Local firm opens new lodging house in POM

 By PATRICK TALU 

A NATIONALLY owned company has opened up a new lodging facility at the heart of Port Moresby’s Boroko suburb with services similar to those offered by hotels in Port Moresby.

Peai Lodge, a subsidiary of the Yumi Yet Group of Co, is set top offer luxuries rooms at affordable rates for people who could not afford expensive hotels.

Managing director Eke Lama told The National during the opening yesterday that the main idea in setting up the lodging facility was to cater for ordinary people, tourists and locals who are unable to afford expensive hotel rooms in Port Moresby.

“The whole purpose in building this lodge is to help people who cannot afford expensive hotels in Port Moresby while on business or leisure in Port Moresby,” Eke said.

“It is very interesting to note that the current PNG LNG project has attracted more expatriates who occupy most hotels in Port Moresby and pushed away locals who cannot match their affordability.

“We saw the need as well as the opportunity and tapped into the opportunity available,” Lama added.

Lodge manager David Gagma added that the establishment of the lodging facility is in line with national government’s tourism policy under the Tourism Promotion Authority.

“It’s very fitting given the current economic boom driven by the LNG project where it is going to attract many international tourists and locals into Port Moresby.

“We are not only making it cheaper but also looking at making the best among lodges in Port Moresby.

“We have incentives like breakfast and dinner provided from the same package of K260 per night which other hotels and lodge don’t have.

“That make us the best and cheapest lodges in Port Moresby,” Gagma, who is the former general manager Granville Hotel at 6-Mile, said.

The construction of the lodge cost K2.3 million and took 120 days to complete. 

It is fully furnished with 57 self-contained rooms including multi-TV channels, coffee making facilities, fridge and six common rooms.