By: Josseph Sirleaf
Monrovia–Speaking at the celebration of World Tourism Day in Monrovia during the weekend, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture called on Liberian and international partners to join ranks in supporting the tourism sector, which is a driver of national development.
Deputy Minister Kadiatu D. Konteh-Brohiri said the Liberian tourism sector is an engine of growth and will set the foundation for future generations, noting that tourism is not just about our stunning beaches, majestic waterfalls, and rich heritage sites, but fundamentally about empowering our communities and creating meaningful opportunities for our youth and women, thus safeguarding our environment and presenting a proud Liberian identity to the world stage.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the critical role tourism plays in the government’s ARREST agenda for inclusive development, which is a cornerstone for national renewal as the country transitions.
As the country transitions the tourism department at the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism to the National Tourism Authority, the first-ever authority that will supersede the tourism sector, it will serve as an engine for huge domestic revenue, feeding the implementation of the government’s national development.
The Minister used the occasion to thank the diplomatic corps, youth groups, and the student community for embracing the call to join the world in celebrating World Tourism Day, which was celebrated under the theme “Tourism for Sustainable Transformation.” She is quoted as saying this theme resonates deeply as it evokes the essential truth that tourism transcends mere leisure and recreation; it embodies a powerful force capable of economic diversification, promoting peace, preserving cultural heritage, and driving social progress.
The program brought together international partners, student communities, youth groups, private sector players, and the city council—all of whom made a remark, the World Tourism Day is internationally celebrated every September 27, a day set aside to shine a light on the importance of tourism and bring stakeholders on board to celebrate and design the best policy approaches for improving the sector. The day, as proclaimed by President Boakai N. Boakai, is to be observed throughout the Republic. Liberia has rich tourism potential with different sites that serve as attractions for tourist destinations when developed.