PM Peter O’Neill says to Prepare now for the Tourism Boom

The Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill  has called for greater public private partnerships in the tourism sector so as to establish it as one of the nations’ major economic sectors of the future.
Prime Minister O’Neill also highlighted progress being made in Madang with major projects planned in the coming years.
He made the comments as he opened the latest high quality tourist accommodation in Papua New Guinea with the new wing of the Madang Resort.
“We must build our tourism infrastructure today so that we can establish the tourism boom of tomorrow,” PM O’Neill said opening the Madang Resort Wenong AB Wing.
“Oil and gas revenue will not last forever so we have to keep diversifying our economy for the decades to come.
“The Government cannot do this alone, we must work in partnership with the private sector.
“Together we will build the infrastructure, build the resorts and we will bring in the overseas flights.
“The tourism market that is open to places like Madang is very big and as an industry we must think big.
“Australia and New Zealand are good markets, but we must look further, particularly to Asia.
“Soon we will establish direct flights to China and this will open major opportunities to access the Chinese overseas tourist market.
“The Chinese people make more than 100 million overseas trips each year, so even a small fraction of this market is a great number of tourists.
“We must also expand our domestic tourism market so that more Papua New Guineans can see more of our country.”
The Prime Minister further noted the changes that are taking place in Madang with more projects to come.
“As we prepare to host APEC, you will see changes around Madang.
“We are preparing for a 150 million Kina upgrade and resealing of Madang Town Roads, which will benefit our people and businesses greatly.
“We will further have an expansion in the supply of power in Madang, and we are doing this with private sector investment and partnership.
“This will be formally announced soon and when complete will give reliable power to our people and businesses.
“The PMIZ will also continue to move forward and issues relating to the loan will be resolved.
“Thousands of people will be employed with new jobs on both the land and out on the sea through this project.”