A group of German investors is poised to shift the tourism industry in Liberia for the first time in 175 years, by constructing eco-villages in Little Bassa, Grand Bassa County, to lure thousands of tourists, visitors, residents and citizens of Liberia.
Liberia, Africa’s first Constitutional Republic that declared independence in 1847, is abundantly endowed with natural resources, wonderful beaches, wild-packed national parks, mountains, waterfalls, lakes and islands.
The West African nation is also known for its incredible artifacts, rich, diverse traditions and culture, delicacies and scenic geographical features that could serve as potential reasons to attract visitors from the world over.
The German investors, under the organization of Thesaurum Travel Agency Limited, headed by Jürgen Bertram, are expected to acquire about 500 acres of lands to build the first 50-out-of-500 eco-friendly bungalows.
The construction and landscaping of the Eco Beach Resort, known as “La-Limba-Luna”, are expected to last for about five months: December 2022—April 2023.
According to Bertram, they are intending to properly re-brand tourism with an inclination of public-private investment with the people and Government of Liberia (GOL) to build the first large eco village, “La-Limba-Luna”, that could lead to the creation of jobs and the expansion of local businesses, as well as provide socio-economic benefits in terms of schools, health centers, roads, scholarships, among others to the communities.
The to-be world-class vacation resort, according to him, will exquisitely be an European-style ECO Beach Resort and an eco-friendly vacation resort in Liberia.
“The first bungalows are expected to be set up at the beginning of the dry season. The first set of guests are expected next year April, and several bungalows have already been ordered by German buyers. It is an exclusive and unique concept for Liberia and all of Africa,” the Thesaurum Travel Agency Limited said in a press statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the press statement, the Little Bassa Eco Beach Resort, “La-Limba-Luna”, will be an exclusive accommodation that will maintain the untouched identity of the landscape that surrounds it—the ideal place for those who seek quietness, intimacy, stop time and relaxation while in contact with pristine nature. “It is for those who love both sea and lagoon, and for those who choose to admire some beautiful colors and its dense place with aromas,” the press statement added.
The beach (the sea) will be 50m away from the Little Bassa Eco Beach Resort. The initial 50 housing units (bungalows) will accommodate two to four people, consist of a living space of around 40—80 square meters with a corner with a kitchen. “A living room in the comfortable sofa can easily be converted into an additional double bed of one or two bedrooms with King-size double beds and bathroom. The suites will be perfect for those who want privacy, independence, tranquility and comfort and also for family.
“The bungalows will have ample patio and garden, elegantly furnished with local ethnic style elements. While enjoying your stay there, you can also choose to have your meals at our restaurant. There will be a clubhouse, pool and an exquisite customer service,” the press statement continued.
According to the statement, “There will also be enough options to suit all our guests’ needs. Ecotourism enthusiasts and curious alike will discover a brand new way of travelling at Little Bassa Eco Beach Resort, a simple and captivating environment where care and respect for nature and for other people is key.”
Meanwhile, the Thesaurum Travel Agency Limited indicated that, as President George Weah said at his press conference in January that Liberia is open to trustworthy investors, this project will boost tourism in Liberia and will have to be unparalleled in all of Africa.
It can be recalled that a law establishing a Tourism Authority was passed. The Liberian Senate concurred with the House of Representatives to pass into law an act seeking to establish a tourism authority. The Liberian Senate and the House of Representatives, in their separate arguments, said the Liberia Tourism Authority Act of 2020 will positively impact government’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in terms of beefing up the revenue generation capacity, and as well attract more private sector investment.
The lawmakers noted that the tourism sector is basically driven by “private sector participation”.
Previously, tourism was a department of the Ministry of Information, leading to the argument that this does not give the office more leverage to realize its full potential, which in economic terms could result in low allocations from the central government budget.
In addition, Thesaurum Travel Agency Limited stated, “Visitors are shown the beauty of the country and of course the endless beaches, the excellent local products and all the natural attractions that the country has to offer. For the people of Little Bassa, as well as for all people in Liberia, this project will create jobs, open up business opportunities and boost the economy.”
The group disclosed that President Dr. George M. Weah will be invited to inaugurate Little Bassa’s eco beach resort, La-Limba-Luna, in April 2023.
