team, and briefed them on what makes the county unique.
He said, the county is already home to several existing cultural, and historical sites tied to the early Americo-Liberian settlers, traditional chiefdoms, and local customs that have been preserved for generations.
Toe also announced plans to revive, and celebrate the county’s history as “Maryland in Africa” through an Independence Day observance.
The event, he said, is intended to showcase the county’s heritage while promoting peace, unity, and tourism among Marylanders at home and in the diaspora.
“This is an opportunity for us to tell our story to Liberia and the world. Maryland has history, culture, and natural beauty. We want to use tourism to unite our people and grow our economy,” Superintendent Toe said.
He expressed appreciation to the LNTA for prioritizing Maryland in its national tourism mapping exercise.
In response, the LNTA assured the county of its full support and technical partnership to help uplift planned cultural events and develop the identified sites.
The Authority said it will provide its national, and international platforms to market the county as a key tourism destination, and will work with the locals to provide training for tour guides, improve site documentation, and link local businesses to tourism opportunities.
Both the parties agreed to continue site visits in the coming days to photograph, document, and evaluate specific locations in Harper, and surrounding districts.
Findings from the assessment will be included in the national tourism directory, and marketing campaigns.
