29 Jan Interview with Mr. Wael Hariz, Managing Director of Royal Grand Hotel, Liberia
What inspired the creation of the Royal Grand Hotel, and how has it contributed to shaping Liberia’s tourism and hospitality sector?
When we started in 2002, Liberia was emerging from conflict and tourism was virtually nonexistent. Most visitors were UN staff, NGOs, and people involved in reconstruction. Since then, ecotourism has grown, new resorts have opened, and the government has created a dedicated tourism authority. The diaspora continues to promote the country, but tourism growth still depends on improving infrastructure, business processes, and visitor services.
Our family has operated in Liberia for over 50 years. We opened the Royal Hotel in 2002 as a symbol of renewal and one of Monrovia’s first modern business hotels. In 2013, we expanded with the Royal Grand Hotel, raising service standards, introducing modern amenities, and proving that Liberia can deliver both comfort and authentic hospitality. Our contribution has been to set a higher benchmark and help shape Monrovia into a credible destination for international travelers.
How does the Royal Grand Hotel attract both domestic and international travelers, and what unique experiences does it offer to guests?
Our guests include business travelers, diplomats, NGOs, investors, and Liberians hosting major events. We attract them through a mix of world-class amenities and personalized service: secure luxury lodging, international cuisine with a strong culinary reputation, and a concierge service that supports visas, airport transfers, and city orientation. Our goal is a seamless stay that blends global standards with Liberian warmth.
For first-time visitors, safety and smooth logistics are essential. We specialize in secure airport reception, transfers, and efficient check-ins. As many destinations in Liberia are still developing for international tourism, we partner with trusted operators to provide reliable city tours, national park visits, and beach trips so guests can explore Liberia with confidence.
How does the Royal Grand Hotel ensure world-class service while promoting Liberian culture and heritage to visitors?
We pair service excellence with authenticity. We invest heavily in training Liberian staff to deliver international-standard hospitality while embedding local culture throughout the hotel. We source from Liberian suppliers, display and sell works by Liberian artists, play local music, and feature a Liberian dish in our daily buffet at Café Royale. Guests enjoy global comfort but leave with a true sense of Liberia’s creativity and warmth.
How does the Royal Grand Hotel cater to corporate clients, events, and international delegations visiting Liberia?
We have positioned the hotel as a business and diplomatic hub, offering conference rooms, banquet halls, high-speed connectivity, and full event support. Our location in Sinkor—the heart of Monrovia’s business and diplomatic activity—makes us a natural choice for delegations, NGOs, and investors.
The USAID shutdown reduced occupancy by nearly 30%, but it pushed us to deepen local engagement. We expanded our training and apprenticeship programs launched with local schools over a decade ago; today nearly 30% of our staff are graduates. One employee who began as a casual worker in 2009 now leads our solid-section kitchen team, showing how training can transform local talent.
Rising work-permit costs have strengthened our commitment to a fully Liberian workforce, many of whom now lead key departments. Strong private-sector partnerships are essential: government initiatives often end without follow-through, as we saw in a USAID agriculture program supporting 26 farmers. We still work with one of them today. With consistent collaboration, sectors like tourism and agriculture can achieve far greater impact.
How does the Royal Grand Hotel support local suppliers, employ Liberians, and contribute to community development?
We are deeply committed to community development. From 32 employees in 2002, we now have over 120 staff – most of them Liberians. Our apprenticeship program prepares high-school students for hospitality careers, and many graduates now work with us in full-time roles. We also support education and health initiatives, including upgrades at Tubman Vocational School and assistance to schools and medical centers in Monrovia. Community development is a core part of our mission.
How does the Royal Grand Hotel collaborate with the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, travel agencies, and international partners to boost Liberia’s profile globally?
We work closely with the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, the National Investment Commission, and local travel agencies to promote Liberia. Internationally, long-standing connections—such as Brussels Airlines, which links Liberia directly to Europe—have strengthened our reach. Through these collaborations, we contribute to positioning Liberia as a promising destination for tourism and investment.
What makes the Royal Grand Hotel a must-visit destination, and how does the property contribute to promoting Liberia’s tourism sector?
The Royal Grand Hotel is more than a hotel; it is a gateway to Liberia. Investors benefit from luxury accommodations, reliable services, and the connectivity needed for productive visits. Tourists enjoy a safe and comfortable base from which to explore Liberia’s beaches, rainforests, and eco-tourism attractions. Our location also provides direct access to Liberia’s business and diplomatic community, making every stay both enriching and meaningful.
Looking ahead, what is the long-term vision for the Royal Grand Hotel, and how do you see the property contributing to the growth of Liberia’s economic development over the next decade?
Our vision is to expand and elevate Liberia’s hospitality landscape. We are investing in additional rooms, larger conference facilities, a new rooftop restaurant, and upgraded gym and spa services. Beyond infrastructure, our focus is on positioning Monrovia as a hub for eco-tourism and business tourism in West Africa. Over the next decade, we aim for the Royal Grand Hotel to remain a pillar of Liberia’s economic growth and international visibility.
What is your final message for our readers of USA Today?
Liberia is ready for investment and development, even as it navigates early-stage challenges. At the Royal Grand Hotel, we offer the connections, guidance, and local insight investors need to explore opportunities in tourism, agriculture, and carbon credits.
Liberia is a nation of resilience, rich culture, and immense opportunity. The Royal Grand Hotel stands as a symbol of progress and a committed partner in the country’s future. To international investors and travelers, I say: Come to Liberia, discover its beauty, engage with its people, and let us be your home while you do so.
The recent USAID cuts—nearly US$300 million—have created real short-term pressures on the economy, affecting hotels and local suppliers. But we see this moment as an opportunity to strengthen domestic growth, attract new partners, and demonstrate the critical role of the private sector in building a sustainable future.