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 Papua New Guinea Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture Beldan Namah has emphasized that tourism in the country is impossible without peace. Minister Namah made this statement during his keynote address at the World Tourism Day commemorative conference held at APEC Haus in Port Moresby on Friday, 27th September 2024. The conference, themed "Tourism & Peace," highlighted the integral connection between peace and the success of tourism.

According to Minister Namah, who is also the MP for Vanimo-Green, peaceful environments are essential for attracting tourists. He stressed that societal order and harmony between communities and nature are valuable assets for tourism. “Peace in and of itself is the greatest tourism product,” he said, reflecting on his experience as a former soldier, where he witnessed how violence drove tourists away.

Minister Namah pointed out that Papua New Guinea's inability to guarantee the safety of visitors is a key reason the country is being overlooked as a tourist destination. He urged stakeholders to confront this issue directly, stating that without ensuring tourists' safety, tourism in the country will continue to struggle. He reiterated the significant potential of PNG’s tourism industry but said peace must first be established to realize this potential.

The Minister outlined his vision for tourism development, which involves modernizing infrastructure, promoting peace, and preserving traditional arts and culture. “Culture is the backbone of any nation,” Namah said, emphasizing that PNG's rich cultural heritage sets it apart globally and can be a powerful driver of economic growth if properly harnessed.

Namah called for greater investment in the tourism sector, which he believes has the potential to empower communities and bridge cultural divides. He concluded by challenging the nation to focus on initiatives that promote peace and improve the lives of the people, stating, “We must put our money where it matters most.”

The conference, hosted by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, brought together key stakeholders to address challenges facing the tourism industry and discuss solutions for the future.

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