Cruise ship brings hundreds of tourists to Kokopo

MEMBERS of the public in East New Britain have been told to plan their time and movement in Rabaul and Kokopo tomorrow as more than 1300 tourists will be arriving on the cruise liner Pacific Aria.
Rabaul Discovery Tours tour coordinator Tomot Pulung said the cruise liner would arrive in the province as early as 8am with 1337 tourists.
“It is vital for people, especially those who commute to Kokopo and Rabaul towns for work and school, to manage their time well tomorrow and move fast,” he said.
Pulung said public awareness was being conducted at the main markets in Kokopo and Rabaul and on Radio ENB to advise people of the tourists’ arrival.
He said Rabaul Discovery Tours would be taking up to 900 tourists to historical sites in Rabaul and Kokopo.
Pulung said people had been raising concerns about traffic issues during such tours.
“Rabaul Discovery Tours has released 40 buses back on the road. We will only engage 39 of the 15-seater buses on every tour. We have decided to engage seven buses belonging to schools in the province. In a way, we are also helping schools,” he said.
The company has hired 183 casual staff during the tour operation tomorrow.
Two choir groups from Bitavavar and Ratung wards, and three traditional dance groups from Tanaka and Bitapaka wards, will be entertaining the visitors.