High hopes for tourism

 By SHIRLEY MAULUDU

THE tourism industry in Papua New Guinea is expected to thrive despite its limited technology and resources.

Country Tours Ltd managing director Wako Napaso said PNG cultures and traditions, combined with its vast natural beauty, were unique and could not be compared with the rest of the world.

“We may lack in resources and technology, but our people still practice unique cultures and traditions that cannot be found anywhere else, and that is something that will still bring tourists to our shores,” Napaso said.

He said interest in the tourism sector was growing and in time would bring in more spin-off benefits for the local people.

“What the government needs to do is address funding problems and create more awareness using all available local and international mediums.

“I get about 150 tourists every year who are from Europe, the United States, Japan, China and Taiwan,” Napaso said. 

He said the government’s concentration on the mining and petroleum sector, especially the PNG LNG project, would not last.

“We will not live on minerals forever … there will come a time when the minerals would be gone.

“Tourism is sustainable and should be given more resources and attention to help it expand,” Napaso said.

Country Tours Ltd is based in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands. 

The company provides services including trekking and adventure, cultural festivals, shore excursions for cruise ships, scuba diving, airline ticketing and bookings and hotel transfers.