Tourism drop affects local business: Official

A LACK of international visitors to Misima Island this year has seen the local economy miss out on potential revenue, a local business manager says.
Misima Guest House manager Mickey Sailasa said his business had seen an increase in local visitors since May which was encouraging given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, tourists and other international guests had stopped coming.
Sailasa said the island normally hosted tourists who were there for activities such as a yacht rally and kayaking.
“Kayaking and a yacht rally takes place in September and by now, we are usually taking bookings,” he said.
He said tourists mostly came through Cairns, Australia, to experience the unique culture and environment of the Louisiade archipelago.
“During their visits, they donate clothes and buy artifacts from our islanders,” he said.
“ They also like our local food.”
Sailasa said he hoped the National Covid-19 Operation Centre could allow these tourists to come into the country while requiring them to follow health measures.