Inaugural festival a tourism development initiative: Wong

National

THE sacred fire dance, unique to the Baining people of Gazelle, East New Britain, was the highlight of their two-day inaugural Fire Dance Festival over the weekend.
Gazelle MP Jelta Wonga said the festival was a district tourism development initiative that would generate economic and social benefits for the people.
“We, however, need to be very careful about protecting our unique identity here in the Gazelle district,” Wong said.
The festival attracted international tourists and hundreds from around the province and New Guinea Islands region.
Wong hosted a delegation of ministers, governors and members of parliament on the two-day show in the Gaulim ward, Inland Baining local level government.
He thanked Prime Minister James Marape for his intervention with projects in the district and acknowledged National Planning and Monitoring Minister Sam Basil’s presence at the festival.
Wong said through the introduction of responsible tourism practices, the district would ensure that the cultural boundaries remained protected and safe guarded from the negative impacts of the tourism industry.
“We need to embrace and understand the responsible tourism model and implement safety measures when showcasing our unique cultural performances to visitors from all around the world,” he said.
Wong welcomed agents from Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures to the event.
He thanked them for believing in the potential of this product and adding the Fire Dance Festival in their brochures for 2020/21.
Intrepid Travel and Peregrine Adventures collectively send over 3,000 people a week out of Australia. Wong acknowledged tour operator South Sea Horizon for putting in place a successful programme with the assistance of anthropologist Dr Jacob Simet, the Baining community and the Gazelle district administration.