by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Madang
The National Government’s investment to build more hotels in Port Moresby does not support the growth and development of the tourism industry in Papua New Guinea.
Madang businessman, Sir Peter Barter, told EMTV News in Madang that provincial centres, will suffer as a consequence of the poor flow of tourism.
Sir Peter was responding to a recent statement by the Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Richard Maru.
Sir Peter Barter said that more hotels in Port Moresby will reduce costs may be true in capital. However, it will affect hotels in the provinces.
“Hotels in other provinces, will suffer as a consequence. Its best competition should be held outside of Port Moresby.”
Sir Peter said tourism and its associated activities have bee ignored and more emphasis must be on developing domestic tourism.
“We want to see development happening in other province. Development should be in a more evenly throughout PNG. In Madang’s case, the province itself has suffered extremely.”
Papua New Guinea has so much to offer in tourism and its not only the airline and hotel that attracts tourists, but the resources that are untapped.
“State must negotiate with the industry and work together to develop it for the benefit of everyone,” Sir Peter said.
