TPA committed to developing island tourism

Tourism Promotion Authority chairman Kennedy Wenge says it is committed to developing tourism in the Siassi islands of Morobe.
He made the commitment on Friday during a visit to the Siassi Lutheran High School where he presented K10,000 for development of tourism, arts and culture education at the school.
Wenge made the presentation of behalf of Tourism Arts and Culture Minister Emil Tammur and TPA chief executive officer Jerry Agus to Siassi local level government representative Willa Omole.
School chairman John Gerson assured Wenge the money would be put to good use to develop tourism on Siassi, which comprises the main island of Umboi, and several outlying islands.
The Siassi islands, because of their remoteness, have an unique culture and untapped tourism potential.
Wenge said this potential must be tapped into to bring about development.
He said his presence showed TPA’s commitment to developing tourism on Siassi.
“The rich culture of the Siassi islands must not be lost,” Wenge said. “People from all over the world must travel here to see the rich arts and culture of the island.
“What TPA can do is market the Siassi islands as a tourism destination in Morobe.”
Wenge said the Government was keen to develop tourism throughout Papua New Guinea.
“Siassi is one of the best places to develop tourism,” he said.
“Tourism is an industry that puts money directly into everyone’s pockets.”
Wenge said last October, he attended the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG’s national women’s conference on Siassi at which he had made a commitment to return.