Veteran sees potential in wartime tourism

 A MAJOR Kokoda Trail operator says Papua New Guinea is not reaping the full benefits of the wartime tourism potential it has. 

A Vietnam veteran and a former army major, who  completed his 71st trek across the Kokoda Trail last week  and attended his 22nd consecutive Anzac Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery last Friday,  Charlie Lynn said this should be a major concern for PNG.

His company, Adventure Kokoda has guided 5000 Australians across the track since 1992.

“Papua New Guinea is the custodian of the land sacred to Australia’s wartime heritage,” said the Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans Affairs in the NSW Parliament.

“This includes Port Moresby, the Kokoda Track, the Black Cat Track, Shaggy Ridge, Buna-Gona, Milne Bay, Markham Valley, Huon Peninsula, Bougainville and many other areas. 

“These will become more significant as increasing numbers of young and old Australians seek to walk in the footsteps of their forefathers.

“Over the past decade, the Kokoda Trail has emerged as the gateway to a wider wartime tourism industry in PNG. 

“Trekkers who complete the pilgrimage with their PNG guides and experience the unconditional hospitality of local villagers are transformed into enthusiastic ambassadors for the country.

“Prior to 2000 the Kokoda Trail was only crossed by small numbers of hardy adventurers.  

“Since then, more than 40,000 people have trekked Kokoda.  

“This has generated approximately K55 million into village economies via fees, wages and local purchases.”