Alotau ‘exciting’ destination

Milne Bay is an exciting and developed tourism destination that is ready to be sold, Tourism Minister Tobias Kulang says.
Speaking in Alotau to promote a government policy known as Tourism Zone Support Initiative (TZSI), Kulang said: “The township of Alotau as an entry port has very good airport and sea port terminals, international standard hotels, stable law and order, excellent road infrastructure and other essential utilities.
“The people and communities have also developed a consciousness about tourism and that is important for the growth of tourism.
“To guide the implementation of the TZSI, a provincial tourism development master plan is required to be developed and I encourage the provincial government through the chairmanship of Napoleon Liosi to provide leadership to work with the four districts of the province and industry members to produce the plan.”
The TZSI policy focuses on the development and promotion of strategic tourism hubs around the country to grow the tourism industry.
These hubs include Kokopo and Rabual in East New Britain, Alotau in Milne Bay and Mt Hagen in Western Highlands.
Kulang said Madang would also be included in the programme to achieve regional balance and in recognition of the developed stage of the industry in the Mamose region.
He commended the efforts of line agencies including PNG Ports Corporation, National Airports Corporation, Immigration, Customs, National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) and others for supporting the efforts of Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA).
Kulang thanked World Bank officials for accompanying him.