The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Jeremiah Kpan Koung, in his capacity as President of the Liberian Senate, has urged members of the Senate to provide more deliberate and sustained support for the development of the country’s tourism sector, particularly through adequate budgetary allocations in the national budget.
He emphasized that meaningful progress in tourism development will require intentional planning, decisive legislative action, and a long-term financial commitment by the Government of Liberia (GOL).
The Vice President made these remarks on Thursday while presiding over a Senate session during which officials of the newly established Liberia Tourism Authority, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, appeared before the Senate’s plenary in chamber to present updates on on-going efforts and strategic plans aimed at revitalizing and expanding Liberia’s tourism industry.
In his address, he underscored the importance of leveraging Liberia’s existing national assets to stimulate growth in the sector.
VP specifically cited the long-abandoned Ducor Palace Hotel and the Hotel Africa complex, noting that despite their historic and economic significance both facilities remain in a state of disrepair.
He proposed that the government explores public-private partnerships as a practical pathway to rehabilitating these facilities, encouraging the state to “meet investors halfway” in order to attract credible private partners willing to co-invest.
According to him, restoring the facilities to international standards would require substantial capital investment, potentially exceeding one hundred million United States dollars.
Without such bold and collaborative interventions, the Vice President cautioned that Liberia’s tourism aspirations may continue to fall short of their full potential.
Beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, the Vice President also encouraged the diversification of tourism offerings, including the development of water-based tourism such as recreational boat rides, which are popular attractions in many countries.
He noted, however, that such initiatives would depend on improvements to critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and access routes, to ensure safety and ease of movement for visitors.
Recognizing that tourism is a capital-intensive sector, he stressed the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach.
In this regard, he urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs to review and, where necessary, reform visa policies to make entry into Liberia more accessible, efficient, and investor-friendly.
VP Koung noted that simplifying and streamlining visa processes would significantly enhance Liberia’s attractiveness as a destination for international tourists and business travelers.
Overall, the Vice President’s remarks reflected a strong call for strategic investment, policy reform, and collaborative partnerships aimed at unlocking the full potential of Liberia’s tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth and national development.
