By Nathan N. Mulbah
In an article published on January 26, 2026 in the New Liberia Newspaper special edition commemorating President Joseph N. Boakai third State of the Nation address (SONA 2026) to the National Legislature of Liberia, a Liberian tourism expert and policy analyst, Mr. Isaac John Padmore observed that “Liberia stands at a defining moment in its development journey as President Joseph N. Boakai Sr. ushers in a new era for the country’ tourism sector through the establishment of the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LINTA) as a stand-alone state institution”.
The steady growth of national interest in the tourism sector development in Liberia has gained momentum with the inclusion of tourism in the current government policy document, the ARREST Agenda for inclusive Development (AAID), with T- and the ARREST acronym representing Tourism.
Certainly, the inclusion of tourism in the (AAID) is not only a heartening development for the tourism sector but for the broader national economy of the Republic of Liberia.
With key attention being paid to national tourism development, especially with the construction of eco-lodges at vintage points and the development of deep lake sport surfing in Grand Cape Mount County, plus the development of other attractive and inviting tourism destinations spread across the country, Liberia is on the way to demonstrating how well managed heritage sites and pristine tourism destinations can contribute meaningfully to national development.
It is indeed about time that the new LNTA develop a domestic tourism sector that will attract domestic visitors, international tourists, who will eventually pay significantly higher visitation fees, make an enormous contribution to national revenue. This new development underscores the economic value of positioning Liberia’s key attractions to appeal to both local and international audiences.
To sustain this undertaking, the onus is now on the LNTA to swiftly position itself as the principal body responsible for tourism policy formulation, regulation, investment promotion, product sourcing and destination marketing.
Beyond identifying tourist attraction sites, the LNTA should highlight the importance of deliberate investment, continuous showcasing and innovation in tourism management in Liberia.
From a keen observation of our tourism sector, there is an urgent need for amelioration in tourist destinations development, building a sound tourism culture, provision of tourists’ security at all times, clear payment systems, the creation of strong musical and performance gallery, the encouragement of a unique restaurant stall and the establishment of arts, culture and souvenir shops reflecting and depicting the rich culture of Liberia as a serious way of enhancing the overall visitors experience in Liberia.
Towards this end, we should be reminded that the above listed aspects of tourism marketing are strategic interventions that translate cultural heritage into economic value.
Because, Liberia, as a country, has not as yet fully developed our tourism sector, we cannot boast of high-profile international visitors for tourism purposes, including heads of states and other global dignitaries which have the proclivity of boosting tourism operations in Liberia.
It is our fervent hope that going forward with the establishment of the LNTA, this narrative will change for the better thus bringing to the limelight the important role that tourism plays in national development in the new world order.
Believe you me, thoroughly developing and coordinating tourism activities in Liberia has the potential of forming a well-intended cultural diplomacy that can effectively strengthen our international image and has the proclivity to stimulate interest in the untapped myriad of tourism destinations spread across our dear country.
Tourism has inherent in it a magic wand to help trigger growth in Liberia and spur socio-economic development by creating jobs in a magnificent way in many areas dovetailing with tourism operations. As a matter of fact, tourism has the huge potential to be one of the most inclusive sectors of the economy, with the capacity to create jobs across multiple skills.
It is no secret that when tourist attractions are developed and properly managed, they generate direct fulltime and part-time employment for guides, security personnel, curators and hospitality staff, while indirectly supporting transport operators, artisans, traders, farmers, restaurants and small businesses in surrounding communities.
As stressed by Tourism Expert, Isaac J. Padmore, in his lucid write-up commemorating Liberia 2026 SONA, there are many tourism destinations that need speedy attention including the Kpatawe Waterfall, the Sapo National Park, the Gola Koneh Park the scenic expression that runs along the coast from Cape Mount County to Maryland County, the variety of precious animal species that are located in the thick forest of Liberia, including the Pygmy Hippopotamus plus many lesser-known heritage and ecological sites are places that could help spread economic opportunities across the country.
