PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah has said during his visit to Manus Province that forestry, agriculture, tourism and fisheries are pillars which can hold the skies of the country together.
Back to his ministry, Minister Namah continued in a video recording that Vanimo and Manus can be promoted first as popular tourism destinations for the country.
He is no non-sense politician. Prior to his statement, he has established the tourism board which comprises of industry leaders and competent individuals.
Another time NCD Governor Powes Parkop and the Minister were flagging the idea for a dedicated police unit for tourism. The National Government, through the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, plans to have 10,000 police personnel by 2030. We hope a tourism police unit can be absorbed in this strategy.
We agree with the good minister on his vision for tourism development in the country to sustain our economy at both macro and micro levels other than gas, oil and minerals. If done seriously, it will break the status quo to new heights. Related news on airlines: https://www.thepngsun.com/call-for-air-niugini-to-follow-fiji-airways/
Given resource constrains, we have to start with Manus and Vanimo first. But it seems unfair too because Kokoda Track, Madang, Alotau, Kavieng, Goroka and Mt Hagen have taken off to become tourism hubs in the country. Madang is still striving to regain its former glory. Recent events in other centers mentioned have thrown mud at their brands but it is never too late. If the National Government can intervene financially in the tourism development, aggressive marketing and promotions is needed for a leap-frog move.
Additionally, Port Moresby is amazing with thousands of tribes speaking 860 plus languages live peacefully and in unity in one city. That is a rare gem which is hardly found around the world. The capital is mini PNG-million different journeys in one destination. The potential is here but western media has portrayed a different narrative about the city which does not reconcile with the realities on the ground. Only those who have been to the city hold good memories of the city.
Regional balance must be struck-either Goroko or Mt Hagen for the Highlands Region, Vanimo or Madang for Momase, Manus, Kokopo or Kavieng for New Guinea Islands and Alotau, Kokoda track or Port Moresby for the Southern Region.
These centres are known for white sandy beaches, kayaking, bird-watching, trekking, boat rides, diving, rich history and traditions, surfing, peace-loving, hospitality, accommodations, shopping, food, festivals and better connectivity with upgraded airports. Read more: https://papuanewguinea.travel/
Countries like Indonesia promotes Bali more than Jakarta. They are our close neighbor. We need to learn from this success. What is the magic here?
Every country around the world has their own internal challenges and bad narratives but they only market and promote the front end. That is something for us to learn from as well. Can we get Censorship Office, NICTA and ICT Department to delete all the negative stories about the country on social media? These one-off narratives do not define the country-we are unique, peaceful and beautiful.
Related story on how to improve connectivity: https://www.thepngsun.com/call-for-air-niugini-to-follow-fiji-airways/
We have to start with four regional ones first. Use the revenue earned from the four to invest further into other four more in stages until we get the whole nation into the equation. The untapped tourism industry in the country is worth more than just a gas or mineral project which has a defined lifespan. It is timeless and sustainable business.