Kokoda’s K4 Million Economy To Drop

Following recent alleged criminal events that transpired along the country’s prime tourism hotspot – the Kokoda track, a dwindling effect in the amount of trekkers is highly anticipated.

Consequently, an economy estimated at K4 million from which locals benefit will see a considerable reduction.

Kokoda Track Authority Chief Executive, James Enage exclusively told PNG TV Live.

“From a study conducted in 2011 by Curtin University in Perth, it was established the track earned AUS$15.3 million per annum and 12 per cent, close to AUS$2 million went directly to locals, that’s around K4 million and that is expected to drop, given the recent incident,” Mr. Enage explained.

The numbers of trekkers fluctuate yearly, but on average, 3000 to 4000 trekkers per year, brave the tortuous 96-kilometer journey.

“The highest we’ve ever had was over five thousand between 2007 and 2008, but it’s sad to say that the numbers will most definitely drop this year,” said Mr. Enage.

Earlier this week Tourism Promotion Authority CEO, Peter Vincent, said Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry, fragile yet emerging in nature, had take a 20-year setback.

“You can imagine what an incident like this would do to the whole tourism industry, but unfortunately we can not respond in a positive manner, so it has had a detrimental effect to the whole tourism industry,” said Mr. Vincent.

A British-American couple alleged they were robbed, tortured and violated on Monday 11/01/16 by two male suspects who were captured and are now in police custody.

The couple was reported to have flown out of the country, two days after their alleged ordeal.

ClickTV / ONE PNG