Hotel expands to meet demand

By MICHAEL LAI
YASKOM Resort Hotel along beautiful Lake Sirunki in Enga has expanded its guest facilities to meet the growing tourist demand, managing director Yalson Nick Kome says.
The hotel has opened a large balcony wing towards Lake Sirunki, providing more space for conferences, more rooms and bird-watching facilities.
Kome said Yaskom Resort Hotel had something for everyone – from the prime minister to local and international tourists.
He said they had hosted Prime Minister Peter O’Neill twice in 2013 and 2016, ambassadors and high commissioners, ministers, departmental heads, tourists and mine employees of Porgera.
The new facilities were opened by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas last Friday with a pledge to continue supporting tourism in the province.
Sir Peter said he was looking at developing tourism in Enga because it had the potential to drive the local economy.
He said his government would promote Kumul Lodge in the eastern end between at the border of Western Highlands and Enga and Yaskom Resort.
Kome said the balcony was an ideal place to sit and view forests and sunsets around the lake.
He said the lodge was started by his father in 1991 with the aim of developing one of the most-peaceful and enjoyable tourist destinations in Enga.
“The community is peaceful and welcoming,” Kome said.
“That interests me more to invest.
“In return, I also supporting the community through churches, peace negotiation, sports and others.”
Previously known as Sirunki Lodge, Yaskom Resort is situated along the road to Porgera.
The province is famous for the Sili Muli dancers, bird watching, bush trekking, traditional salt extraction, and lakes like Ipae and Sirunki.