International tourists

I certainly agree with Steven Mond, of Kanma Guest House in Chimbu, who raised his sentiment in relation to the safety of international tourists in the other daily last week. Tourists are very important guests that visit our country annually and as such their safety is of paramount importance.
There has been an increase in the number of backpackers who basically are tourists but unlike those who enjoy the comfort of hotels prefer to travel freely in the recent times into our country.
Most travel solo spending a day or two with ordinary Papua New Guinean families as they move around.
Their purpose is to see, taste and experience real Papua New Guinean life and culture first hand as they mingle with the people.
I hosted an Italian backpacker for two nights over the festive season last year.
Masi, a young Sicilian, entered Vanimo from Jayapura with the aim of touring our country using only land and water transport.
I posted him to Wewak later via Aitape where he would go to Madang and from there travel the Highlands Highway to Mt Hagen before going down to Kikori, eventually reaching Daru.
He made it safely and was very impressed with the hospitality and treatment given to him during his journey, especially by his hosts.
He is now in Australia but said would return anytime.
As nicely put by Mr Mond, if we look after foreign tourists and made them happy they could either return later or recommend our country to their friends who can travel to visit us. The onus is on us as citizens of this country to protect and promote tourism as there are far too many advantages and benefits.

Osbourne Terry Nandali
Vanimo Sec.