There must be political leadership and foresight to develop tourism, stresses the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA).
“People must fully embrace the importance of culture and tourism for tourism to flourish,” says the Authority in a statement.
“PNG is blessed with an abundance of natural wealth, gold, copper, oil, gas, fishing, timber, etc.
“However, the greatest gift the Good Lord has given to us is our culture and traditions. No one country in the world can beat us.
“In fact, the National Geographic has just named PNG as one of the top ‘cultural destinations’ in the world. This just confirms PNG as the ‘Cultural Capital of the World’.”
TPA issued the statement when announcing their support for the Boemsara Cultural & Tourism Centre.
It also commended Minister Richard Maru for his vision and foresight in initiating such an important tourism venture for his Yangoru-Saussia people.
“The Sepik Region is known for its unique cultures and traditions and their own sacred initiation practices. It’s a region rich in cultural diversity,” states TPA.
“Over the years we haven’t really tapped into the huge tourism potential in this region, despite few strong tourism operators doing their best like Sir Peter Barter of Melanesian Tourism Services, Sir Bob Bates of Trans Niugini Tours and Alois Mateos of Sepik Adventure Tours, among others.”
PNG TPA says the major catalyst for change in the industry is partnership. This is because tourism cuts across every socio-economic sector and as such needs a concerted effort from all stakeholders in tourism industry.
“We want to assure you that the PNG TPA will be your partners to ensure that this project becomes an inspiration not only for the Boemsara community and the Yangoru people, but also for the rest of the Sepik Region and the whole of PNG.”
(Picture: UltimateTravelMagazine.com)