It is part of my plan over the next five years to improve and invest in international tourism marketing and tourism infrastructure to entice people from all over the globe to come and see our great country, said the Prime Minister of Papua Nw Guinea, Peter O'Neill.
The Prime Minister of Papua Nw Guinea, Peter O’Neill today announced his plans to invest K10 million per year over the next five years into global tourism campaigns designed toboost Papua New Guinea’s international visitation numbers.
Tourism, he said, was an untapped resource and one that was often forgotten in the rush to pull minerals from the ground.
“Tourism offers huge potential for the country, not just in the shape of foreign exchange earnings but just as importantly from the perspective of job creation.
“As a country Papua New Guinea has been truly blessed to have been bestowed with some of the most beautiful natural assets that any country could wish for.
“Our scenery is breathtaking, our oceans and the opportunity they present to scuba divers and surfers are some of the best in the world, our trekking, and particularly the Kokoda Track, is legendary and everything is overlaid with one of the most vibrant, diverse and colourful cultures to be found anywhere on the planet.
“When people think of tourism in this country, invariably they think of planes and hotels but what we all need to remember is that tourism generates more than just foreign exchange earnings.
“Tourism also generates a plethora of jobs in many, many areas – fishing, agri-business, cultural activities, building, sport, transport and hospitality to name just a few.
“Key to everything are the benefits we all stand to accrue from tourism and the flow on effect they create.
“These enable us to build better hospitals, schools, roads and provide services to the benefit of each and every man, woman and child in Papua New Guinea.”
Mr O’Neill said it was his intention to invest K10 million per year into the tourism sector, his aim being to see international tourism numbers increase by at least 20 per cent over the coming two years.
“Tourism is currently a minor industry in Papua New Guinea but with this new investment and all funds focused on marketing our country, it is part of my plan over the next five years to improve and invest in international tourism marketing and tourism infrastructure to entice people from all over the globe to come and see our great country,” he said.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
