Tourism Remains Everyone’s Business In PNG

Tourism is the gold mine that never runs out if developed and sustained. It provides employment and income for the country, says PNG Tourism and Promotion Authority marketing director Alice Kuaningi.
Speaking at the IEA College of TAFE graduation Kuaningi highlighted the importance of the tourism sector and how it helps the economy.
The IEA College of TAFE is the International Education Agency that provides high quality private education, meeting the needs of individual learners in a caring environment.
“Each one trained with a specialty is value added that will make a difference in the industry not only to tourism sector but key sectors that play vital role in the development of the country,’’ she said.
Tourism is one of the courses offered by the college, which plays a key role in the country’s economy.
“With the 2018 APEC coming up, developments are taking place right before our eyes, and to the graduates, there will be opportunities there for you.
“I urge you to follow your heart, your dream and secure a job that will help you develop your career path. Employment rates for graduates are high from most institutions with a strong demand from existing and new operators for those who have completed their studies. The initial indication is that intakes rate could be increased to cope with the existing demand for the trained graduates.’’
She said, the sector is forecast to grow by 2021 to 300, 000 arrivals worth of K3 billion while growth and benefits will depend on the resources provided and commitment of everyone in the country.
However, she said, increased tourism marketing efforts will not create sustainable demand unless PNG can deliver products that are attractive and internationally competitive. “There is a great need to upgrade the skills of the people in the industry in many areas including business management, marketing and tour guiding as well as general hospitality areas such as customer service and catering.’’
Growing tourism sector will place significant demands on the future human resource capacity within the tourism sector.
 
(Source: Post Courier 29 August 2017)