Tourism to be developed in Hela

The Hela Province has become a role model in the country by being the first province in the country to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) and the Ministry for Arts and Culture today to develop tourism in the province.
Local tourists along with many around the nation would have an immediate perception of Hela Province as the province that has law and order issues with ongoing tribal fights, however the province is also home to the famous Huli Wigmen with their human hair wigs adorned with colourful bird of paradise feathers which is more than traditional attire but the culture of the people interwoven in the intricate wigs and this is what the PNGTPA aims to do with the signing of the MoU.
“We are tired of all the negative publicity about Hela Province and we want to change that Hela Province has huge potential in tourism and this is realisations and vision of many hard working people and we (Hela Province) are thankful for the opportunity and excited with the partnership working arrangement.” Said Hela Provincial Administrator William Bando.

Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Tobias Kulang highlighted further the traditional attire of the Hela Wigmen and the representation this has to the people as an institution and this was a vision that he has had in travelling the length and breadth of the country to make an important shift of the office of the PNGTPA and the Ministry of Arts and Culture as more than offices based out in Port Moresby but to be connected to the province throughout the country.
“I am truly excited by the imitative of the Hela Provincial Government and this signing today is a milestone and I challenge all other provinces to get on board and follow what Hela has done I also challenge you Mr Bando Hela Administrator that you ensure this is carried out in your province and that you walk the talk that this is not just for show.” said Minister for Tourism and Arts and Culture Tobias Kulang.
The signing ceremony was held today at the Lamana Hotel , which was witnessed by Minister for Tourism and Arts and Culture Tobias Kulang, Hela Provincial Administrator William Bando, PNGTPA CEO Jerry Agus and Director for the Office of Tourism Arts & Culture Marianna Ellingson and staff of the respective offices. While the partnership begins between the concerned parties we look forward to seeing the beauty and development of Hela through the eye of a tourist from the painted face of a Huli Wigman to the luscious green mountainous landscape of Ambua lodge that is unique only to Hela. PNGFM/ PNG Today