Liberia Takes Center Stage at UN Tourism Assembly in Saudi Arabia, Joining Global Dialogue on Sustainable Travel
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a significant move for West African tourism development, Liberia has joined representatives from more than 160 nations at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly currently underway in Saudi Arabia’s capital. The high-stakes gathering brings together tourism ministers, senior government officials, and private sector leaders to chart a course for international cooperation in building sustainable tourism economies.
Liberia’s delegation is spearheaded by Presidential Special Envoy on Tourism, Ambassador Christopher Hayes-Onanuga, alongside Ministry of Information Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah. Their presence signals Liberia’s commitment to positioning itself within the global tourism landscape and learning from international best practices.
The landmark event, celebrating UN Tourism’s 50th anniversary under the forward-looking theme “AI-Powered Tourism: Redefining the Future,” is jointly hosted by the United Nations and the Government of Saudi Arabia. This convergence of global tourism leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the industry, which continues to rebuild and reimagine itself in a post-pandemic world.
During opening ceremonies, Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb emphasized tourism’s transformative potential, noting how the sector remains “a major driver of jobs, business growth, and cultural connection” under the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. His comments resonated with many developing nations seeking to leverage tourism for economic advancement.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili described the assembly as a “milestone opportunity to make tourism a force for sustainability, opportunity, and shared prosperity.” The statement underscores the organization’s renewed focus on ensuring tourism benefits extend beyond traditional destinations to emerging markets like Liberia.
For Liberia, participation in this global forum represents more than just diplomatic engagement—it’s a strategic move to absorb knowledge about integrating artificial intelligence into tourism development while building partnerships that could help unlock the country’s considerable tourism potential, from its pristine beaches to its rich cultural heritage.
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