MICAT Inaugurates First Tourism Information Center at Roberts International Airport

HARBEL — The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) has officially opened its first Tourism Information Center at Roberts International Airport (RIA) as part of the ARREST Agenda aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s tourism sector.

This milestone, the first of its kind under the current Unity Party government, was celebrated with a dedication ceremony on Friday, July 12, 2024, at RIA in Lower Margibi County. The booth, located within the airport terminals, will serve tourists arriving in Liberia by providing essential information about various tourist sites across the country, thereby promoting economic growth.

Deputy Minister for Culture and Tourism, Madam Kadiatu Dibbs Brohiri, officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to making tourism a cornerstone of national development. “When we took over three months ago, MICAT was like a gravesite,” she remarked. “Since then, we’ve been working tirelessly to engage people in innovative plans and projects to rejuvenate the Liberian mindset.”

Madam Brohiri expressed optimism that the tourism sector, a key focus of the Unity Party’s ARREST Agenda, will transition from being a topic of discussion to a tangible contributor to national progress. “People will remember what you do more than what you say,” she stated.

The Deputy Minister outlined future plans for the ministry, including showcasing Liberian cuisine on flights and creating a space at the airport where visitors can enjoy local food. “The opening of this booth is just a baby step,” she said, urging donor partners and international friends of Liberia to support the initiative.

Madam Brohiri also disclosed that a trained team is ready to operate the booth and called on them to be dedicated and passionate in their roles to positively project Liberia’s image. “You are the first and last ambassadors our tourists see. I expect you to put your ‘A’ game on, wear welcoming smiles, and provide excellent service,” she urged.

The collaboration between MICAT, the Liberia Airport Authority (LAA), and the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) was crucial for the project’s success. Port Manager of LAA, Mr. James K. Mulbah, commended the ministry’s efforts, highlighting it as a clear demonstration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision for the tourism sector. He pledged LAA’s ongoing support for the booth’s maintenance and proper representation of Liberia’s image.

Assistant Minister for Tourism, Atty. Dogba K. Norris, Jr., emphasized the need for similar interventions at Liberia’s land border points to ensure a consistent and pleasant experience for all visitors. “We can mitigate bottlenecks and ensure seamless service for tourists traveling through our borders,” he said, stressing the importance of such services for attracting investors.

President of the Liberia National Tourism Association (LINTA), Madam Mai Urey, explained that the project is part of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Center. The booth is a component of a US$500,000 initiative aimed at enhancing Liberia’s tourism through branding and marketing strategies.

The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism has appointed Ms. Stephanie H. Johnson and Ms. Mauma S. Johnson as the first two Tourist Assistants for the new Tourism Information Booth.