MP slams negativity and bad publicity

LAW and order issues and negative attitude will continue to stop international visitors coming to our shores, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Works and Transport Hon Don Polye said when officiating at the launch of the 5th National Tourism Conference, yesterday.
More than 200 participants attended the conference including industry partners, key stakeholders, private sector executives and departmental heads.
He said he will work alongside Culture and Tourism Minister Guma Wau  to create awareness locally to generate publicity overseas in addressing negative images and perceptions about  PNG.
Polye said PNG had so much potential to become the number one tourism destination in the Pacific.
“We have the marine diversity, we have the natural environment and we have the cultural advantage of 800 different tribes and languages which makes us unique and different from every other place on earth. In fact Papua New Guinea is the most beautiful place on earth,” he said.
“We should take on the responsibility to protect this rich and diverse environment and cultures for our future generations by ensuring that we do not over exploit merely for immediate commercial gains.
“We must continue to protect and respect our rich cultures and traditions that make us a proud nation among the many nations of the world,” Polye said.
He said it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that we incorporate tourism and other sector into the multi billion dollar LNG project so there was coordinated and universal development across the board.