VP Koung Wants Senate Decisive Action In Development Of Tourism Sector

February 26, 2025

Monrovia: The Vice President of Liberia, in his capacity as President of the Liberian Senate, has called on members of the Senate to provide stronger and more deliberate support for the country’s tourism sector by ensuring adequate budgetary allocations in the national budget.  

 He emphasized that meaningful progress in tourism development will require intentional planning, decisive action, and sustained financial commitment from the government.   He made the 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 chamber to present updates on their progress and outline strategic plans for revitalizing and expanding Liberia’s tourism industry.

  In his statement, the Vice President stressed the importance of leveraging Liberia’s existing national assets to accelerate growth in the sector. He specifically referenced the long-abandoned Ducor Palace Hotel and the Hotel Africa complex, both of which remain in disrepair despite their historical and economic significance.

He suggested that the government should consider entering into public-private partnerships to rehabilitate these facilities, proposing that the state “meet investors halfway” to attract credible private entities willing to co-invest.

According to him, substantial capital investment potentially exceeding one hundred million dollars will be required to restore these structures to international standards.   Without such bold steps, he warned, the country’s tourism ambitions may continue to lag behind.

  Beyond infrastructure rehabilitation, he also encouraged diversification of tourism offerings, including the development of boat ride tourism, a popular attraction in many countries.

However, he noted that such initiatives would depend on modernizing critical infrastructure, particularly bridges and access routes, to ensure safety and convenience for visitors.   Recognizing that tourism is a capital-intensive industry, the Vice President underscored the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach.

He urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs to review and potentially reform visa policies to make entry into Liberia more accessible and investor-friendly.   Simplifying and streamlining visa processes, he suggested, would significantly enhance Liberia’s appeal as a destination for international tourists and business travelers alike. Overall, his remarks signaled a strong call for strategic investment, policy reform, and collaborative partnerships to unlock the full potential of Liberia’s tourism sector as a driver of economic growth and national development.