Security a concern for Tourism

​One or two security issues can make or break PNG tapping into the lucrative Chinese Tourism market.

Speaking at the Ready China Workshop on Wednesday, Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy to PNG Liu Linlin, said PNG can offer Chinese Tourists new experiences from the rest of the world.

However, this can only be achievable if PNG improves its security issue.

Counsellor Linlin informed tourism stakeholders today that millions of Chinese tourists have travelled various parts of the world and are continually looking for new experiences.

He said PNG offers that however several key areas need to be addressed. The most important being security.

“When we receive the Chinese tourists, it can be very successful. But the one or two occasions of the security issue can ruin the reputation of the whole market.

Ready China Workshop facilitator and Welcome China CEO, Dr. Marcus Lee, also reiterated this saying one story can destroy PNG’s tourism attractiveness by 50 per cent.

Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) CEO, Jerry Agus, concurred that security was a major issue. He said it was imperative on all Papua New Guineans to make a concerted effort to address the problem.

Meanwhile Counsellor Linlin highlighted other issues which must be addressed in anticipation of Air Niugini’s maiden first direct flight to Shanghai in China.

They include providing products to satisfy the curiosity of tourists; have adequate facilities; as well as having in place Chinese friendly signage or services of tourists.

In 2016, 122 million Chinese Tourists travelled the globe spending K330 billion (US$109.8 billion).

China itself is also a tourist hub which constitutes 11 per cent of the country’s GDP and provides 20 million direct jobs.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole