NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, in his capacity as President of the Liberian Senate, has called on lawmakers to take decisive and practical steps to strengthen Liberia’s tourism sector, beginning with increased budgetary allocations and targeted policy reforms.
Presiding over a Senate session on Thursday, Koung warned that tourism development will remain stagnant without clear planning and sustained financial commitment.
By: Sampson W. Weah sampsonwweah7@mail.com
“Tourism cannot grow on speeches alone,” the Vice President said. “If we are serious about this sector, then the national budget must reflect that commitment. We need deliberate action and sustained investment.”
His remarks were made during a hearing with officials from the Liberia Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who appeared before the Senate to present updates and outline strategies for revitalizing and expanding the country’s tourism industry.
Koung urged the government to maximize existing national assets, specifically highlighting the abandoned Ducor Palace Hotel and Hotel Africa. He noted that both properties continue to deteriorate despite their historic significance and economic potential.
“We already have facilities that can become major tourist attractions,” he stated. “But they cannot be restored without serious funding and credible investors. Government must be prepared to meet investors halfway.”
According to the Vice President, rehabilitating the two landmarks to international standards could require investments exceeding US$100 million, making public-private partnerships critical to the process.
“This is not something government can do alone,” Koung emphasized. “We have to open the door to private partners who are willing to co-invest and develop these properties to global standards.”
He cautioned that without bold and timely decisions, Liberia’s tourism ambitions will continue to lag behind neighboring countries that have successfully transformed tourism into a significant source of revenue and employment.
Beyond hotel restoration, Koung advocated for diversification within the sector, including the development of water-based and boat-ride tourism — experiences he described as globally popular and commercially viable.
“People travel for experiences,” he said. “Boat rides, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism can thrive here, but only if we improve the roads, bridges, and access routes that make these destinations safe and accessible.”
Recognizing that tourism is capital-intensive, the Vice President underscored the need for stronger inter-agency coordination. He specifically called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review Liberia’s visa regime to simplify entry procedures for visitors and investors.
“If people find it difficult to enter Liberia, they will simply choose another destination,” Koung warned. “Our visa process must be simple, modern, and investor-friendly.”
He added that easing visa requirements would not only enhance Liberia’s global image but also make the country more attractive to international tourists and business travelers.
“Tourism can create jobs, generate revenue, and promote our national image,” Koung concluded. “But it will only succeed if we back our plans with funding, policy reforms, and genuine partnerships.”
The Vice President’s remarks signal renewed pressure on lawmakers and government institutions to pursue strategic investments, infrastructure renewal, and policy adjustments aimed at positioning tourism as a key driver of Liberia’s economic growth and national development.
