Milne Bay Province is the second most visited province after the National Capital District, according to Milne Bay’s Tourism Bureau.
Many people in the largely maritime province have been generating their income from many different tourism activities over the years.
However, the industry faces regulation challenges as the bureau focuses on rebranding and reviving the industry.
Telecommunication problems to reach the districts, law & order issues such as piracy, and tourism capacity training are just a few issues the tourism industry in Milne Bay faces.
Milne Bay Tourism Bureau Manager, Sioni Sioni, says there are many challenges they encounter, some of which are within the tourism industry and the support systems.
The change in the bureau last year will see Sioni’s team doing a lot of groundwork before they look at improving the industry.
The province has a wide variety of activities ranging from numerous bungalows and resorts and a thriving tour company, the biggest of which are owned by females.
The aim of the bureau now is to regulate the industry in a way that it also does not quash the industry.
It is also looking at working closely with the provincial government so that it receives adequate funding in proportion to the revenue it contributes to the province.
