Monrovia, Liberia – In response to growing complaints from stakeholders in the tourism and creative industries, President Joseph Boakai has ordered the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) to suspend the implementation of its newly announced pricing structure.
The President’s order, which was issued in response to mounting sector concerns, calls for additional analysis and engagement to make sure that any new charge structure is in line with Liberia’s tourism development objectives without placing an excessive amount of financial strain on operators.
Hoteliers, restaurant owners, beach operators, and creative professionals engaged in intense debate over the proposed levies, which were originally slated to go into effect in April 2026. Many of them characterised the policy as hurried and possibly redundant given already-existing regulatory frameworks.
A wide range of companies and people would have been subject to additional yearly license fees under the idea, including lodging facilities, entertainment venues, transportation companies, and artists like musicians, actors, dancers, and content creators.
The goal of the fee structure, which was approved by Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan and signed by LNTA Director General Princess E. Cooper, was to standardise revenue collection throughout the hotel, entertainment, cultural, and creative sectors.
Critics countered that the additional taxes ran the risk of overtaxing already struggling companies and clashing with other government-imposed fees.
Many see President Boakai’s intervention as a first step toward recalibrating the strategy by engaging more stakeholders. According to the authorities, the LNTA will now hold more discussions and is anticipated to offer recommendations for potential changes to the pricing schedule.
The action demonstrates the administration’s declared commitment to promoting an environment that is more conducive to the expansion of tourism while striking a balance between regulatory control and the viability of private sector players.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
