By: Leymah E. Kollie
The Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, has called on members of the Liberian Senate to take stronger and more deliberate action in advancing the country’s tourism sector by ensuring robust budgetary support in the national budget.
Speaking Thursday while presiding over a Senate session in his capacity as President of the Liberian Senate, Vice President Koung emphasized that meaningful progress in tourism development will require intentional planning, decisive legislative backing, and sustained financial commitment from the government.
His remarks came as officials of the Liberia Tourism Authority, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs, appeared before the chamber to provide updates on their activities and outline strategic plans aimed at revitalizing and expanding Liberia’s tourism industry.
The Vice President stressed the importance of leveraging Liberia’s existing national assets to stimulate growth in the sector. He specifically pointed to the long-abandoned Ducor Palace Hotel and the Hotel Africa, both of which remain in disrepair despite their historical and economic significance.
He proposed that the government consider entering into public-private partnerships to rehabilitate the facilities, suggesting that the state “meet investors halfway” to attract credible private entities willing to co-invest.
According to him, restoring the iconic structures to international standards could require capital investment exceeding US$100 million.Without bold and strategic interventions, he warned, Liberia’s tourism ambitions risk stagnation.
Beyond infrastructure, Vice President Koung encouraged diversification of tourism offerings, including the development of boat ride tourism—an attraction that has proven successful in other countries.
He cautioned that such initiatives would depend on upgrading critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and access roads, to guarantee safety and convenience for visitors
.Recognizing tourism as a capital-intensive industry, he underscored the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach. He urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs to review and potentially reform visa policies to make entry into Liberia more accessible and investor-friendly, noting that streamlined visa processes could significantly enhance the country’s appeal to international tourists and business travelers.
The Vice President’s statement signaled a firm call for strategic investment, policy reform, and collaborative partnerships to unlock the full potential of Liberia’s tourism sector as a driver of economic growth and national development.
