Minister eyes island resorts

By PETER ESILA
PAPUA New Guinea’s groups of islands are the next frontier for the tourism industry, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard.
He said Samarai-Murua in Milne Bay has about 600 islands and atolls.
Leonard is in discussion with a potential investor to explore options in island resort tourism.
He told The National that unlike what was practiced in other island countries, buying off the islands would not be an option.
The Samarai-Murua MP said partnership with investors would be encouraged for local participation and employment.
“One is the Conflict Islands, that is Panasesa (Panasesa Island Resort), it was purchased way back in the colonial times, and (went through) ownership changes and until recently, it was under a new owner,” Leonard said.
“When I see the Maldives, they were bringing all these developments and programmes, and comparing the Maldives with the chain of islands here, I think we are a lot better than the Maldives.
“It starts at the tip of PNG, to Samarai, Basilaki, Engineer Group than you come on to the Conflicts and Deboyne Group of Islands, you have these Louisiade Archipelago chain of islands, Rossel Islands and then the Woodlarks.
“I see a lot of opportunities.”
Leonard said investors were interested in developing the islands for tourism but he would ensure it was done properly and land and resource owners benefited.
“Tourism is all about connecting people, environment, culture and how we interact, therefore, local community’s participation is very important,” Leonard said.
He said other island attractions were in New Ireland, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Manus and East New Britain.