Chamber will promote tourism

 THE Chamber of Commerce and Industry in East New Britain plans to form an association, an officer says.

 Chamber vice-president James Wong said the aim of the proposed association would be to tap into and promote tourism in the province.

He called on all stakeholders in the tourism industry to attend a meeting next Tuesday to discuss the plan.

“Air Niugini and the provincial authorities have informed the province of what they are planning to do for tourism in the province regarding the subsidised international direct flights to Cairns from Tokua,” he said.

“But really it is up to the people of ENB if they want to do something to boost tourism.”

He said people must realise that the prices of cash crops like cocoa, copra and balsa, were gradually decreasing and tourism could be an alternative revenue-earner for them.

He said the province should develop the tourism industry.

“Tourism is not just about the big hotels and resorts but also in the villages and remote areas,” Wong said.

“People in the villages need to start thinking on how best they can benefit from tourism in ENB,” he said.

Wong met the managing directors of major hotels in the province, including Gazelle International, Kokopo Village Resort and Kokopo Beach Bungalows, who came up with the initiative. 

He said those who were interested should register by Friday for the meeting next week at the Gazelle International Hotel.