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Liberia Advocates Sustainable Travel at Abuja Conference

A high-level Liberian delegation recently concluded a successful mission to Abuja, Nigeria, where they participated in key discussions shaping the future of African tourism. This proactive engagement underscores Liberia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and positions the country as a leader in eco-conscious travel within the region.

Led by Assistant Minister for Tourism, Atty. Dogba K. Norris, Jr., the delegation attended the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) and a Thematic Conference focused on innovation and social impact in tourism. These events, held from June 11-13, 2025, brought together key stakeholders to address critical issues facing the African tourism sector.

Liberia’s participation in these forums reflects the country’s ambition to play a central role in shaping the future of tourism on the continent. The delegation actively contributed to discussions on sustainable development, technological innovation, and regional collaboration, highlighting Liberia’s commitment to responsible tourism practices.

In a move that underscores Liberia’s holistic approach to tourism, the delegation included a representative from the Forestry Development Authority (FDA). Comfort Sakui, Manager for Ecotourism and Awareness at the FDA, joined Juanita Yiah, Director of the Bureau of Tourism at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), as part of the three-member team. This cross-sector representation highlights Liberia’s recognition of the crucial link between environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism growth.

“The presence of the FDA within the delegation ensures that Liberia presents a unified, environmentally conscious front at these discussions,” stated Assistant Minister Norris. “Our goal is to integrate sustainable resource management with tourism growth, and this forum provided the ideal platform to advance that agenda.”

The Thematic Conference explored the transformative potential of innovation, artificial intelligence (AI), and creative industries in driving social impact and educational outcomes within the tourism sector. These themes align closely with Liberia’s tourism development goals under the African Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), particularly Programs 12 and 13, which emphasize inclusive growth and digital transformation.

Liberia’s engagement in these discussions is expected to strengthen ties with other African nations and open new avenues for capacity building, investment, and knowledge exchange in the tourism sector. The delegation’s participation also positions Liberia to benefit from cutting-edge innovations driving growth in global tourism markets.

The Abuja events provided a valuable platform for Liberia to showcase its commitment to eco-tourism and sustainable development. The delegation highlighted the country’s rich biodiversity, unique cultural heritage, and ongoing efforts to integrate environmental conservation with tourism growth. This proactive approach aims to attract responsible travelers and position Liberia as a premier destination for eco-conscious tourism in West Africa.

The delegation’s focus on community-based tourism resonated strongly with other African nations grappling with similar challenges and opportunities. By sharing best practices and exploring collaborative initiatives, Liberia aims to strengthen regional partnerships and contribute to the sustainable growth of the African tourism sector.

The insights and partnerships gained during the Abuja events will inform Liberia’s policy direction and support the continued development of a resilient and sustainable tourism industry. The delegation’s return to Monrovia marks the beginning of a new chapter in Liberia’s tourism journey, one that prioritizes environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and innovation as key drivers of growth.

For African travel agents, Liberia’s proactive engagement in these regional forums signals a strong commitment to developing a responsible and sustainable tourism sector. The country’s focus on eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and community involvement presents exciting new opportunities for travel professionals seeking to offer authentic and impactful travel experiences in West Africa.