Passing of resort founder a loss to tourism industry, says Sir Peter

SIR Peter Barter, the managing director of the Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd (MTS), says the passing away of Max Benjamin is a loss to the tourism industry.
“I knew him well, as a friend and a colleague, for many decades,” he said.
“He had contributed so much to diving.” Benjamin was the founder of the Walindi Resort in Kimbe.
Sir Peter said the late Benjamin was one of the first to promote PNG to the world.
“I can only think of a few names, but from my vague memory, names like Max, Bob (Trans Niugini Tours) and myself, we were very vocal when it came to tourism in PNG,” he said.
Sir Peter said he always brainstormed ideas with Benjamin.
“We would always swap ideas and thoughts, they were often contrary to what the PNG Government expected.”
The general manager of the Walindi Resort, son Cheyne Benjamin, thanked Sir Peter for his kind words.
“The family really appreciates his heart-warming condolence message.”
Sir Peter said he hoped his friend’s son would continue to do what his father had been doing.