INTRODUCTION:

This policy is a code of ethics of the tourism sector in the Republic of Liberia under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICAT). It is drawn from several experiences and important international tourism instruments among which are the code of ethics of World Tourism Organization (WTO); the African Travel Association (ATA); the Organization of African Unity (OAU) – now the African Union (AU); the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); and the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

Liberia has a free enterprise system and an Open Door Policy enjoyed by all foreign partners in progress; hence the Tourism Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism wholeheartedly welcomes tourism ventures in Liberia.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism requires potential and bona fide individuals and investors, wishing to establish and operate tourist entities within the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia, to officially register their intentions with the Bureau of Tourism, in concordance with the guidelines herein outlined.

Individuals, groups or organizations (local or international) engaging or wishing to engage in the establishment and subsequent operation of tourist related activities must adhere to the following code of ethics governing tourism in Liberia.

HELP DEVELOP OUR COUNTRY, PAY YOUR REGISTRATION FEES REGULARLY AND ON TIME

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT US AT: Tourismliberia@micat.gov.lr

Regulation governing the establishment and operation

of tourist entities in Liberia:

The development, promotion and the success of local, national, regional and international tourism depends on mutual understanding, cooperation and coordination amongst the private and public sectors. To ensure cordial, reciprocal and successful working relationships, all establishments and service providers considered tourist entities or agents are expected to govern themselves and fully cooperate with the guidelines of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism as they relate to tourism.

Registration:

All tourist entities operating within the confines of the Republic of Liberia are required by law to register with the Bureau of Tourism, annually, during the first week of January.

Procedure:

Pickup guidelines and a registration form from the Bureau of Tourism/MICAT.

A. Complete the form and return it to the Bureau of Tourism.

B.Inspectors will visit your establishment and verify information.

C. Within two (2) working days you will receive a bill from the Bureau of Tourism/MICAT.

D. Make payment at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL)

 E. Pay amount/check into GOL/MICAT operational account

F. For US Dollar payments, the account number is: 0220630001902

G. For Liberian Dollar equivalent payment, the account number is: 0120630001902

H. Submit copy of your deposit slip to the Bureau of Tourism and obtain your registration certificate.

The Permit constitutes authorization to exercise a tourism related activity within the Republic of Liberia. The permit is subject to annual renewal, upon completion of registration and satisfactory inspection. The permit may be denied for lack of compliance or revoked for breach of guidelines as set forth by the Ministry.

QUALITY ASSURANCE:

All tourists’ establishments operating in Liberia must be registered and certificated by the Bureau of Tourism/MICAT prior to and after being registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Finance. Inspection of tourism entities is done annually, commencing January of each year. Inspection of tourist entities (Bars, Restaurants, Amusements, Recreation Centers, etc.) is continuous for the purpose of ensuring adequate sanitary and security conditions at all times.

Annual Registration Payment Schedule for Tourist Entities

    Entity    Class    Amount in USD

1.    Hotel    1st (Resort/Complex)    $    500.00

2.    Hotel    2nd              $    300.00

3.    Hotel    3rd               $    200.00

4.    Guest House    All    $    100.00

5.    Motel                         $      75.00

6.    Beach    Recreation & Restaurant    $    200.00

        Undeveloped    $      30.00

7.    Casino    Monrovia – Inner City    $5,000.00

        Outskirts – Regional    $1,000.00

8.    Night Club/Disco    All    $   100.00

9.    Entertainment Center/Recreation & Restaurant    $     50.00

10.    Drinking Spot    $     50.00

11.    Restaurant    With or Without Bar    $     50.00

12.       Coffee Shop/Fast Food    $     50.00

13.Local (serving more than 3 Liberian dishes daily)    $     25.00

14. Cook Shop    $     10.00

11.    Airline        $   200.00

12.    Travel Agency/Tour Operator        $   100.00

13.    Transportation    Land/Vehicle Rental    $   150.00

        Rail Service    $     50.00

14. Maritime/Boat    $   300.00

15.    Park & Garden/Zoo        $   100.00

16.    Souvenir/Gift Shop        $     20.00

17.    Tourist Brochure/Publication        $   150.00

TOUR GROUPS:

Any group, individual or organization including tourist operator (local or international) desirous of inviting a group of tourists/investors on excursion should give prior notification of not less than 20 days (approximately three weeks) to the Bureau of Tourism. A profile of those invited should be submitted to the tourism office prior to the group’s arrival in the country. All advance arrangements must be communicated to the local agent or group representative of the tour operator.

TOURISM PUBLICATION:

Publication of tourism brochures, maps, etc by any group or individuals should be officially approved by the Bureau of Tourism and the National Tourist Board of Liberia. Not less than 20 complimentary copies should be submitted to the tourism authorities subsequently.

STAFFING/PERSONNEL:

All Hotels, Motels, Guest Houses, Night Clubs, Bars, Video Clubs, Arts & Craft Centers, Museums, Restaurants, Entertainment Centers, etc., must employ trained, qualified and disciplined staff or personnel at the reception area.

REQUIREMENTS AT ENTRANCES/GENERAL AREAS:

The portrait of the President of the Republic of Liberia shall be exhibited in the lobby, along with the flag and the map of Liberia.

FIRE/SAFETY EQUIPMENT:

All Hotels, Motels, Guest Houses, etc, must install fire extinguisher(s) in the edifice and, where possible, in each room.

PROPRIETY:

It is expected that cleanliness shall be exhibited by such entities at all times.

BEACHES must meet the following requirements:

    Lifeguards

    Cleanliness

    Adequate Sanitary Facilities – Toilet & Shower Room(s)

    Proper Garbage Disposal

    Disciplined Staff

    Regular Security Patrol

    Courteous and Clean Gatekeepers

TOURS/EXCURSIONS shall be supervised by the National Tourism Office

FREELANCE TOUR GUIDES must be registered with the Bureau of Tourism and possess a clearance or certificate. Annual registration fee is LD $3,000.00 (Three Thousand Liberian Dollars - or its equivalent in US Dollars). Violators shall be fined USD $100.00 (One Hundred US Dollars) and the money deposited into government revenues within 48 hours.

PHOTOGRAPHING:

Tourist/visitors are forbidden to take photographs of the below listed facilities and personnel during excursions/tours, except by permission of the authority concerned:

    Executive Mansion

    All Military Installations and Uniformed Personnel

    Active Poro and Sande Bushes, etc

Note:  Failure on the part of any tour guide to have the visitors/tourists informed about the above mentioned requirement prior to the tour shall subject the guide/tour organizer to administrative measures.

PAGEANTS/FESTIVALS:

Program planning and execution for pageants and festivals, including the annual Miss Liberia Beauty Pageant, organized as tourist attraction, must be brought officially to the attention of the Bureau of Tourism and appropriate authorization obtained.

Note: Planner(s) and organization of pageant must forward photographs of the winners to the tourist office. Failure on the part of the organizer to have the Bureau of Tourism officially informed shall result in the suspension of said program and a fine of US $1,000.00 (One Thousand US Dollars) levied against the organizers. All fines shall be deposited into government revenue within 48 hours.

CLASSIFICATION:

Tourist entities are evaluated on quality, staff services, productivity and the physical features of the entity. As a result, an inspection team examines a tourist entity’s unique and distinguished attributes and standards which justify the entity being categorized as first, second or third class.

All first and second class accommodation must possess 85% or all of the following physical features:

    Telephone (both local and international) fax and internet service

    Telephone installed in all rooms

    Bar & Restaurant and dining rooms

    Disco/Casino

    Wall-to-wall carpet in each room

    Laundry services

    Transportation

    Conference room/lobby

    One or two bi-lingual personnel at front desk

    Uniformed front staff

    Parking lot

    Television in each room

    Proper security measures

    Burglary alarm systems installed