Tourism expo offers engaging platform

MORE than 40 participants are in Kokopo this week for the Lukim PNG Nau Expo that aims to provide engaging platform between operators, SMEs, government organisations and industry players.
The week-long expo is hosted by the PNG Tourism Industry Association through the support of sponsors with workshops and displays.
Tourism Arts and Culture Minister Emil Tammur called on more inclusive development from tourism, especially at the rural level when he spoke at the start of the expo on Monday.
“How can we involve our local villagers? How can we make sure our local villagers benefit from all tourism activities?” Tammur asked.
“I want to see the lives of our village people improve through tourism, fisheries, agriculture and other sectoral activities.”
He also made a presentation of K10,000 to PNGTIA and through the Kokopo District Development Authority, committed a further K40,000 towards the event.
The expo aims to provide an in-country opportunity for exhibitors to be face-to-face with buyers and the association’s overseas representatives. It is an affordable option for local industry members unable to attend overseas travel shows.