Karanas Comfort Tours (KCT), a PNG owned and operated SME based out of Kavieng in the New Ireland Province, was recently recognized, and awarded for their efforts in promoting tourism in the country. But it was not an easy road to get where they are today, as the owner and operator of Tour Operator, Ms. Alice Alu explained. Setting up business in the year the Covid-19 Pandemic hit the world, shutting down borders and the steady flow of international tourists into the country, KCT faced an uncertain future. Alice explained that it was through the Entrepreneurship & New Venture Program that she had undergone in 2020, through the Australia provided scholarship, that ensured KCT survived and became a success after the pandemic. KCT offers Adventure and Culture Tours among other packages. They also support local artisans, which KCT’s owner said is important, as it complements the services they offer, as well as ensures that the locals are active participants and benefit from tourism. “We like to involve the community in every aspect of our business. It is our way of giving back to the community as well.” KCT bagged four awards in this year’s PNG SME Awards Night that was held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby recently, including: 1. Start-up Entrepreneur of the year. 2. Best Tour Operator Award. 3. PNG Woman SME of the Year. 4. PNG People’s Choice Award SME of the Year. Alice told PNGHAUSBUNG that KCT set up in New Ireland Province (NIP), because despite being from the Southern Highlands and East New Britain, she now calls NIP home. “NIP is an ideal place for tourism because it is a beautiful location, and the people are resilient, resourceful and respectful and make good business partners in the tourism industry.” PNGHAUSBUNG also asked Alice for tips for anyone that maybe interested in setting up an SME Tour Operator, as she did. “When we started out, we had the aim to build a homegrown brand in our own capacity.” “Once you get that right, the brand sells itself.” She added that people need to use social media to their best advantage. “Invest in a good phone or camera, so you can take quality pictures and videos for your social media marketing campaign.” “Also, make sure you put eye-catching captions. These are the simple things you can do to market your business on social media and grow your SME.”