By COLIN TAIMBARI
MILNE Bay province is slowly but surely gaining popularity as a tourism destination. The quiet and tranquil township of Alotau situated on the water's edge deep in Sanderson Bay could be the next big tourism stop for PNG if Governor Jon Luc Critten realizes his dream for a K10 million waterfront development which once completed will be the envy of PNG's other maritime provinces as well as our Pacific neighbours.
Luc's dream coupled with the undying commitment and determination of local tourism industry partners, local communities and business houses could see Milne Bay on the global tourism map sooner rather than later.
For the moment though, it might just not have that touristy feel about it. At least, that'd probably be the case for a Joe or Jane traveling for business or just visiting family and friends - it's just another little town of PNG. However, for the bona-fide tourist having traveled half way round the world for the diving which Milne Bay is fast gaining international recognition for or for its colourful and exciting cultures, it's definitely different.
Each second that ticks off that 30 minute drive from Gurney Airport to Alotau, is a continuous build up of thrill knowing you're almost there to experience what you've sacrificed your time and money for.
In fact, if you look closely behind the scenes, there are some very interesting developments quietly taking place which suggest that this special place has the appeal for tourists and is rearing to go, even become better than Rabaul, Madang and Mount Hagen who have for so long being the lead tourism destinations for PNG.
Local Alotau MP and Minister for Culture & Tourism Charles Abel accompanied Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Peter Vincent and National Cultural Commission executive director Dr Jacob Simet were impressed with the newly constructed Driftwood Boutique Resort nestled amid the forest of King Point by the waters' edge near Alotau. Built to accommodate mainly for tourists with a heart for sport fishing, the resort offers exclusive accommodation in five Cape Cod style bungalows, each featuring beautiful rosewood (commonly found in the forests around Milne Bay) with their own private decks above the water. Another exciting new resort development for Milne Bay is the Island Adventures on the East Coast. It's an idle location for family picnics with tours on their glass bottom boats to nearby coral reefs and islands. Mr Vincent and Dr Simet also had the opportunity to visit village based bungalow accommodations and the now established Tawali Resort towards East Cape which is gaining popularity in the American market for its diving.
Education Milne Bay is another interesting setup with facilities mainly for school excursions and modern conference facilities housed in a beautifully crafted wooden complex.
Driftwood Resort, Island Adventures and the village bungalows were being completed just in time for the major South Pacific environmental workshop hosted over the past week in Alotau.
These new and exciting developments coincided perfectly with the launch of the Milne Bay Province 5 Year Tourism Plan by Mr Abel who formally handed over the plan to Governor Luc and his provincial administration to take ownership and drive forward.
Governor Luc who has spent more than 20 years plying the waters of Milne Bay carving out a niche market in the lucrative beach de mar trade knows the waters here like no other. He is adamant that for his province to progress, the marine and port facilities should be developed with tourism as a key component for economic growth in Milne Bay.
"Sanderson Bay once developed and you have 100 boats moored there, in itself will be unique in PNG, you will not see anything like that anywhere so that in itself will be a tourism attraction," he announced.
"Unlike Lae, Madang or Wewak, we do not have the industry so for us tourism will be our key for the future. At the same time, for me, the biggest road in Milne Bay is the seam and the advantage with that road is that it does not need maintenance," he added.
Once developed it will be world class standard and will accommodate local boats, passenger vessels, overseas yachts and cruise ships. It will not only be safe for all boats under any weather, the waterfront will have added attractions such as transit houses and night markets. Many small to medium luxury cruise ships from Australia carrying between 30 and 70 tourists have already use Alotau as a gateway from Cairns cruising the majestic D'Entrecasteaux islands then to Tufi onto Jaquinot Bay and Duke of York Islands, Rabaul and further on to the pristine waters and white sandy beaches of New Hanover and onto Kavieng.
In launching the Milne Bay Province Tourism Plan, Minister Abel said once Gurney Airport starts receiving direct international flights either at the end of this year or early next year, tourism should be well on the way forward for the province. However, he cautioned the industry and resource owners to be prepared and ready for the influx of tourists in terms of the quality of services and hospitality to be offered to our visitors.
"Let me commend the national government and the TPA in nominating Milne Bay as a model tourism province, I am convinced the government and people of Milne Bay including our tourism sector partners will not let the decision go to waste," he said.
He went on to stress the need to safeguard our environment as a major step towards achieving sustainable economic growth given the demands of an ever increasing population. All forms of development must be underpinned by the preservation of our cultures and more importantly the environment.
"I want the government to recognize that our forest, waters and reefs grown in value everyday as they become rare in the world. We want to build an economy that is export driven, sustainable and environmentally responsible and tourism can provide that answer here in Milne Bay and PNG," he added.
Milne Bay Tourism Board chairperson and proprietor of Napatana Lodge Gretta Todurawai concurred saying Milne Bay has world class reefs and pristine rainforest and it is a very important plan that should guide the development of tourism over the next 5 years and beyond.
She said the plan will go hand in hand with conservation to protect this unique flora and fauna and the culture we have and to foster a respect for it through tourism. "It's been a joint effort through the community, industry and government; we've all worked on the plan and we are all proud of it because it's quite unique and cannot be implemented unless the tourism bureau is supported with infrastructure and money," she said.
She says the industry in Milne Bay is working very hard to develop tourism as an industry; they have a small fundraising group, which is very successful in raising funds to target Cairns and Brisbane for marketing. With the assistance of TPA, they have also developed a brochure for destination marketing and are currently working on a website called VisitMilneBay.Com which will be launched soon; A television advert is also being produced for showing in Australia and her industry will now be represented in all the travel shows in the world.
The tourism industry and local community in Milne Bay is also excited about the 4th National Canoe Festival to be held from November 2-4, 2007. This year's event will have an international touch with a canoe team from Hawaii.

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