The announcement was made Monday in Monrovia by the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), which hailed the reinstatement as a “historic milestone” for the nation’s tourism sector.
Liberia lost its membership 13 years ago due to prolonged non-compliance and inactivity, stemming from unfulfilled obligations to the organization.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has been credited for leading the effort under his ARREST Agenda, which prioritizes tourism as a key driver of inclusive growth and national renewal.
“Tourism has long been Liberia’s sleeping giant,” President Boakai previously said, reaffirming his commitment to unlocking the sector’s potential as a catalyst for job creation and cultural revival.
A central part of this renewed focus was the appointment of Ambassador Christopher Hayes Onanuga as the Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism, tasked with advancing tourism promotion alongside the Ministry of Information.
The administration also established the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) through the passage of the LNTA Act of 2025, creating a dedicated agency to lead the development of tourism and creative industries in the country.
Director General-Designate Ms. Princess Eva Cooper and Deputy Director General-Designate Atty. Dogba K. Norris moved swiftly upon their appointments to prioritize the reinstatement of Liberia’s UN Tourism membership.
According to the LNTA, Liberia’s return to full membership followed two weeks of intensive dialogue, document reviews, and diplomatic exchanges, culminating in a proposed ten-year payment plan to settle outstanding dues.
The UN Tourism Secretariat welcomed Liberia’s proactive engagement and restored the country’s full membership rights, including voting privileges, pending final approval by the General Assembly.
“This achievement is a testament to President Boakai’s vision to reposition tourism as a national priority,” said Director General Cooper, describing the reinstatement as a “defining moment” in Liberia’s tourism journey.
Full membership grants Liberia access to numerous benefits, including participation in global tourism policymaking, technical assistance in destination marketing, and eligibility for development grants.
Liberian tourism professionals will also gain opportunities for international training, workshops, and knowledge exchange through UN Tourism’s capacity-building programs.
With its rich coastline, diverse culture, lush forests, and remarkable biodiversity, Liberia now seeks to showcase its brand as the “Land of Amazing Discoveries”, signaling the awakening of the nation’s sleeping giant and the dawn of a new era in tourism development.
