The Bougainville Experience Tours (BET) has been instrumental in its success, managing the event and bringing in valuable tourism to the Bougainville Chocolate Festival since it began eight years ago.
BET’s involvement goes back to “day one,” making them a long-standing partner in the festival’s growth.
Based in Arawa, where their office is located, BET has taken on the crucial role of event management, particularly in their home base.
Managing Director for BET Zhon Bosco Miriona, said that since this Bougainville Chocolate Festival started, Bougainville Experience Tours have been at the back of it, helping to manage the event, especially when the event was held in Arawa back then.
A key function of BET is to bring tourists to the festival.
“This year, their efforts include hosting an impressive contingent of international participants.”
“A dedicated tour guide is currently looking after ten to twelve chocolatiers who are exploring the festival.”
The focus on tourism aims to benefit the local community broadly.
While cocoa is the main theme, the festival provides a platform for local mothers to sell their arts and crafts.
“Our aim is to bring tourists so they can purchase some of these arts and crafts and also bring people in.”
“So maybe they can be in contact with the farmers, especially for export of Bougainville cocoa.”
He stated this whilst highlighting the dual purpose of tourism, which is supporting local artisans and facilitating international business connections for farmers.
A significant development this year has been a request from the organisers for BET to bring a cruise ship during the festival.
However, Mr. Miriona set a clear condition to make this possible is that the event needs a fixed, annual date.
“We told them that the event has to have an annual date, that every year it has to happen on the same day.”
“A fixed schedule is essential for the logistics of expedition vessels to commit to stopping in Bougainville, specifically Buka or Arawa, thereby ensuring a greater influx of tourists.”
He stressed that consistency is crucial for the tourism sector, as international travel requires extensive planning.
Mr. Miriona urged the respective department overseeing the festival to maintain the same exact date for next year and all future years.
This he said allows operators like them to effectively market the dates on their platforms including social media, websites, and others, to secure international bookings and ensure the continued growth and success of the Bougainville Chocolate Festival.
