Operators aim to work as a team

TOUR operators in South Bougainville have agreed to work together as a group and help each other grow.
The operators from Buin, Siwai, Bana and Torokina met in Siwai on Tuesday for a consultative workshop that explored ways to develop and drive the tourism industry in the region.
The workshop endorsed the establishment of the interim South Bougainville Tourism Authority under the interim chairmanship of Tourism Siwai president Peter Siunai.
Presidents of the four district tourism associations were automatic members of the authority.
The workshop was in line with the push by the South Bougainville MP and Information Communication Technology Minister Timothy Masiu to develop the tourism industry as a major step in driving economic growth in the region.
He strongly advocated that tourism was a gold mine and a lucrative industry that could bring millions into the pockets of the local people.