MONROVIA – Montserrado County Representative Bernard Blue Benson Jr. has introduced a proposal to the House of Representatives, aiming to develop Liberia’s tourism sector. The bill seeks to establish the Liberia National Tourism Authority, effectively replacing the current Departments of Tourism and Cultural Affairs while amending Title 30 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised, known as the Public Authorities Law.
Representative Benson emphasized that the Liberia National Tourism Authority Act of 2024 represents a crucial step in leveraging Liberia’s abundant cultural and natural heritage to attract both local and international tourists. The proposed authority, he said, aims to drive economic growth, preserve cultural identity, and contribute to national development.
“The establishment of the Liberia National Tourism Authority aims to streamline efforts in promoting Liberia as a tourist destination, encouraging investments in tourism, regulating related activities, and ensuring sustainable management of tourism resources,” said Representative Benson.
The proposed Act delineates the structure, functions, powers, and financial provisions of the Authority, including transitional arrangements for current employees and the repeal of conflicting laws. Representative Benson stressed that the Act’s primary objective is to foster the growth and sustainability of Liberia’s tourism industry, benefiting the economy, society, and environment.
In his role as the Chairman of Information Broadcasting, Culture, and Tourism, Representative Benson urges swift consideration for the passage of this bill into law, highlighting its potential to promote, develop, and regulate Liberia’s tourism sector effectively.
While the current bill for establishing the Liberia National Tourism Authority is under consideration, it’s worth noting that a similar bill was introduced in 2020 by the 54th Legislature and passed as the National Tourism Act. However, it remains unclear whether the President signed it into law for implementation.
Liberia boasts abundant natural resources that form a potential tourism and hospitality market. These resources include forests, rivers, seas, waterfalls, hills, mountains, lagoons, lakes, wetlands, and deltas. The country’s diverse biodiversity, picturesque landscapes, and pristine beaches are natural draws for tourists and international visitors seeking unique experiences.
Some notable tourist attractions include the Sapo National Park covering 700 square miles in southeastern Liberia, the surfing beaches in Robertsport along the Atlantic Ocean, and the Kpatawee Waterfalls in central Liberia.
Other noteworthy areas include Lake Piso spanning 40 square miles in Grand Cape Mount County, the East Nimba Nature Reserve bordering Liberia, Guinea, and Ivory Coast, Providence Island in Monrovia where the first group of freed African slaves arrived in 1822, the country’s 350 miles of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, and opportunities for deep-sea sport fishing.
Despite these attractions, Liberia’s tourism industry remains underdeveloped due to inadequate transportation networks, limited electricity connectivity, deficient telecommunications systems, and insufficient accommodation facilities. These infrastructure gaps hinder the sector’s growth and potential to fully capitalize on the country’s natural beauty and historical significance.
