Tourism in Liberia

Tourism forms a small part of the national economy of Liberia. In the past, many tourists visited Liberia, mostly from the United States. Liberia's economy, including the tourist industry, was badly damaged by 1989-2003 civil war in the country, and has only just started picking up with the launching of a Tourism Association in the country. Accommodation is now available to tourists, as is Liberia's transport infrastructure.^[1][2] One bright spot is surfing off Robertsport.^[3]

In 2024, the Government of Liberia established the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) following the passage of the Liberia National Tourism Act. The Authority serves as the principal government body responsible for the regulation, promotion, and development of tourism in Liberia, with a mandate to position tourism as a contributor to economic diversification, employment generation, and cultural preservation.^[4]

The LNTA consolidates tourism-related functions that were previously administered by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), creating a dedicated statutory institution to oversee tourism planning, standards, and international engagement. According to government officials, the Authority is intended to strengthen policy coordination, attract investment, and support the sustainable development of Liberia’s tourism sector.^[5]

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai appointed Princess Eva Cooper as Director General of the Authority. In 2024, Liberia also regained membership in the United Nations World Tourism Organization after a 13-year absence, a development officials described as an important step toward reintegrating the country into global tourism cooperation frameworks.^[6]

Ecotourism in Liberia is focused on visitor engagement with the country’s natural landscapes, including rainforests, protected areas, wetlands, and coastal environments. Attractions such as Sapo National Park, East Nimba Nature Reserve and other forest and wetland areas are promoted for nature-based activities including wildlife observation, sightseeing, and guided exploration.^[7]

Liberia’s protected areas form the core of its nature-based tourism. Sapo National Park, the country’s largest national park, is the most frequently cited destination for ecotourism. Visitors to the park engage in guided activities such as rainforest walks and wildlife observation, subject to permit and management requirements. Tourism promotion materials highlight the park’s intact rainforest landscape and its role as a destination for nature-focused travel.^[8]

Other natural attractions promoted for tourism include forest reserves, coastal lagoons, and wetland areas, which are marketed for sightseeing, photography, and recreational exploration. These sites are commonly featured in national tourism promotion as part of Liberia’s broader nature tourism portfolio.^[9]

Birdwatching is promoted as a niche tourism activity within Liberia’s ecotourism sector. The country’s forest, wetland, and coastal habitats support a wide range of bird species, and organized birdwatching tours are conducted in selected locations. Tourism authorities and travel operators market birdwatching as a specialized experience for visitors interested in wildlife observation and nature photography.^[10]

Wildlife-focused tourism in Liberia generally emphasizes guided and structured experiences, with visitors accompanied by trained guides. These activities are commonly promoted as low-impact tourism experiences.

Some ecotourism activities in Liberia are organized through community-based tourism initiatives, particularly in areas surrounding protected forests. These initiatives provide accommodation and guiding services for visitors while involving local residents in tourism operations. Tourism stakeholders have identified community participation as a means of supporting local economies and enhancing visitor engagement with natural and cultural environments.^[11]

International development initiatives have supported the use of ecotourism as a tool for conservation and community-based tourism in Liberia. The USAID-funded Liberia Conservation Works program incorporated ecotourism into protected area planning through guide training, visitor service development, and community tourism business planning in sites including East Nimba Nature Reserve, Sapo National Park, and the Marshall Wetlands.^[12]

Tourist attractions in Liberia are largely centered on natural landscapes, historical sites, and coastal environments. Tourism promotion emphasizes the country’s rainforests, beaches, wildlife areas, and heritage locations as destinations for nature-based, cultural, and leisure travel.

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Liberia.