Business leader points out issues affecting tourism industry

LACK of proper infrastructure, poor communication networks, high cost of travel and security are major issues affecting the tourism industry in the country, a business leader said.
David Stein, president of East New Britain (ENB) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said this during a stakeholder’s meeting in Kokopo.
“There are so many things that we need to do,” he said.
“We cannot talk about a robust tourism industry until we get these small things right.
“There are four things that we needed to be working on.
“They are support things.
“They are power, communication, road (infrastructure) maintenance and law-and-order.
“Most of us are suffering because of a downturn in the economy and a lack of focus from the Government in putting money where it should be.
“To get the tourism industry working, we need the tourists here.
“To get tourists here, we need cheaper airfares.
“To do that we need an international airport (in East New Britain) with direct flights.
“The Government needs to cut the taxes on tickets to get some incentives to bring the prices down.”
Stein said tourists needed to be given visas on arrival at Tokua Airport.
He said established tourism operators in the province should be supported by the Government to expand their businesses.