Tourism bureau revival planned

Newly appointed Milne Bay Tourism Bureau manager Sioni Sioni wants to wake the bureau from its decade-old slumber.
Sioni said the bureau suffered from poor management and because of that tourism in the province suffered. There was now a need for the bureau to provide regulation and management so tourism can grow for the benefit of both the tourist and the people, he said.
Sioni was appointed by the province’s executive council in December and has been working on the bureau’s structure since.
“For the coming month or two we will focus on getting inhouse matters fixed and then address legacy issues,” he said.
“The most pressing one being the establishment of an inventory of tourism products available to us.”
The inventory will list such things as the number of resorts, attractions, house-stays and tour services.
“When we have this data all businesses will be made to comply with standards set by the bureau,” Sioni said.
“These standards will ensure that all businesses provide their best service. It is a way forward for our tourism industry.”