LNTA DG Describes Tourism as ‘Low-Hanging Fruit’ for Economic Diversification, Urges Stakeholder Cooperation and Investment
MONROVIA, March 4, 2026; Director General Princess Eva Cooper, has described tourism as a “low-hanging fruit” in Liberia’s economic diversification agenda, calling for stronger stakeholders’ engagement and investment to revitalize the sector.
Speaking Wednesday during her welcome remarks at the opening of the LNTA’s Stakeholders Consultative Meeting in Monrovia, DG Cooper emphasized that the gathering, held under the theme “Co-creating Liberia’s Tourism, Culture and Creative Economy”, marks a significant shift in the Authority’s approach.
“This is not just a meeting, but a dialogue that represents a deliberate shift in how the Authority operates,” she said.
DG Cooper noted that for decades Liberia’s economy has relied heavily on iron ore, rubber, and timber. While acknowledging the importance of these sectors, she described them as extractive and finite. Noting “Tourism, however, is renewable. It promotes peace, showcases our national brand, and most importantly, puts money directly into the pockets of Liberians across the country.”
LNTA Director General also called on private sector actors to standardize pricing and elevate service delivery across the industry.
“If we are charging international rates, we must provide international service. Let us work with the LNTA and the Ministry of Commerce to create a quality assurance stamp for Liberia’s tourism businesses,” she urged.
DG Cooper acknowledged persistent challenges confronting the sector, including poor road infrastructure, inconsistent destination marketing, and limited access to investment capital for boutique hotels and eco-lodges. She stressed that the consultative dialogue provides a platform for stakeholders to collectively diagnose these issues and chart a sustainable path forward.
Stakeholders representing hospitality and accommodation, investment, infrastructure, and access sectors highlighted concerns regarding security and safe transportation services to ensure that visitors can travel without fear of robbery. They also underscored the need for reliable electricity, water supply, and improved domestic connectivity.
Speaking on behalf of stakeholders, the owners of D’Calabash Hotel and Restaurant Inc. Lester Kroma (CEO) and Florence Afie Fenuku-Kroma (Co-Owner/General Manager), commended the Authority for organizing its first stakeholders’ consultation and emphasized the importance of improved waste management and strengthened security systems to ensure that visitors can stay and travel without fear of being robbed.
Meanwhile, representatives from tour operations, travel services, as well as eco-tourism, conservation, and community tourism sectors called for improved maintenance of tourist sites, strict enforcement of hotel rating standards, and reforms to existing tax policies.
The consultative meeting continues tomorrow, March 5, 2026, with a focus on Culture and Creative Economy discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration and positioning Liberia as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination.
