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PX operating within limits
I REFER to the spate of letters in recent weeks about the difficulties
caused by Air Niugini’s flight disruptions.
There is no question that these disruptions have caused a lot of frustration
and loss of business for many, including Air Niugini.
What is consistently overlooked, however, is the fact that Air Niugini can
only operate within the limited resources available – those resources being
a small fleet of aircraft.
Where one becomes unserviceable, another aircraft destined for elsewhere is
redirected. And with such a small fleet from which to choose, inevitably
there will be flight delays and cancellations. Everybody is affected by
these circumstances, including Air Niugini.
To use these recent events as a basis for suggesting that Air Niugini has
done little to promote tourism is to be seriously mistaken.
The support and sponsorship from the national airline towards domestic and
international marketing activities over a period of 30 years has been
enormous, and those who have been in tourism for this length of time will
know this to be true.
The level of Air Niugini’s considerable support needs no explanation. No
other airline in or out of this country has worked as closely with the
tourism industry as has Air Niugini.
It can be argued that without this support over many years, we would not
have a tourism industry to the extent that it now exists.
Naturally, there have been difficult times, but within the airline’s
resources and those of the tourism industry, we have always found a way
through.
As an industry body, the PNG Divers Association (PNGDA) is fortunate to have
a strong working relationship with Air Niugini. Establishing the means for
ongoing constructive debate has been beneficial to both PNGDA and Air
Niugini.
The alternative is not an option and would only serve to damage all our
efforts to promote PNG as a dive tourism destination.
Yet what is even more damaging is the impact which negative opinions
expressed in the public domain has on real and potential visitors.
In this age of online media, it is extraordinary how little consideration is
given to the speed with which public opinions are accessed worldwide, but
more importantly, how influential they may be as a determining factor to
visit this country.
So while freedom of expression may be exercised, consider for a moment that
these comments may have more of a negative impact on potential visitors and
therefore on promoting tourism, than be of help to achieve a positive
outcome.
There are more effective channels to voice such concerns. Try direct
communication.
The recent announcement that Air Niugini will upgrade the fleet by next
month is welcome news indeed, a move we understand that has been planned for
some time.
An additional three aircraft to service international and domestic routes is
a strong and positive indication that our national carrier is here for the
long haul.
Max Benjamin
President PNGDA
Port Moresby |
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