Pandemic forces tourism SMEs to lose business

MOST of the small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Milne Bay dependent on tourism have been badly affected because there are no cruise ships arriving.
The Milne Bay Tourism Bureau held a meeting among industry stakeholders last Tuesday to share ideas on how to deal with the situation.
The meeting was attended by 23 representatives of airlines, hotels, tour operators, events representatives, and officers from the provincial government. Discussions involved rescue strategies for tourism SMEs in the province who are facing economic hardship because of disruptions to international and domestic travel, festivals and events, suppliers and funding.
Most SMEs in the tourism space generate their revenue from cruise ships (96 per cent of overseas arrivals).
There is a possibility of resumption towards the end of the year or next year.
Sallie Ataia, manager of the HiweHiwe Lodge, said her business was surviving on the payments from previous guests.
She has, however, not laid off any staff.
Some businesses in the province are supporting their employees and their families in cash and kind.
Owner of Beehives Tours and Events Phenella Dobunaba was disappointed that a lot of funds were diverted to the Covid-19 when there were no cases or fatalities in the province. Milne Bay Tourism board deputy chairman David Conn supported the outcomes of the meeting which included an industry review and enhanced collaborations to create affordable domestic getaway packages to the province, with plans for greater exposure to boost tourism traffic, starting with domestic and regional travellers and organisations.
The province will seek a rescue package from the Government for the tourism sector.