Today, an article was released on www.linkedin.com according to the site, Assistant Min. for Tourism at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism Princess Turkolon has disclosed that Liberia will join other countries around the world to observe the United Nations World Tourism Day on September 27, 2018. The theme of this year’s conference is “Tourism and Digital Transformation”.
The event will be held on the Providence Island and the occasion will also be used to officially re-open the Island to visitors.
The website unveiled that during a brief press conference at the MICAT , which took place Thursday September 6, 2018, Min Turkolon stated that Providence Island, the birthplace of Liberia was originally named Perseverance Island, to indicate that freed slaves who settled there had the determination to find a new home despite all the setbacks they encountered at the Sherbro Island, in the Republic of Sierra Leone.
Furthermore, she said the Island was inaugurated in 1972 as a cultural entertainment and tourist reserve and enjoyed the performances of the National Culture Troupe and all leading Liberian artists. Though there are challenges associated with re-opening.
“We are working to ensure that Liberians and visitors to Liberia will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Island.
Our goal is to restore Providence Island and make it a showcase for entertainment, sporting, cultural and historical tourism.” said Min Turkolon.
The World Tourism Day will be opened to the public from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on September 27th. A special ceremony will be held in the morning with His Excellency President George Manneh Weah as the special guest. The 2020 U.S. Democratic Presidential candidate Roby Wells will serve as the keynote speaker. Entertainment for the day will include the Liberia Movie Union re-enactment of the arrival of settlers on the Island. The Chef Union of Liberia will provide a full line-up of Liberian foods. METS Afrika 4D kids will launch a tourism app live. The 15 counties booths will be erected with cultural activities going on at each booth. There will be canoe competitions, horseback riding, and fun for the entire family. The stage will be live with both cultural and musical performances from Liberia’s best artist and performers. A fashion show will feature some of Liberia’s top fashion designers and models.
According to the site, Min Turkolon stated that the program will also serve as a fundraiser towards renovations and operations of the Island through gate ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities for the World Tourism Day program. Tickets will go on sale starting September 15, 2018, from the Ministry of Information, Tourism office and will also be purchased on the day of the event at the entry points to the Island.
Sponsorships are currently available to businesses and organizations wishing to showcase their products and services to visitors. A great opportunity indeed for food vendors, clothiers, hotels, car rentals, airlines, arts and crafts dealers and more to purchase advertisements and booths. Various sponsorship packages are available by coming to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Tourism office.
The key outcome for this year’s event is the rehabilitation of Providence Island with renovations of damaged buildings, upgrading of the amphitheater, electrification, renovation of historic structures as the steps of return and the 197 years old well.
There’s an over 200 years old cotton tree you may want to someday take a snap next to it.
Comments
