By By: Staff Writer
Monrovia, Liberia — Liberia has officially reclaimed its seat in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) after 13 years of absence — a major breakthrough that signals the country’s re-emergence on the world tourism map.
For more than a decade, Liberia’s tourism industry was in deep slumber — weakened by years of underfunding, lack of structure, and unpaid obligations that stripped the nation of its UN Tourism membership. The once-promising sector, known for its unspoiled beaches and rich cultural heritage, was reduced to a forgotten chapter in Liberia’s economic story.
That has now changed. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., since assuming office, has made tourism a top priority under his ARREST Agenda, viewing it as a vital engine for jobs, growth, and national pride. Determined to awaken what he called Liberia’s “sleeping giant,” his government quickly set reform wheels in motion.
The approval of the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) Act of 2025 provided the legal framework to lead the sector’s rebirth. The Act established the LNTA as the central body to coordinate tourism and creative industry development — a move widely seen as the foundation for the nation’s resurgence.
The new LNTA leadership — Director General-Designate Princess Eva Cooper and Deputy Director General-Designate Atty. Dogba K. Norris — wasted no time in pursuing the country’s reinstatement. Through weeks of dialogue, document reviews, and negotiations, Liberia presented a ten-year payment plan to clear old arrears. Their efforts paid off. In a statement issued over the weekend, the LNTA announced that the UN Tourism Secretariat had officially restored Liberia’s full membership, giving the country the right to vote and participate in all organizational activities — even before the payment plan’s final approval.
“This achievement is a testament to President Boakai’s vision to reposition tourism as a national priority,” said Ms. Princess Eva Cooper, according to the press release. “Liberia’s story is one of renewal, resilience, and rediscovery.” The reinstatement also opens doors to global training programs, technical support, and funding opportunities for infrastructure and community-based tourism projects. The LNTA believes these resources will help transform local destinations into world-class attractions.
A New Dawn for Destination Liberia For decades, Liberia’s natural beauty — from golden beaches to dense rainforests and vibrant tribal culture — has remained largely untapped. Civil war, poor infrastructure, and lack of promotion had kept tourists and investors away. But that narrative is changing fast. “This milestone is a defining moment for Liberia’s tourism journey,” the LNTA statement noted. “For the first time after 13 years, the nation will participate in the UN Tourism General Assembly, standing shoulder to shoulder with global peers.” Deputy Director General Atty. Dogba K. Norris called the development “a turning point for Liberia’s image and economic outlook.” He added, “We’re not just back; we’re ready to compete, innovate, and attract the world to our shores.”
With its global membership restored, Liberia is now positioning itself as West Africa’s rising tourism hub — one built on authenticity, culture, and conservation. The “sleeping giant” has finally woken up, and its roar is echoing across the global stage.
From the heart of Monrovia to the hills of Nimba and the beaches of Robertsport, the country’s renewed energy is undeniable. Liberia is no longer looking back — it’s looking forward, ready to turn its resilience into a new era of growth, pride, and prosperity.
