By Lorraine Gabina – EM TV News, Port Moresby
A recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council has shown that Papua New Guinea is failing to benefit from its tourism industry, despite having huge potential in the market.
PNG is the largest nation among its Pacific peers, in terms of population and land area and undoubtedly has the greatest potential for tourism.
Stepping in for BPNG Governor, Loi Bakani, Deputy Governor, Benny Popoitai, revealed this news on Monday during the opening of the K4 million Kalibobo Village Apartments in Madang.
He said among 184 countries surveyed, PNG was ranked last in terms of tourism benefits, a total contrast to the Asia Pacific region where tourism statistics are comparable to world average.
These statistics reflect how much PNG has to learn from neighbouring Pacific islands to boost tourism in the country.
Meanwhile, Popoitai commended Sir Peter Barter’s contribution to the province and the nation’s tourism drive.
