Valletta, Malta – April 13, 2026 — Liberia is taking a major step toward transforming its tourism sector after securing a strategic partnership in Malta, one of Europe’s strongest tourism economies.
With a population of just over 520,000 people, Malta attracts more than 4.5 million visitors every year and generates an estimated €3-5 billion in tourism revenue. Tourism contributes roughly 20 percent to the country’s GDP, making Malta one of Europe’s leading examples of how tourism can drive national growth.
Recognizing Malta’s success, the Liberia National Tourism Authority is looking to adapt similar strategies that can help Liberia turn its tourism potential into jobs, revenue, and long-term economic development.
During a recent four-day mission to Malta, Princess Eva Cooper signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Tourism Studies, one of Europe’s leading tourism and hospitality training institutions. The agreement was signed alongside ITS Chief Executive Officer Pierre Fenech.
The agreement is designed to strengthen tourism skills, create employment opportunities, and build institutional capacity in Liberia. Through the partnership, Liberian students and young professionals will gain access to international training, practical work experience, and direct exposure to global hospitality standards in Malta.
Participants will not only study but also work within Malta’s tourism industry, giving them hands-on experience that can later be applied to strengthen Liberia’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
The partnership also opens direct employment pathways through placements with major Maltese hospitality operators, including the AX Group, which owns several hotel and hospitality properties across Malta.
“This is not just an agreement; it is a gateway,” Princess Eva Cooper said. “It creates a direct pathway from Liberia to international opportunity.”
Beyond training and employment, the agreement also includes support for curriculum development, faculty exchanges, and institutional strengthening in Liberia. Discussions are already underway about the possible establishment of a satellite campus of the Institute of Tourism Studies in Liberia, which would provide local access to internationally recognized tourism education.
The Malta mission signals a new direction for Liberia’s tourism sector, one focused on partnerships, skills development, and building a stronger foundation for future growth.
