Salamaua Local Level Government is the first in Morobe Province to financially show support for the province to embrace the P & O Cruise Ship in 2023.
The financial support came from Salamaua LLG President Hon Kolo Mattias to Eco- Tourism Consultancy Services who are earmarked to bring tourists into Morobe Province.
Eco-Tourism Consultancy Services, under the Directorship of Mr Francis. Steven has set a mark of K274,000 for the event to be launched and staged with support already from Huon Gulf District, Markham District, Bulolo District, Nawaeb District and Lae City Authority.
“This is an historical moment for Morobe Province because the Year 2023 Eco-Tourism Master Cultural Calendar will create seasonal employment of 200 permanent personnel in one district and more than 1000 participants as product owners taking lead as tourist guides and security.”
He further stated that the SME Eco-Tourism Cultural Calendar for Year 2023 inclusive for all ten districts of Morobe Province is out and is targeting P & O Cruise Ships to bring tourists to Morobe Province.
“Research, Survey, Logistics and Planning for bringing tourists have been carried out from 2018 to 2022 with training and awareness done, the first cruise ship will visit Lae on 24th to 25th February 2023.”
Mr Steven said the cruise ship event is supported by the Office of Lae City Lord Mayor, Morobe Governor’s Office, Salamaua Local Level President in partnership with International Healing Ministry and the Church Partnership Program Office of Morobe Provincial Government.
An estimated 5000 tourists classified as retired people will dock in Morobe Province to visit sites of tourism potential under several packages in line with the annual schedule calendar 2023 designed by Eco- Tourism Consultancy Services.
Mr Steven said, an estimated figure of K10 Million plus in revenue is expected to be derived from the arrival of tourists from the program.
He further urged interested LLGs and Districts of Morobe Province to partner in the program as soon as possible with already Labuta LLG, Aseki LLG and Siassi LLG showing keen interest to partner.