Hela Province is on a mission to change its notorious gun-ridden reputation, to a tourism destination.
Yesterday, the Hela Provincial Government and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority announced plans to develop Hela’s tourism potential.
A funding of K100,000 was presented to the Hela Provincial Government by Tourism Minister Tobias Kulang today, to begin ground work.
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority will assist Hela in creating a Provincial Tourism Master Plan.
First and foremost would be the establishment of a Tourism Bureau in Tari.
The Hela Wigman is the first tourism product Hela will showcase, including cultural festivals in the districts.
Although the province is known for its lawlessness, Hela Governor Francis Potape says, a collaborative effort is needed by all State agencies and stakeholders, for Hela to become a hot spot for tourists. Hela Provincial Government has allocated K5million in its 2017 budget for the Tourism Sector.
The announcement this morning in Port Moresby follows the signing of an MOU last year for provinces to partner TPA, and grow the tourism sector in each province.
Hela is the second province to come under this initiative after Simbu.
