Clear decision needed for tourism

THE PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) wants a clear single decision to be implemented from the national level down to the provincial governments when dealing with the coronavirus.
PNG TPA chief executive officer Jerry Agus made the call following a decision by the East New Britain government to stop tourists aboard the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth II from disembarking for ground tours in Rabaul recently. Agus said there had been a lot of investments in the tourism sector in the province and such decisions without proper consultation with all stakeholders could have a negative impact on the sector.
He said local tourism operators, transport operators and hotels lost business while locals who would benefited directly from sales of arts and craft or through traditional performances all lost out. He said the outbreak of Covid-19 worldwide has meant established international brand cruise companies were all taking necessary steps beforehand to screen and ensure passengers were medically cleared before coming on cruises.
“Carnival Australia which manages Queen Elizabeth II had assured PNG Tourism Promotion Authority that all their passengers originated from Australia and that they had thoroughly followed all processes for medical clearance before boarding the cruise,” he added.
Agus said while relevant government agencies such as the Health Department were taking necessary measures to address the infiltration and spread of Covid-19 in PNG, there had to be much wider and continuous consultation across government and private sector as it affected everyone. “The health of our people and the national interest of our country is paramount, however issues that can be managed must be addressed through wider stakeholder consultations,” he said.
He said PNGTPA was monitoring the Covid-19 outbreak by being in constant daily contact with PNG Tourism offices in Australia, NZ, Japan, North America, UK and Europe.