Manus trade booms

Business, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday October 31st, 2013

 THE hospitality and tourism industry in Papua New Guinea is experiencing an increase in the number of foreign visitors.

The number of corporate investors travelling to PNG had increased, which was contributing to the national purse.

Manus Island is also going through that experience with Australian money now being pumped in to build the asylum processing centre, associated facilities and infrastructure and services in law enforcment and immigration. 

All these would again add to grow the local economy on the island province.

The fly-in fly-out arrangement for international contractors, government agencies, law enforcement and international humanitarian organisations show striking similarities to that of mining companies. 

It contributes to the increase in the number of flights to and from the island province, one never experienced before.

The increased number of people travelling to work at the asylum centre had contributed directly to an increase inthe demand for short-term accommodation. The construction and overnight accommodation business has caught the eyes of many locals living within and outside of Manus. 

Business is booming.

There was certainly, a paradigm shift from the traditional agro-business in copra, cocoa and fishing to overnight accommodation. 

As a matter of importance, locals on Manus who had opted to take advantage of the situation, would benefit more from the spin-offs of the Australian government aid. 

A massive budget package totalling K400 million in aid money is on the way. 

Tourism would also flourish, especially with the increased number of expatriates working on the island. 

Situated three degrees off the equator, this tropical paradise is home to exotic scenery with its jungle canopy reaching down to the coast where coconut trees and sandy beaches create the perfect holiday destination for snorkelling, diving and surf along with untouched marine ecosystem. 

The story of guesthouses with affordable accommodation rates was common on Manus. 

Work had started on providing something different in the form of a 75-room hotel resort with apartments and resort facilities, including a restaurant and bar.

Seeadler Bay Hotel Resort got its name from the bay, named after army general McCarthy Seeadler during World War II. 

The resort is owned and operated by TG Holdings Ltd, a 100% Manus firm. 

Seeadler Bay Hotel Resort offers deluxe accommodation fully equipped with television, air-conditioning, king-sized bed, large fridge, two-door wardrobe and spacious interior.

Self-contained rooms have spacious bathroom and toilet facilities, complimented with hot water system and reserve water tanks.

Boasting a perfect sea breeze and first-class breathtaking views are the seaview, another bonus attraction for tourists travelling to Manus.

Owner and operator Sam Tasion, from Pak Island in Manus, said it was important TG Holdings provide executive and tourist accommodation that would suit both the businessman and tourist.

Tasion also owns Freeway Motors, a car dealer in Port Moresby with branches in Kimbe, Lae and Madang.

More than 200 Australians live on board a cruise ship and go to work at the asylum centre. 

Tasion was hopeful that his hotel facility would meet the shortfall of executive accommodation on land. 

“Seeadler Bay Hotel Resort aims to provide a three-Star premium accommodation by the end of next year,” he said.  

“It is imperative that local businesses in Manus tap into the hospitality and tourism sector. 

“We must provide something different that would lift the standard of accommodation in Manus,” Tasion said.

With more than 20 years of business experience in PNG, the Seeadler Bay Hotel Resort would provide a spacious interior with deluxe rooms and facilities to cater for business clients who prefer to work indoors. Tasion said.

The tranquillity and quietness of the location makes Seeadler Bay Hotel an ideal venue for a swim, do some fishing or just to go snorkelling. 

The hotel also provides a hire car service with its Toyota fleet, fully-kitted, serviced and air-conditioned. 

A conference room facility can cater for up to 50 people.

Tasion saw himself supporting the government’s objective of driving the small-to- medium enterprises in the country. 

And, he was capitalising on the opportunities provided by the asylum centre to do so.

“The island province is another step forward for SMEs in Papua New Guinea,” Tasion said.

He said while money is an issue: “It only takes a simple decision and a lot of sacrifice, commitment and hard work for a better tomorrow. 

“For me, my family and the 60 staff employed by TG Holdings throughout Papua New Guinea, Seeadler Bay Hotel Resort is an achievement.”