POM set for arrival of China flight

THE first direct flight from China’s Guangzhou to Port Moresby will arrive at Jackson International Airport on Wednesday.
On board that maiden China Southern Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner flight would be 50 Chinese officials, including the deputy governor of Ghuanzhou, National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop has announced.
Parkop said while this would boost and improve business connectivity and tourism, it would also enhance opening doors for further Chinese investments in all sectors and industries in Papua New Guinea.
During a dinner on Monday night with Chinese ambassador Zeng Fanhua, Parkop said such understanding and partnerships would further his vision to make Port Moresby the Asian and Pacific gateway.
City officials also briefed Zeng on the preparations by the Tourism Promotion Authority, National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and the Government for the flight.
On tourism, Parkop said an audit on tourism spots would be presented during the China Ready workshop planned for early next year.
A tourism roadshow was also planned for China next year.
The diplomat said Chinese tourists would willingly come to PNG, especially to destinations such as Mt Hagen, Goroka, Lae, Kavieng and Kokopo.
However, their biggest concern was safety and security.
In response, Parkop agreed that these were challenges that needed addressing by both the residents, the indigenous people and the municipal government and police.
“We, at NCDC, are considering bringing in tourist police,” he said, adding that accommodation for tourists was another area that needed addressing.