Cruise tourism continuous to grow every year in Milne Bay Province with the increasing number of cruise ships entering the province.
Member for Alotau Open Charles Abel confirmed that 36 to 56 ships are expected to arrive on Milne Bay shores in 2017.
Abel recently told Loop PNG that Milne Bay is heading cruise tourism in the country and is now receiving almost one cruise ship a week.
He added that the arrival of cruise ships is increasing rapidly every year.
Local tourism operator Egwalau Tours and Events Milne Bay has also reported a recent influx of cruise ships visiting Alotau this year.
Egwalau organises tours for the tourists on these cruise ships and has seen over 40 cruise ships this year.
Abel said: “We need to prepare ourselves as it’s an exciting opportunity for everybody and little businesses including the PMVs, Taxes, cultural groups and cultural centres will benefit.
“We just need to take advantage of it and also help our people to take advantage of it.”