Tourism industry welcomes Air Nuigini’s proposal

THE tourism industry will welcome Air Niugini’s proposal to acquire 60 per cent interest in PNG Air, says Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd managing director Sir Peter Barter.
Barter said sharing facilities and working together should result in lower operational costs for both airlines.
He said it would improve communication, lower costs, and, hopefully, restore inter-provincial flights that would substantially reduce the cost of travel around the country.
“PNG remains one of the greatest potential tourist destinations in the Pacific region,” he said.
“The concept outlined by Air Niugini and PNG Air should be well received by the international travel industry and improve the chances of PNG coming out of the lockdown with a better chance to restore tourism.
“The MTS, as a company, has already reduced tariffs by 50 per cent at the Madang Resort and I am confident other hotels and tour operators will do likewise in an attempt to reduce the cost of travel.
“This will largely be dependent on the industry working together.”
Sir Peter said the travel industry was among those worst hit by the Covid-19.
The industry will need the help of the national and provincial governments to bounce back and re-hire the thousands of staff who lost their jobs.