Master tourism plan being developed: PM

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the Government is in the advanced stages of developing a master plan for the tourism sector.

Speaking at this morning’s Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry breakfast, the Prime Minister laid out his government’s plans to attract investors and strengthen PNG’s economy.

He said the Government’s tourism master plan will begin with investment in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

“That will be a special tourism zone which will give incentives to potential investors in that industry,” stated PM O’Neill.

“Very generous incentives that will be given to investors for over 15 years – meaning that it’ll be almost tax-free in that zone that we are going to declare over the master plan that is being developed.”

The Government intends to launch the master plan in the first quarter of 2019, making sure that Kokopo, especially Tokua, becomes an investment hub for tourism in PNG.

The Prime Minister outlined that over 4,000 rooms, including international-standard tourism facilities, will be developed for visitors to enjoy.

“I believe the world is ready for another Bali or another Nandi, and I think we can offer that in Tokua and Kokopo.”

There are plans to develop Tokua Airport to accommodate direct domestic and international flights.

Furthermore, a retirement village is also in the plan for Tokua.

(Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in this morning’s POMCCI breakfast at Hilton Hotel)

Author: 
Carmella Gware