Local tourism operator Egwalau Tours and Events Milne Bay has reported a recent influx of cruise ships visiting Alotau this year.
Egwalau Tours is based in Alotau and was established in 2014, fully owned by two Milne Bay women and specialises in providing tours, event management and shore excursions.
Egwalau Tours director Elaine Bate said currently their main focus is on cruise ships that arrive in Alotau including Princess (Carnival Australia) cruise ships.
Carnival Australia cruise ship is part of the Carnival Corporation that represents one of the worlds’ popular cruise brands.
Egwalau organises tours for the tourists on these cruise ships and has seen about 40 cruise ships so far this year.
“We have had six ships arrive in Milne Bay in September and next month we are expecting five ships.
“It’s exciting but also challenging because cruise tourism is new and becoming popular in Milne Bay,” she said.
Egwalau Tours has four products where it treats tourists to a culture tour, Battle of Milne Bay tour, Alotau highlights tour and the Alotau festival.