ENB operators target tourism boost

TOUR operators in East New Britain (ENB) last week met to discuss ways to improve tourism activities in the province.
The meeting was organised by the Rabaul Historical Society, PNG Tour Guide and Rabaul Discovery Tours with the support of the ENB Tourism Authority and the Rabaul district administration.
The purpose was to identify issues faced during the visit by a cruise ship on Feb 19 and how improve tour operations.
PNG Tour Guide owner Dominic Tulo thanked the tour operators and all who ensured that the P&O cruise ship visit was a success.
He pointed out that the visit was to determine whether Rabaul port would be included in the cruise ship’s itinerary.
Tulo said that although the overall outcome was positive, there were still some grey areas which must be improved on.
They include non-compliance of ground or traffic rules by some tour operators, traffic jam on several sites and private groups or individuals charging site fees which was already included in the tour package.
Rabaul Hotel owner Susie McGrade suggested involving youths and training them to be certified tour guides.
Rabaul deputy district administrator John Matava said the administration, through its community development sector, was preparing to carry out a series of life-skills training.