UN Tourism Fuels Liberia's Tourism Revival and Sector Transformation

Liberia is positioning itself as an emerging tourism destination following renewed engagement with UN Tourism, the global body promoting sustainable travel and tourism development.

The country’s tourism push gained momentum after Princess Eva Cooper, Director General of the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), held strategic talks with UN Tourism leadership aimed at strengthening Liberia’s tourism ecosystem.

UN Tourism has pledged institutional and technical support to help Liberia build a more sustainable and competitive tourism industry. This includes reforms in tourism policy and destination development, investment access, and marketing strategy.

A major milestone highlighted during the engagement was Liberia’s adoption of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), a globally recognized framework used to measure tourism’s economic contribution and improve planning.

Officials also discussed collaboration opportunities with other African countries, including Rwanda, whose tourism reforms have become a benchmark for African tourism development and community-based travel models.

Liberia’s tourism agenda also prioritizes youth and women empowerment through community tourism, small businesses, and creative industries aligned with inclusive economic growth goals.

Despite progress, infrastructure gaps remain a challenge. Road access, hospitality upgrades, eco-lodge development, and better visitor services will be essential to unlocking Liberia’s full tourism potential.

A joint technical working group has now been established between UN Tourism and Liberia’s tourism authority to oversee implementation, marking a shift from strategy to action.

Liberia’s renewed international engagement signals a broader effort to reposition itself within West Africa’s growing tourism market and attract travelers seeking authentic cultural and eco-tourism experiences.