Govt urged to support local tour operators

 THE Government and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture must support local tour companies in the country, tour operator Charles Kire says.

Kire, who is the chairman of Musa Tours Trekking Co in Northern, said tourism was a sleeping giant the Government really needed to harness it to unleash the huge economic potential in the sector.

“Tourism has the potential to generate a range of economic opportunities including the small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

“It has the potential to create hundreds of employment opportunities and bring in a lot of revenue and foreign currencies which is very beneficial for such a growing economy like PNG.  

“It is very important that the Government create initiatives to encourage tourism business in the country just like the emphasis on SMEs.

Kire said the Government must come up with initiatives to increase resources and capacity for local tours company to be competent in the industry

“Not only the National Government, but provincial, district and local level governments must also make some serious commitment to promote the tourism in the country.

“Tourism does not only generate and create economic opportunities but it also helps us preserve our unique and diverse cultures and the beautiful environment and the unique species of biodiversity.

Kire said he has confidence in the new tourism minister.

“I am confident that the new Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Justin Tkatchenko will bring this industry forward.

He appealed to the minister to support local tour companies who want to participate in the business.