Photo Credit: Papua New Guinea Travel
According to Gudmundur Fridrikkson, chief executive officer of Paga Hill Development Company, the country can generate US$250 million (K869.60 million) in 18 months if 80 of the 300 cruise ships that pass by are allowed to visit.
Fridrikkson stated that the country needs the appropriate products and infrastructure, such as wharves.
“PNG needs to diversify its economy and one of the low hanging fruits is tourism,” he said.
“We have over 300 cruise ships that pass Papua New Guinea every year and obviously we have the Covid-19 now but we will get through that and this will recommence.
“To attract some of these ships to Papua New Guinea, we need to have the right products and, by our calculations, getting 80 of the 300 ships in 18 months would bring more than US$250 million back into our economy and over 200,000 new tourists.
“What they need is a good wharf to stop at.
“We have been talking to Kumul about upgrading the wharf downtown and building a cultural park where all the provinces can showcase and sell artefacts and produce.
“Also, upgrading the bunkers and maybe creating a peace museum more than a war museum celebrating our role in WWII.
“There will be attractions where people can come off the boat, see the culture, eat the food, buy the products and then see the museum, then maybe go to Fisherman Island or a village.
“One of the key components is a casino and duty-free.”
Reference:
Luma, Dale. The National (31 May 2021). “Cruise ships can bring in K860m”.
