Barter wants govt to invest in tourism

 THE Government investment in the tourism sector is yet to be realised, Madang businessman Sir Peter Barter, pictured, says.

“We read about all the marvelous decisions the Government is making in regard to new airport terminals, airports, tourist hubs, selective lifting of tourist visas for Australians, the injection of K50 million in the tourist industry in the budget.

“But the reality is quite different,” Sir Peter said.  The Government in its 2016 budget allocated K50m to expand on the tourism industry. 

He said Government’s investment in hotels and hospitality industry should be spread to other centres outside Port Moresby.

He said the Government should not forget the rest of the country.

“We are a little tired of reading about more hotels in Port Moresby whereas the number of rooms in Madang far exceed the demand,” he said. 

“Yet there seems to be no control on approving more hotels which is likely to destroy the economics of running hotels and discourage further investment in facilities which is the key to attracting tourism.

“Visitors do not travel to PNG or any other destination to fly in an aircraft, or stay in hotel or lodge. 

“They visit a destination to seek new experiences.  

“PNG is over-endowed with tremendous tourist potential but it lacks the facilities to draw more tourists with the exception of diving, surfing, tourist vehicles, cruise vessels, trekking, good resorts offering various resort facilities.

“We all know what is required.

 “But it is not translating into increased tourist arrivals.

“God gave PNG this potential but it appears that half the Government recognises the potential and the other half does not.”