Hosting of UN forum proof Pom investment paying off

PORT Moresby will host the United Nations Asia Pacific Business Forum (APBF) in April next year, which will see regional business leaders come into the country.
This shows how infrastructural investments in recent years have raised the city’s profile and attracting in international events and visitors, says Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Rio Fiocco, pictured.
“There is already one big international event being planned for April next year, which is the United Nations Asia Pacific Business Forum (APBF), which goes to show that we will be able to attract big international meetings and visitors who attend them,” he said.
“This is actually going to be held in the APEC Haus and will have leading businesses from the region coming to PNG.”
Fiocco was commenting on views from Independent Consumer and Competition Commission on how hotel operators were charging too much for rooms.
He didn’t agree, saying the issue of pricing should be corrected by market forces of supply and demand.
“The Port Moresby market right now is very well served,” Fiocco said.
“Soon we will have the iconic Hilton Hotel opened.
“That will mean having a number of five-star hotels in Port Moresby.
“As well, there a lot of hotels that are in the four and three-star range.
“The Hilton, once completed, will compete with the Stanley and Grand Papua and that’s a good thing for the consumer.
“The convention centre at the Hilton, and of course the International Convention Centre, means that Port Moresby can now host global events.
“In all, it should lead to a boost in visitor numbers and make it more affordable for visitors and tourists to be coming here in the future.”