With the objective of positioning itself as a major surfing destination in the world, the West African nation Liberia will host its first-ever Africa Tour surfing competition in May.

The West African nation of Liberia, that has emerged as one of top 10 surfing destinations in the world, is seeking to reinforce its position by hosting Africa Tour: Surf to Rise, an international surfing competition.

According to a press statement by Liberian Surfing Association, the competition, scheduled to take place in West Africa for the first time, will be held in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County from May 23-28, with over 100 persons, including 60 international athletes participating in the competition.

The press statement adds that this initiative is a significant moment for Liberia’s tourism sector, which aims to rebrand the country and attract visitors from around the world. It also comes as the Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Senior, prepares to submit the Tourism Bill to the Legislature as part of his legislative agenda.

As part of the transformative agenda outlined in the Agriculture Roads, Rule of Law, Education Sanitation, and Tourism (ARREST) Agenda, the President has reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to harnessing its natural assets for sustainable development.

The statement adds that Boakai emphasised the significance of this event in showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and untapped potential in the realm of tourism. He stated that this event presents an unparalleled opportunity for Liberia to be showcased on the international stage. By harnessing the power of the country’s coastline and embracing initiatives that promote adventure tourism, Liberia can usher in a new era of prosperity, he added.

The Liberia Surfing Association is organising the event under the leadership of its President Naquetta Ricks, in collaboration with the Hesta Baker, CEO, Unchain Africa, a tourism marketing company, and Dr Clarice Ford-Kulah, CEO, Providence Preservation Foundation, a Liberian NGO.

The statement adds that Robertsport has been the destination for annual surfing competitions among Liberian surfers only and continues to remain the biggest surfing event in Liberia that showcases huge and untapped touristic potential and seeks international tourist attractions organized by Liberia Surfing Association (LSA).

According to Ricks, the African surfing industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and Liberia’s participation in this event will drive the development of the country’s surfers, and sportsmanship, and promote the spirit of healthy competition.