More needs to be done for eco-tourism

Eco-tourism in Papua New Guinea is fast developing from a sleeping giant but more needs to be done.

Eco-tourism business owner Vincent Kumura described this sector in the tourism industry as a sleeping giant that is now a fast growing industry.

Kumura said large scale tourism organizations or businesses must not dominate every single aspect of the tourism market.

He said this will kill equal participation by locals, discourage specialisation, slow economic growth and increase poverty.

To further develop the industry, Kumura says all stakeholders must work together.

Kumara said PNG Tourism Ministry and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority must network with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority to identify and register all the small eco-tourism products.

He said they must develop means and ways to strategically support these eco-tourism products and services through funding and marketing. 

Author: 
Quintina Naime