Huge tourism potential

MOROBE has huge potential in tourism but needs the Government, private sector and individuals to develop the industry, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Jerry Agus says.
“This province has the sea, land, mountains, islands and others that can provide all that is needed to grow the industry,” he said.
Agus said the only thing holding back tourism was a lack of effort from different stakeholders.
“We need collective efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders to effectively venture into this industry,” he said.
“Provincial government, local MPs, district and local level government leaders need to work with those that are already in the business and help them.”
Agus said provincial governments needed to take the lead in developing their tourism potential.
“Awareness and training are the two more important aspects that must be given priority to enable effective tourism industry participation at all levels.”
He said the other important area stakeholders needed to take note of was marketing.
“What are the products that we have in store for the attraction of tourists into the province and how are we going to market these to people outside?”
Agus said from Menyamya to Siassi Island and from Morobe Patrol Post to Kabwum, Morobe had all that ws needed to offer tourism opportunities.
He said people could come to see local flora and fauna, hiking, trekking, visiting sacred site, snorkelling, diving and many other interesting experiences.
“You do not need someone with technical know-how to develop the industry. It is something that is at home and people can engage in once support is sought and given,” he said.
Meanwhile, 34 people engaged in tourism business left for a three-week tour and training in China.
Agus said the training was an initiative by the Chinese government to train people who work in different areas of the industry in the country.
“This is the first group and we are looking at sending another 34 people on the same training to see what Chinese people have in store so that these people could then use these experiences here to boost the industry in the country.”