Kokoda tourism needs direction

In a recent article in The National a local tour operator on the Kokoda Trail, the Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions, was featured. The proprietor, Defol Jabbar Orere, must be congratulated for his efforts in promoting tourism.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions have developed its own website to feature not only the products that the operator services but to also reflect other Papua New Guinean-related ventures and promotions.
I believe that the Tourism Promotional Authority (TPA) is failing to effectively assist local operators in terms of marketing and promotions.
For far too long the tourism industry has been dominated by operators based overseas or controlled by non-local operators. It is quite clear that local operators are struggling.
It can be argued that most locals are involved as agents of overseas-based operators and the benefits are limited.
Most of the revenue generated from tourist activities on Kokoda Trail, possibly about 75%, is withheld in overseas countries by the overseas operators and a small proportion ends up in Papua New Guinea for agents, hotels, vehicle hire and porters and guides, guest houses etc. The real profit goes to overseas-based operators.
This year, the Kokoda Track alone should generate an estimated K25 million in the country. This is huge.
It can be argued that the Kokoda Track has a huge potential in terms of its income generating power, but stakeholders from Central and Oro provinces must take ownership.
The stakeholders include politicians, especially the members for Sohe and Kairuku Hiri, and the two governors, landowners, operators, LLGs and governments agencies such as TPA. Only when stakeholders come together collectively and equally participate to develop this industry will we see local operators and people along the track will benefit, along with the national economy.
The current issue of mining along the Kokoda Track must also be seriously addressed by all stakeholders.
The question we can ask ourselves: What are the long term benefits in terms of sustainability not only for income generation but the environment?
Of course mining will bring in K200 million in its 10 year lifespan to a handful of landowners where the mining takes place.
Whereas, tourism will bring in everlasting millions and a sound ecologically sustained environment with the benefits spread across the two provinces – from Sogeri to Kokoda and across areas of the Oro province.
 

Joseph Mokada
Via email