THE Morobe Provincial Government has appointed a new Tourism Board to help drive the development and promotion of tourism across the province, with a focus on eco-tourism, culture and heritage, sports tourism and agriculture tourism.
The Morobe Provincial Executive Council (PEC) appointed the Board to provide advice and support to the Provincial Government and Administration in strengthening the tourism sector and creating more economic opportunities for communities.
The appointment marks a change from previous arrangements, with Board members now selected from industry, business and community sectors rather than through nominations by political leaders.
Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita said tourism must be treated as everyone’s business and requires the involvement of communities, businesses, transport operators, tourism attraction owners and other stakeholders.
“Any person moving from their village or Local Level Government to another area contributes to tourism through the exchange of money, goods, knowledge and skills,” Governor Paita said.
He said local activities such as church conferences, cultural gatherings and community events also contribute to local tourism by bringing people together and encouraging economic exchange.
Governor Paita said Morobe needs to host more sporting events and tournaments, including grassroots competitions, to promote unity, strengthen communities and generate economic activity.
The new Tourism Board includes representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, tour promoters, accommodation providers, transport operators, farmers and settlers associations, Bulolo Agriculture Society, Morobe Agriculture Society, guides and porters, and community representatives.
PEC Chairman for Tourism and Hospitality Gideon Kepusing welcomed the appointments and acknowledged the policy direction of the Paita Government to “Move Morobe Up” by encouraging economic activities at the local level.
Mr Kepusing said the Board would play an important role in advising the PEC and supporting the implementation of government policies and visions for tourism development in Morobe.
The newly sworn-in Board members are Jemmima Colbran as Chairperson, Donna Harvey Hall as Deputy Chairperson, along with Debra Bubun, Zoe Harrison, Steven Wata, Tim Rodgers, Aaron Bimbo and Paul Pople.
Ex-officio members include representatives from the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, National Development Bank representing financial institutions, Air
Niugini representing transport and marketing, and the Advisor Division of Commerce, Tourism and Industry.
The Board will serve a three-year term and is expected to work with stakeholders to promote Morobe as a destination for sustainable tourism, cultural experiences, sporting events and agriculture-based tourism.
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