He made the statement Tuesday in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, during the observance of the 37th Anniversary of World Tourism Day, according to a release from the Internal Affairs Ministry.

Tokpa said as the 2017 election year draws closer, when Liberians will once again go to the polls to elect national leaders to steer the affairs of the state, it is absolutely imperative that peace is sustained.

Tokpa said U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), through the UN General Assembly, has declared 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development” and has earmarked least developed countries as their main focus for tourism promotion and incentives.

“This creates an excellent position for Liberia as we possess most, if not all of the qualities that will encourage visitors to our country,” he noted.

He stated, as tourism forecasts Africa’s tourism at 7% by the year 2030, it is contingent upon the Government of Liberia to do all within its limitations to promote the industry.

He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Lenn Eugene Nagbe, for selecting Robertsports, Grand Cape Mount County for the 37th UNWTO celebration.

He hoped that the event is the beginning of the tourism development aspect in Robertsport, and that there’s going to be a lasting footprint to tourism development in the country.

He also commended the Assistant Information Minister for Tourism, Jacqueline Caphart, and her staff, for the hard work to make the program held in Grand Cape Mount County a success.
LINA PR/JMG/JGT/TSS/PTK