{"id":369,"date":"2025-10-04T18:50:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-04T22:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coledinc.org\/?page_id=369"},"modified":"2025-11-12T13:05:57","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T18:05:57","slug":"tourism-critical-issues","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/coledinc.org\/?page_id=369","title":{"rendered":"Tourism – Critical Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tourism – Critical Issues<\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
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Tourism, a major component of President Joseph N. Boakai\u2019s ARREST manifesto, could undoubtedly be a beacon of hope and cause a multiplier effect, bringing a myriad of opportunities including economic growth, infrastructural development, cultural exchange, poverty reduction, environmental conservation, skills development, increased investment, government revenue, community development, and global recognition. It is viewed as one of the potential financial parapets for the revival of Liberia\u2019s ailing economy, which has been in the doldrums for the last several years.<\/p>\n

Quite recently, tourism in Liberia has gained a lot of domestic and international attention, even though this concept predates the existence of Liberia. It is anticipated that if given the required support and attention, tourism could, without a doubt, garner additional dividends, including the development of domestic tourism\u2014which has either been dormant, non-existent, or practiced on a very small scale. Furthermore, the number of inbound international tourists could rapidly increase and dramatically project Liberia\u2019s image abroad, which has suffered consequentially as a result of several infamous events: the 14-year civil upheaval, Ebola, and COVID-19.<\/p>\n

The House of Representatives of the Liberian Legislature recently passed a bill titled \u201cAn Act to Amend Title 30 Public Authorities Laws of the Liberian Code of Law Revised, Establishing in Lieu of the Liberian National Tourism Authority\u201d<\/em>, following recommendations contained in a report from the Joint Committee on Information, Broadcast, Culture and Tourism, Judiciary, and Internal Affairs.<\/p>\n

We, on behalf of the members of the Tourism Cluster of COLED (Council of Liberian Experts in the Diaspora), welcome all Liberians at home and abroad\u2014especially those who are passionate about fostering a new tourism regime\u2014to join this initiative. Through collaboration with various tourism institutions, it is likely that all of the aforementioned goals can be accomplished.<\/p>\n

According to a recent World Tourism Organization (WTO) report, tourism is a major source of foreign exchange in many countries, ranking second only to oil in world trade. International tourism receipts hit 1 trillion USD, international visitor spending reached 64% of pre-pandemic levels, Africa\u2019s receipts reached 44 billion USD, and Liberia accounted for 12 million USD during the same period.<\/p>\n

Even though Liberia currently faces several competing fiscal challenges, if these lofty tourism goals are to be achieved, the nation must judiciously encourage private sector investment and forge concerted partnerships with requisite stakeholders locally and internationally.<\/p>\n

It would be a missed opportunity if Liberia did not consult with or employ the services of reputable existing Tourism Development Corporations (TDCs) and quasi-government agencies already involved with tourism development plans, proposals, and human resources, as well as the planning, training, and operations of tourism facilities. It is further suggested that government adopt a diversity of tourism cultures that could positively impact its program, including but not limited to policy, regulation, finance, licensing, resource management, superstructure\/infrastructure, transportation, international treaties, roads, security, electricity, publishing information, human resources development, health care, and sanitation.<\/p>\n

Generally, on a global scale, tourism is replete with knowledge, literature, ideas, and visions that could be used for the advancement of tourism in Liberia. Specifically for Liberia, there exists very little promotional information online regarding attractions such as surfing in Grand Cape Mount County, Kpatawee Waterfalls in Bong County, Sapo National Park in Sinoe County, Mount Nimba Resort in Nimba County, as well as the few hotels, guest houses, and beaches in Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa counties, and a few coastal communities.<\/p>\n

A lot has to be done\u2014particularly in the areas of education, research, and infrastructure\u2014if the short-, medium-, and long-term goals of this cluster are to be achieved. There is also a need to adopt, without delay, provisional measures (short-term agenda items) that may permanently lead to the elevation of a tourism regime in Liberia. Even after assessing and adopting practices from other countries, there remains a need to develop a mosaic of ideas uniquely suited to Liberia\u2019s tourism landscape.<\/p>\n

We hope this resonates with everyone and look forward to receiving your full participation and contribution.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Critical Issues Affecting the Development of Tourism<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    The Current Status of Tourism in Liberia<\/strong>
    \u2022 History of tourism in Liberia
    \u2022 The New Tourism Act of 2013
    \u2022 Tourism publications about Liberia
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Liberia\u2019s Current Relationship with International Tourism Bodies<\/strong>
    \u2022 UNWTO
    \u2022 ICAO
    \u2022 International tourism organizations
    \u2022 World Travel and Tourism Council
    \u2022 International Air Transport Association
    \u2022 European Travel Commission
    \u2022 U.S. Travel Association
    \u2022 American Society of Travel Advisors
    \u2022 Cruise Line International Association
    \u2022 American Hotel and Lodging Association
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Anticipated Kinds of Tourism in Liberia<\/strong>
    \u2022 Ecotourism
    \u2022 Marine tourism
    \u2022 Green tourism
    \u2022 Blue tourism
    \u2022 Religious tourism
    \u2022 Agricultural tourism
    \u2022 Culinary tourism
    \u2022 Academic tourism
    \u2022 Cultural tourism
    \u2022 Business tourism
    \u2022 Adventure tourism
    \u2022 Medical tourism
    \u2022 Beach tourism
    \u2022 Geo-tourism
    \u2022 Rural tourism
    \u2022 Urban tourism
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Issues Affecting Tourism in Liberia<\/strong>
    \u2022 Electricity
    \u2022 Security
    \u2022 Infrastructure
    \u2022 Telecommunications
    \u2022 Sanitation and hygiene
    \u2022 Road network
    \u2022 Education
    \u2022 Increased temperature
    \u2022 Adverse weather events
    \u2022 Water shortages
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Tourism Goals in Liberia<\/strong>
    \u2022 Short-term
    \u2022 Medium-term
    \u2022 Long-term
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Actions to Be Adopted<\/strong>
    \u2022 Provisional
    \u2022 Permanent
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  7. \n

    Relationship Between the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) and the Council of Liberian Experts in the Diaspora (COLED)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  8. \n

    Role of the Government<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Role of the People<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  10. \n

    Tourism Research<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  11. \n

    Major Problems Facing Domestic Tourism<\/strong>
    \u2022 Low levels of income among local people
    \u2022 Lack of awareness
    \u2022 Lack of promotion
    \u2022 General economic instability
    \u2022 Lack of information
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  12. \n

    Major Problems Faced by International Tourists<\/strong>
    \u2022 Entry formalities (visa)
    \u2022 Safety and security
    \u2022 Transportation
    \u2022 Banking
    \u2022 Etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>

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