Tourism Authority Seeks Bigger Fy2027 Budget; Cites Historic Sites Revival

Monrovia, Liberia — The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) is seeking an increased budgetary allocation for Fiscal Year 2027 to rehabilitate tourism sites, strengthen destination marketing, attract private investment, and expand the sector’s contribution to Liberia’s economic growth.

The request was presented Thursday, October 8, during the FY2027 Executive Budget Hearing, where LNTA Director General Princess Eva Cooper outlined the Authority’s priorities, operational challenges, and plans to position Liberia as a competitive international tourism destination.

Cooper said increased funding would enable the Authority to develop tourism infrastructure, improve destination promotion, and create market-ready tourism products capable of attracting domestic and international visitors.

A major priority is the development of Providence Island, one of Liberia’s significant historical sites, which the Authority sees as an important attraction for cultural and heritage tourism.

Cooper has previously described tourism as a “low-hanging fruit” in Liberia’s economic diversification agenda, arguing that the sector can generate income for local communities while creating opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. 

She has also emphasized the importance of presenting Liberia’s history and cultural identity to international audiences, saying, “Liberia, being Africa’s oldest nation, is a destination by itself, but we are yet to package that story to the rest of the world.” 

The Director General believes greater investment in tourism promotion and infrastructure could help transform Liberia’s natural attractions, historical landmarks, and cultural heritage into sustainable economic opportunities.

Speaking during the budget hearing, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine K. Ngafuan acknowledged tourism’s potential to support Liberia’s economic transformation.

Ngafuan has repeatedly stressed the need for government institutions to align their spending proposals with available resources and demonstrate clear priorities as the government prepares the FY2027 National Budget. 

His position comes as ministries and agencies defend their proposed allocations amid competing demands on limited public resources.

The LNTA says additional funding would help address several operational challenges, including logistical constraints, inadequate equipment, and gaps in tourism data management, inspections, regulatory compliance, and revenue collection.

The Authority also plans to strengthen its monitoring of tourism establishments and improve compliance with industry standards to enhance service delivery and the experience of visitors.

Beyond infrastructure development, the proposed FY2027 priorities include expanding public awareness, encouraging community participation, and strengthening workforce capacity through tourism education and professional development.

The LNTA is also looking to promote Liberia’s creative economy by incorporating arts, music, film, fashion, and cultural heritage into its tourism development strategy.

The initiative is expected to create opportunities for artists, cultural practitioners, tour operators, hospitality businesses, and other entrepreneurs whose activities can benefit from increased tourism.

The Authority further intends to improve its digital systems and strengthen tourism revenue generation and management.

These efforts are aimed at improving operational efficiency while creating a more attractive environment for local and international investors interested in hotels, resorts, restaurants, ecotourism, and other tourism-related businesses.

Liberia possesses significant tourism assets, including its coastline, forests, biodiversity, historical landmarks, and cultural traditions. However, inadequate infrastructure, limited destination marketing, and difficulties attracting investment continue to constrain the sector’s development.

The LNTA’s request for increased funding therefore comes as the government seeks to diversify the economy, create employment opportunities, and encourage private-sector growth.

If approved, the additional allocation would support the Authority’s efforts to rehabilitate tourism sites, promote Liberia internationally, strengthen regulatory systems, and expand investment opportunities.

The final allocation will depend on the government’s ongoing budget review and the resources made available for the 2027 fiscal year.