Deal signed to launch new tourism product

THE Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) have signed an agreement to deliver a new product they hope will attract tourists to the country – geo-tourism.
MRA managing director Philip Samar and TPA chief executive Jerry Agus, signed an agreement on Wednesday to develop the product.
Under the agreement, among other things, the MRA will provide geological maps, atlases and descriptions of significant geological features to promote geo-conservation and the protection of critical landscapes (geo-heritages) and develop geoscience education and communication.
The TPA will provide leadership in building, providing and managing geo-tourism sites, systems and other administrative functions.
The TPA will also take a leading role in the mobilisation of relevant stakeholders such as landowners, local level governments, national government departments, businesses and NGOs, in developing these sites.
Both leaders said they were excited and looking forward to the new venture.
The geo-tourism concept capitalises on the country’s tropical and natural geographical landscapes, including rocks, caves and springs which carry unique historical stories such as origins and formation.
The idea is to survey and identify those distinctive features, research and write about the scientific aspects behind their formation and present them as tourism products.
Besides the concept being an opportunity to earn direct revenue for local communities and villagers in terms of tourism kina, it will be the first for communities to appreciate the science behind how their villages and surrounding environment were formed.