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Liberia: Tourism Sector Key to Achieving Arrest Agenda

todayAugust 7, 2024 6

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The Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Jimmy Tarplah, has emphasized the untapped potential of Liberia’s tourism sector to significantly boost government revenue.

Speaking at the official launch of the National Tourism Stakeholders Dialogue on August 2, 2024 at a local hotel in Monrovia, Tarplah highlighted the need to fully leverage tourism to achieve the ARREST Agenda.

“We need to put in our best to achieve the ARREST Agenda,” Tarplah stated, underscoring the pivotal role tourism can play in the country’s development, adding that despite recognizing its importance, decisive actions to develop the sector have been lacking.

He used the event, themed “Building a Sustainable and Vibrant Tourism Agenda for Liberia,” to acknowledge past shortcomings in implementing strategies to revitalize tourism. He cited the national Export Strategy on Tourism launched in 2016, which aimed to develop the tourism industry from 2016 to 2020 but fell short of its potential.

The Deputy Minister expressed optimism about new initiatives designed to place Liberia’s tourism on the right path. He stressed that the multi-stakeholder dialogue is crucial for formalizing and synchronizing tourism policy and development.

Tarplah also expressed gratitude to various partners, including the Liberia National Tourism Association (LINTA), the United States Agency for International Development, the United Nations Development Programme, and others, for their support. He emphasized the importance of effective public-private sector coordination and international cooperation.

“Tourism is now a central focus of national development, particularly within the context of the ARREST Agenda for inclusive development,” Tarplah noted, appreciating President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for prioritizing tourism development.

The Ministry is committed to cooperation, policy formulation, implementation strategy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. Tarplah announced the establishment of a national Tourism Sector Development Cooperation Committee, which will meet regularly to address growth barriers and align efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Tourism holds the potential to generate significant revenue, create jobs, and alleviate pressure on public services. Tarplah urged stakeholders to act swiftly and collaboratively to cultivate a thriving tourism industry.