Luxury ship to visit islands

 THE people of Kitava Island and mainland Kiriwina, in Milne Bay, are preparing to welcome the arrival of the 14-deck luxury cruise liner Pacific Dawn.

The cruise liner can carry 2,000 passengers and 700 crew members. It is 811 metres tall, 245 metres long and weighs 70,285 tonnes.

The cruise liner is expected to boost tourism in the province. Both wharves on Trobriand Island are nearing completion.

Former Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough Jack Cameron said work on the two wharves was done by Nawae Constructions.

Trobriand Island paramount chief Daniel Pulayasi said the people of Kiriwina Island were ready to show off their cultural talents. Pulayasi called on the people to show respect for the visitors. 

He thanked the Papua New Guinea  Tourism Promotion Authority, Milne Bay Tourism Bureau, Milne Bay provincial government and the Government for allowing the cruise liner to visit Trobriand Island. 

PNG Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Peter Vincent said the cruise ship would bring in a lot of benefits to the community.

He said it was vital to welcome passengers and accord them hospitality. 

“It is only then that P&O Carnival Australia will continue to return and build relations with the community,” he said.