Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has announced that work on extending the run-way at the Madang airport and its terminal building will begin shortly and should be completed before 2018 APEC meetings.
The PM slipped quietly into Madang last Thursday, October 29, 2016 at the invitation of former national parliamentarian, Si Peter Barter, to officially open the new wing of the Madang Resort Hotel.
Sir Peter, who is an acclaimed tourism promoter in PNG is the managing director of Melanesian Tourists Services, which owns the hotel.
The Prime Minister said his government was committed to the development of tourism. He also emphasised the need to look beyond the mineral boom, and Madang is uniquely positioned to continue being a major tourist hub due to its unique central position and natural beauty and the diversity of many cultures.
O’Neill said the Government would begin to extend the Madang airport run-way, build a new terminal and undertake a major maintenance of the town roads.
He said Madang would become an important venue for the APEC meetings to take place, and it was important that work begin now in order that work be completed before 2018.
The opening was the new Madang Resort Hotel wing called ‘Ab Winong’ (place to sleep) was attended by Madang Governor, Jim Kas, members of the Madang Chamber of Commerce and public and private sector, who paid tribute to the confidence shown by Sir Peter Barter.
Sir Peter, in his opening remarks at the occasion said that Madang needs an international airport to be a natural tourist hub in PNG.
Aerial view of Madang town