By ESWIN PLESIO – UPNG Journalism student
THE Kokoda Track Authority has hosted a Joint Venture Tour Operator’s Forum at Hilton Hotel (Banquette Hall), Port Moresby this morning.
This Joint Forum involves both the Local and International Tour Operators’ Forum which hosted as a joint workshop.
The aim of the forum was to provide a platform for collaboration and the exchange of ideas among tour operators, government officials and other stakeholders involved in conducting treks along the Kokoda track.
Chairman of the KTA, Jack Deia, emphasized the importance of including input from landowners and the Papua New Guinea government in any decisions regarding the track.
“Looking at the mining, it is from the landowners and PNG Government, KT cannot do anything.” Deia said.
“K40 million is pay in installment, they’ll still open the track for us. I represent my people and I want government to listen.” Mr. Deia said.
The acting CEO of the KTA, Julius Wargirai mentioned that they cannot make any decisions regarding the track until the government has provided guidance.
Landowners have expressed their intention to reopen the track once the NEC has made the decision.
It was announced during the forum that the decision on the track’s opening will be made on Wednesday, November 27. The KTA is responsible for ensuring the track remains open and accessible to trekkers. The outcome of the NEC’s decision will determine the future of the Kokoda Track.
