LNTA WELCOMES HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATES FROM MARYLAND, USA, TO EXPLORE TOURISM AND CULTURAL PARTNERSHIPS

The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) yesterday, October 31, 2026, welcomed a high-level delegation from Maryland, USA, for discussions on strengthening cooperation in tourism development, heritage preservation, investment, and cultural exchange.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to advance the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Government of Liberia and the State of Maryland in June 2026 by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Sara Beysolow Nyanti, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. The MOU provides a framework for cooperation in key areas, including trade and investment, education, agriculture, technology, tourism and cultural exchange, with the LNTA engagement focusing on opportunities within the tourism and cultural sectors.

During the discussions, LNTA Director General Princess Eva Cooper described Liberia as an emerging tourism market with significant opportunities for investment and encouraged the delegation to consider the prospects presented during their visit.

“You’re coming to a virgin market with a lot of opportunities. I would encourage you that after your visit, take your time, look at all the discussions we’re going to have, all the opportunities we’re going to give you, and come back to us. Trust me, we’re willing and ready to support you,” she said.

Cooper also highlighted the Government of Liberia’s commitment to tourism through the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, noting that tourism is represented by the letter “T” in the national development framework. She said the government’s support provides an important foundation for investment and growth in the sector.

She outlined Liberia’s tourism assets, including its historical landmarks, cultural heritage, beaches, islands, forests, rivers, mountains and rich biodiversity, noting that developing these resources into competitive destinations will require investment in infrastructure, accommodation, transportation and hospitality services.

The Director General further emphasized the importance of human capital development through professional training, mentorship, internships and knowledge exchange. She also highlighted opportunities within the creative economy, including music, film, fashion, visual arts and performing arts, referencing the proposed National Creative Center as a potential platform for skills development and creative production.

A key point of interest during the discussions was the historical connection between the State of Maryland and Maryland County in southeastern Liberia, a relationship dating back to the nineteenth century. This shared history presents opportunities to strengthen cultural relations, promote historical awareness and develop heritage tourism through the preservation and promotion of historical sites, cultural activities and educational exchanges in Maryland County.

Dr. Lena, Deputy Director of International Affairs at the Maryland Secretary of State’s Office, outlined possible areas for implementing the MOU, emphasizing the importance of translating the agreement into practical initiatives over its five-year period.

She identified joint promotional materials highlighting the historical connections between Maryland and Liberia, participation in tourism exhibitions and trade fairs, institutional exchanges and business partnerships as possible areas of collaboration. She also discussed plans for working groups to coordinate implementation and encourage participation from government institutions, businesses, civil society and communities.

To complement the discussions with a firsthand look at Liberia’s heritage offerings, the delegation toured LNTA headquarters before proceeding to selected historical and cultural sites in Monrovia.

The familiarization tour began at Providence Island, where tour guides highlighted the island’s historical significance and its connection to Liberia’s early history. The delegation also received a briefing from engineers on the ongoing renovation works and the development blueprint for the island. The tour continued to Centennial Pavilion and the J.J. Roberts Monument, where the delegation was introduced to other landmarks associated with Liberia’s history.

At the Liberia National Museum, the delegation toured the facility and received a presentation from engineers on its development blueprint. The visit also included St. Peter Lutheran Church, a site associated with the Lutheran Church massacre.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase Liberia’s rich history, cultural heritage and tourism potential, opening further discussions on how the historical ties between Liberia and Maryland, USA, can be strengthened through tourism promotion, heritage preservation, investment, cultural exchange and partnerships that create lasting benefits for both sides.