Rise of Liberia’s Sleeping Giant -Liberia Returns to Global Tourism Stage, as UN Membership Restored

MONROVIA – Liberia’s tourism industry, once regarded as the country’s “sleeping giant,” is awakening from a long slumber. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning coastline, and lush forests, Liberia has the potential to become a major player in the global tourism market. The sector’s revival is seen as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. The story is now changing new initiatives to revitalize the sector, have been launched, including the establishment of the Liberia National Tourism Authority. With the support of international partners, Liberia is now poised to unlock the potential of its tourism industry, showcasing its unique attractions and experiences to the world. The reinstatement of Liberia’s full membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) has come as a significant milestone in this journey, marking a new chapter in the country’s tourism development. The Analyst reports.

After more than a decade of non-compliance, Liberia has officially regained full membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), a historic milestone that reaffirms the government’s commitment to restoring Liberia’s rightful place in global tourism leadership.

This remarkable comeback is the result of deliberate action and the visionary leadership under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., whose ARREST Agenda has positioned tourism as a catalyst for inclusive growth and national renewal.

Recognizing that tourism had long been the country’s “sleeping giant,” President Boakai moved swiftly within his first year to awaken its potential.

He appointed Ambassador Christopher Hayes Onanuga as Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism, tasked with championing the sector in collaboration with the Ministry of Information.

The administration further strengthened its institutional framework through the passage of the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) Act of 2025 as the central coordinating body for the nation’s tourism and creative industries.

Director General-Designate Ms. Princess Eva Cooper and Atty. Dogba K. Norris as Deputy Director General-Designate for Planning prioritized in their first week of appointment the reinstatement of Liberia’s membership in UN Tourism which has been inactive for over 13 years due to unfulfilled obligations.

Following two weeks of sustained dialogue, comprehensive reviews, submission of a proposed ten-year payment plan and diplomatic exchanges, the UN Tourism reinstated Liberia’s full member.

Source say this exemption will allow Liberia to benefit from all membership rights, including the right to vote, even before the payment plan is signed, pending final approval of the General Assembly resolution.

The UN Tourism Secretariat thanked Liberia’s proactive approach and reaffirmed its commitment to support the country’s re-engagement in the Organization.

Cooper emphasized that this development represents a major milestone for Liberia’s tourism sector and the Government’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the industry under the leadership of the President.

This milestone is a defining moment for Liberia’s tourism journey. For the first time after 13 years, the nation will participate in the UN Tourism General Assembly, standing shoulder to shoulder with global peers.

Liberia will now participate in decision-making processes, influencing global tourism policies and programs, and benefit from UN Tourism’s expertise in destination marketing, sustainability, digital transformation, and policy development. Liberian tourism professionals will gain access to world-class training programs, workshops, and knowledge-exchange opportunities.

According to a release, the country will also qualify for grants and funding for development projects focused on community-based tourism, infrastructure, and cultural heritage promotion.

Through UN Tourism’s international platforms, Liberia’s unique attractions will be showcased to a global audience, attracting investors, visitors, and partners.

Cooper affirmed that the achievement is a testament to President Boakai’s vision to reposition tourism as a national priority.

“Liberia’s story is one of renewal, resilience, and rediscovery. With tourism being an enabler, a valuable monitoring and evaluation tool, and the perfect enforcer for growth for national compliance, Liberia’s coastline, culture, forest, biodiversity, and creativity are once again ready to shine on the world stage, awakening the ‘sleeping giant’ for a new era of growth and pride, the Liberian tourism official further asserted.