Aust backs PNG tourism

The Australian government stands ready to take the tourism industry in Papua New Guinea to the next level, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Emil Tammur says.
In an introductory meeting with Tammur  this week, Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis reaffirmed his government’s  willingness to assist tourism projects and programmes in preparation for Apec 2018 and beyond.
Davis said Papua New Guinea had a lot to offer to the world in terms of tourism, arts and culture and suggested direct flight connections with Queensland in Australia where he said a huge market, trekkers in particular, existed.
Both leaders met in parliament and exchanged notes and discussed how they would work together to develop the industry to ensure maximum benefit for the local rural people.
Davis also mentioned that bird-watching had the potential to be explored and marketed internationally.
“Australia remains keen and very supportive of any development programme and projects to promote the tourism, arts and culture of Papua New Guinea. We are good advocates in promoting and selling PNG.”
Tammur said the country needed major tourism infrastructure developments like roads to link tourism spots, particularly in East New Britain where there were hundreds of abandoned World War II Japanese tunnels.