MICAT Revives Tourism Working Group To Propel ARREST Agenda

MICAT Revives Tourism Working Group To Propel ARREST Agenda

MONROVIA, Dec. 5 (LINA) – In a significant move to advance Liberia's ARREST Agenda the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) has reactivated the Liberia Tourism Sector Working Group.

This initiative, according to MICAT, aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to position tourism as a key pillar of sustainable economic development.

Speaking at the reactivation launch held Thursday, December 4, 2024, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah emphasized the critical role of coordination and oversight in transforming Liberia’s tourism sector.

Minister Piah called for synergy among governmental institutions, private sector players, civil society organizations, and international partners to ensure the sector contributes significantly to the country's economic growth.

He underscored President Joseph N. Boakai’s prioritization of tourism in Liberia’s national development agenda, marking a historic first for the nation in its 177 years of existence.

He noted that the Liberia Tourism Sector Working Group would serve as a unified platform for stakeholders to address challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and implement policies aimed at creating a thriving tourism industry.

“The group will act as the highest-level forum for reviewing and coordinating tourism policies, programs, and financing,” said Minister Piah, adding, “It will also recommend regulations to enable private sector growth, making tourism an economically viable pillar of the ARREST Agenda.”

The minister acknowledged the significant investments made by development partners such as the European Union, USAID, World Bank, African Development Bank, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in biodiversity conservation, highlighting that these efforts are integral to fostering eco-tourism in Liberia.

For his part, the Vice President of the Liberia National Tourism Association (LNTA), Rudolph Antoune, expressed optimism about the sector’s potential and highlighted the country’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks as untapped assets capable of generating substantial revenue.

“Liberia is blessed with abundant attractions like beaches, lakes, waterfalls, lagoons, and cultural sites that can generate tens of millions of dollars annually, People are ready to pay to experience our rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty,” he said.

He pledged his full support and collaboration in transforming Liberia into a world-class, authentic, and sustainable tourism destination.