Tourism is a very serious contributor to the economic development of Papua New Guinea.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Tobias Kulang says tourism is becoming an economic driver globally and United Nations has recognised that and declared 2017 as the year of tourism.
Kulang stressed that in fact, globally, tourism contributes on average 10 percent to gross domestic product (GDP).
In some economies within the region like Fiji, tourism contributes 37 percent to the country’s GDP and 49 percent for Vanuatu.
Kulang said: “In PNG, we have real potential however, our tourism industry is under developed.
“In light of the economic pressure the Government is faced with, there is definitely a need for us to economically diversify and streamline into developing other sectors like agriculture and tourism.”
Since his appointment, Kulang has been pressing upon the different institutions under the Ministry to acknowledge that this industry can contribute to a clean economic base, provide employment and improve income and spending capacity.
Kulang stressed that the upcoming annual Lukim PNG Nau Expo and Tourism Week, from September 21-27 in Port Moresby, is a catalyst towards bringing tourism into the country.
Picture courtesy of www.brownandhudson.com