Liberia Establishes National Tourism Authority after Years of Advocacy and Planning

Monrovia, Liberia: May 2, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai officially announce that the Legislature has officially passed the act creating the National Tourism Authority (NTA) a major milestone in Liberia’s drive to diversify its economy and showcase its rich cultural and natural heritage to the world.

“We are pleased that the Legislature has now passed the act creating the National Tourism Authority,” President Boakai declared, as part of outlining his administration’s ARREST Agenda focused on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism.

This development marks the culmination of more than a decade of efforts by policymakers, cultural advocates, and tourism professionals who have long argued that tourism could become a key pillar of Liberia’s post-war economic recovery and international image-building.

The Road to the National Tourism Authority

Legislative Journey

The idea of a standalone National Tourism Authority began to gain serious momentum around 2022, when a draft bill sponsored by members of both the Senate Committee on Youth & Sports and the House Committee on Culture and Tourism was introduced to create a regulatory and promotional body that would coordinate tourism development at both domestic and international levels.

After a series of consultations with international tourism experts, the draft law underwent revisions in 2023 and 2024, with particular attention to ensuring local communities could benefit from eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and historical preservation efforts.

A New Era for Liberian Tourism

The passing of the NTA Act in 2025, under the Boakai administration, now positions Liberia to engage in strategic tourism planning, attract foreign direct investment, and promote unique destinations such as Providence Island, Sapo National Park, Robertsport, and the nation’s untapped coastline and heritage sites.

The National Tourism Authority is expected to focus on:

                •             Developing national tourism policy frameworks

                •             Promoting Liberia’s tourism brand internationally

                •             Establishing tourism education and training

                •             Coordinating with regional and international tourism organizations

In his remarks, President Boakai stressed that “tourism is not just a leisure industry, but a catalyst for job creation, infrastructure development, and national pride”.

“We must redouble our efforts in creating value across all sectors. Tourism offers us a path to do that by telling our story, preserving our heritage, and welcoming the world,” he said.

With the NTA now legally established, observers say the next steps will involve appointing leadership, securing budgetary support, and launching a national tourism master plan.

Tourism experts are optimistic. “This is the moment we’ve been waiting for,” said Yaw Kyeremeh, a regional advisor to ECOWAS on sustainable tourism. “Liberia has all the ingredients: history, culture, nature. Now it has the institutional backing to turn those assets into real economic opportunities.”

Liberia’s tourism journey is just beginning but for those who have worked behind the scenes for years, the creation of the National Tourism Authority is more than a bureaucratic achievement; it’s the opening of a long-awaited door to national renewal.

The Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism Ambassador Christopher Hayes Onanuga played a important role in the establishment of Liberia’s National Tourism Authority.

Appointed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as Ambassador-at-Large for Tourism in May 2024, Onanuga brought decades of experience in media and cultural promotion to the role. His appointment was based on his passion for the sector and his substantial contributions to Liberia’s tourism industry, including hosting events like the National Excellence Award (NEA) and inviting international guests to showcase Liberia’s tourism potential. 

In his capacity as Ambassador-at-Large, Onanuga actively participated in national dialogues and international forums to advocate for the creation of a dedicated tourism authority. He emphasized Liberia’s immense tourism potential, particularly highlighting the country’s coastline as a significant economic opportunity. He boldly stated, “Tourism can make us the richest country in Africa.” 

Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism Ambassador Christopher Hayes Onanuga and President Boakai

Onanuga also underscored the importance of the media in promoting tourism and sustaining national cohesion. At the First Annual Presidential Media Dinner in April 2025, he described the Liberian media as an essential pillar in the country’s democratic stability and forward movement.  

His advocacy and strategic engagement were instrumental in garnering support for the legislative process that led to the establishment of the National Tourism Authority, marking a significant milestone in Liberia’s efforts to diversify its economy and promote sustainable development through tourism.