Eailema Cultural Village in the Mutuyuwa Ward in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, has been relaunched, after it was shut down following the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic almost two years ago. Acting Manager of the Alotau Tourism Bureau, Mr. Modakula Kunuyobu explained that the Cultural Village concept, is a tourism product that aims to preserve the Tawala Culture and Heritage. “With urbanization & western influences, the Tawala Culture & Heritage faces the risk of dying out.” He said the Cultural Village concept counters this threat by exhibiting activities that ensure the continuity of cultural practices, while also generating a small form of income for the locals. “We always encourage authenticity in the cultural performances and attires, their lifestyle programs as well, like feasts.” Mr. Kunuyobu was pleased to announce that, along with the relaunching of the cultural village, a local businessman, that has his establishment set up on traditional land, has provided two brand new vehicles to the Eailema Cultural Village. He explained that this is an example of how local businesses are supporting and maintain local tourism SMEs. “Transportation remains a challenge for the Cultural Village, so these vehicles are a big help at this time.” The local businessman has also promised to provide an additional two vehicles, bringing the total support to four vehicles. Mr. Kunuyobu said post-pandemic, tourism in Alotau has really picked up and cruise ships have returned to the shores of the Milne Bay Province. “Because of the awareness that we do, the locals have started to see the socio-economic benefits of Tourism.” He added the Alotau Tourism Bureau has also started working closely with the youths in Alotau, to organize dance troupes to perform when cruise ships come to port. “We also organize trips to local sites and these are run by the youths in the local communities.” Mr. Kunuyobu said Tourism has had a positive impact on the community and seen a change in lifestyle as well as an ever-increasing registration of interest from the locals with the Alotau Tourism Bureau. “We have released our Cultural Events Calendar for this year and I can confirm that 16 events are set to take place this year, kicking off with the Milne Bay OutLoud Music Festival set for the coming weekend and this is going to be an exciting one.”