Tourism vital in SHP, country

SOUTHERN Highlands and the country have a lot to offer in terms of tourism, which raked in around K400 million to the country last year, says National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.
Parkop was in Mendi with Prime Minister James Marape last week to witness the reopening of the K41 million redeveloped airport.
The provincial capital in the Mendi valley is surrounded by fast-flowing rivers and breathtaking views.
Parkop encouraged locals to take ownership of projects and services such as the airport to promote tourism and investments in the province.
“Our potential won’t be displayed if can’t create an environment of peace, security and friendship environment that investors can be confident in,” he said.
According to the Tourism Promotion Authority, the number of visitors including tourists last year was 140,000, bringing in around K400 million to the country.
Chief executive officer Eric Uvovo said the increase in visitors reflected the resilience and potential of PNG’s tourism sector.
“We aim to promote PNG’s natural beauty and cultural richness to further strengthen our status as a tourist destination in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said in March.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt also urged people of Southern Highlands to look after Government services.
“The Government is for the people and what services or development the government brings is for the people,” he said.
“The people need to stand up and take care of the services which will benefit you all in the long run.”