Liberia Welcomes National Geographic Explorer Cruise Ship
Monrovia – Liberia hosted 140 international guests on board the prestigious National Geographic Explorer Cruise Liner docked in Monrovia’s main port for a visit to the Capital city.It is the ships second visit to Liberia. The stop-over is part of a 33-night cultural voyage from South Africa to Morocco.
This visit was the National Geographic Explorer cruise liner’s second visit to Liberia. The new ensemble of guests were once again made up of distinguished historians, scientists, naturalists and cultural experts who were hosted on their visit by local tour company Barefoot Liberia, who specialise in Liberian travel experiences.
The guests were welcomed by guest speaker and prominent Liberian business man, Chid Liberty who shared with the guests his views on the rising success of social enterprises in Liberia and Africa. As well, US Ambassador to Liberia, Deborah Malac, welcomed the mostly American tourists to Liberia.
The tourists were led on a tour of the city by Barefoot Liberia’s local guides before embarking on the next leg of their journey to Sierra Leone.
The ships first visit to Liberia last year marked a historical moment as the largest group of tourist to visit Liberia at one time, and only the second cruise liner to dock and visit the city since the late 1970s according to records from the Freeport and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. The ship’s return demonstrates the huge success for Liberia and its continued growing peace and stability as Liberia becomes a true tourist destination.
Co Founder of Barefoot Liberia, Seanan Denizot who organised the whole itinerary for their stay in the city says, “The company’s mission is to give Liberians a platform on which is to promote an alternative image of Liberia and West Africa, furthering the regions increasing stability, growing business industries, and of course its incredible landscape and rich history.”
She continues. “this ship’s visit is an incredible opportunity for Liberia to share with the world it’s hospitality and beauty. We are grateful to the admiration of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism and the National Port Authority for their assistance in making this a huge success once again. ”
Tourism is becoming a growing industry in Liberia, as the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism currently estimates over 700 tourist visiting Liberia since January 2013 alone.
Barefoot Liberia is excited to be part of this impact that could help bring many more tourist dollars into the country and they hope that the National Geographic’s second visit will encourage more travellers to visit this extraordinary country.
To find out more about Barefoot Liberia visit their web page at www.barefootliberia.com or find them on Facebook.
Source: http://www.theinquirer.com.lr/
