By K. Ericson Sayee

MONROVIA, July 13 (LINA) – The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism has officially dedicated a tourism information center at the Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Margibi County.

 The dedicated tourism booth, according to MICAT Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism, Madam Kadiatu D. Brohiri, is going to serve as a place where guests will have access to significant information about Liberia's enormous and various tourism sites, which according to her will promote economic viability and growth for the good of the country.

On Friday, July 12, 2024, at the Roberts International Airport in Margibi County, Madam Kadiatu D. Brohiri proceeded with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where she re-stated the Government's pledge and commitment to making tourism one of its pillars in fostering national development.

"Today is a very exciting day, I will say for me, and I am sure for everyone. For us at MICAT, it is our dream to see tourism become the talk of the town", she explained.

According to her, the officials at MICAT are poised to revitalize the tourism sector as part of the national development plan of the current administration.

She emphasized that the officials and employees at MICAT are highly concentrated on instituting a vibrant tourism sector.

"Since we took over, we have been working hard, trying to get people involved into innovative plans, implementing projects, trying to make sure that we rejuvenate Liberians” says Minister Brohiri.

She asserted that tourism has been doing wonders in terms of contributing massively to countries which have placed key interest and focus in the sector, citing that the officials at MICAT are working assiduously to have Liberia benefits from the sector.

Madam Brohiri added that the tourism department at MICAT is orchestrating plans to have Liberian dishes being sold on flights and at the RIA where travelers will have a taste of Liberian food, which will contribute to the economy.

Also, the Minister charged those who are going to spearhead the tourism center at the RIA to be diligent and committed to their job saying, "I expect you to put your "A" game on, wear welcoming smiles, and provide excellent service".

Meanwhile, the Liberia National Tourism Association (LINTA) President, Madam Mai Urey disclosed that the project is part of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Center (ITC).

According to her, the booth is part of a US$500 thousand initiative which gears towards enhancing Liberia’s tourism through branding and marketing strategies.

"This project was funded by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) with implementing partners the ITC, MICAT, Ministry of Commerce, and ourselves", the LINTA President said.

The objectives of the Center, according to Madam Urey, is to increase awareness of Liberia's beautiful destinations, provide information to visitors, collect data on tourists for research and impact measurements, and link tourism operators to incoming visitors.