Newly-opened lodge receives first guests

 Monday was a historical moment for Kokopo’s new No.1 Lodge in East New Britain.

The lodged received its first guests on the day.  

“These are our first two guests from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Raymond Hareta (right) and Brian Barkson who arrived and were picked up at the Tokua Airport on Monday afternoon,” Lodge managing director Sam Eremas said in an email to The National in Kokopo.

“This is an historical moment for the new lodge and I will frame this picture.”

The lodge cost K2.2 million and is located metres from the Royal PNG Constabulary Islands Command along Kaivovo Street. 

It is within walking distances of the main shopping centre, town market, golf course, the beach-front frequented by motorised dinghies servicing the Namatanai-Kokopo route and the Gazelle International Hotel.

Lodge comprised 22 self-contained deluxe rooms going for K200 per night, inclusive of GST (goods and service tax).

“Complementing that are a room’s necessities including cable television, bar fridge and tea-making facilities, queen-size bed and mattress, fan and air-conditioning units and a secured outdoor balcony for privacy,” he said. 

The Lodge was officially opened on January 3, by Kokopo town mayor Diuvia Kopman and former provincial tourism boss Samson Kakai.