Kokoda experience seen as best in the world

By LUKE KAMA
THE Kokoda trekking experience has no equal anywhere else in the world, says retired Australian military officer Major Charlie Lynn.
Lynn, who played a crucial role helping develop Kokoda Track to what it is today, said the potential of the Kokoda experience has no limits.
“Kokoda can become the building block of a wartime tourism industry in Papua New Guinea which is the custodian of the war in the Pacific with markets in the United States, Japan and Australia,” he said.
“In my opinion, based on 21 years of experience in the army which included service in Vietnam, two years with the ANZUK force in Singapore, two years as an exchange instructor with the United States Army, 20 years in Parliament and 27 years trekking across the Kokoda Trail, the Kokoda trekking experience has no equal anywhere in the world.
“I also believe that the local Koiari and Orokaiva villagers along the trail are Papua New Guinea’s most valuable human resource assets.
“They are masters of their environment and the most natural carers one could ever expect to meet.”
Lynn said international corporations such as McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and a myriad of others spent millions to train staff to do what the Koiari and Orokaiva people did naturally with their clients on the trail.
“Many of the 6000 trekkers we have led have climbed Mount Everest, explored the Amazon in South America, trekked to Maccu Piccu in Peru, walked along the Great Wall of China, and done the Camino Trail in Spain.
“But at the end of their Kokoda pilgrimage, they are unanimous in their view that Kokoda is the ultimate experience,” Lynn said.
“According to TripAdvisor, the Kokoda Track is the most popular and most visited tourist destination in Papua New Guinea.