PNG's Tourism Industry low rating irks Polye

Photo caption: Mt Hagen show. 

PORT MORESBY: Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye has expressed disappointment over PNG’s low ranking in the regional tourism market.
Mr Polye said with all the world-standard hotels and pristine environment the country offered to the visitors, it was ‘shocking’ to learn of ‘PNG’s unfavorable spot’ in the ladder.
He added the ranking should not be taken lightly but as a wake-up call for everyone to do his or her part to improve it.
He further said ‘our environment and natural life’ should be preserved as parks, zoos and sanctuaries for a show-case to the world.
He doubted whether Internal Revenue Commission, ICCC and other relevant agencies controlled the accommodation and other related costs incurred on tourists.
Polye has lashed out at the Prime Minister and the ministers responsible to take the lead in picking the rank up in the next assessment.
“Our alternative government will ensure our overseas missions, cultural shows, soft loans for tourism and hospitality businesses, our airline companies and tourism tax concessions among others to drive the industry,” he said.
He said the alternative government believed that the tourism and hospitality sector would be developed as a product of other development growths.
“This sector is inter-related to the other sectors, especially the economic and infrastructural sectors,” he said.
Polye said a lower level of law and order issue, efficient networks of transport system and a scale of economy would turn the wheels of the tourism sector.
“When we are in government, a comprehensive law and order package will be designed and implemented to combat crime that impedes tourism and other businesses.
“Appropriate penalties will be applied on those responsible,” he said.