By MALUM NALU
The Kokoda trekking industry has become a major money-spinner over the last 10 years and is something the country can be proud of, according to leading national tour operator Narai Billy.
He said this as the world-famous Kokoda Track becomes a mecca for international trekkers, mainly Australians, this year with the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign of World War 11.
Billy said since the 60th anniversary of Kokoda in 2002, when then Australian prime minister John Howard visited, the Kokoda trekking industry had grown like never before.
“The Kokoda trekking industry is growing and growing all the time,” he said.
“It has become a famous international trekking icon.
“As the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign is commemorated, the Kokoda Track itself should also be celebrated in a big way.
“People are willing to come and do the challenge of the Kokoda Track.
“They feel that it’s part of WW11 history, and enjoy the flora and fauna, as well as the sheer adventure of the track.
“Villages along the track are benefitting from regular income, better health, education and communication services that they have not had access to before.”
Billy, one of the first local tour operators along the Kokoda Track, said there would be major commemorations when the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign falls later this year.
A local from Depol village in Sogeri, where the Kokoda Track begins, he has been involved in the trekking industry for the last 20 years.
Billy’s company, Kokoda Icon, is an established trekking company that brings trekkers for the Kokoda Track.
It started as Koiari Tracks and Tours until the name change.
Kokoda Icon caters for long or short Kokoda treks, as well as sightseeing in the local Sogeri area.
Many of its clients come from Australia, especially Brisbane and Melbourne where it has agents.
The Kokoda trekking industry has become a major money-spinner over the last 10 years and is something the country can be proud of, according to leading national tour operator Narai Billy.
He said this as the world-famous Kokoda Track becomes a mecca for international trekkers, mainly Australians, this year with the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign of World War 11.
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| Kokoda tour operator Narai Billy |
“The Kokoda trekking industry is growing and growing all the time,” he said.
“It has become a famous international trekking icon.
“As the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign is commemorated, the Kokoda Track itself should also be celebrated in a big way.
“People are willing to come and do the challenge of the Kokoda Track.
“They feel that it’s part of WW11 history, and enjoy the flora and fauna, as well as the sheer adventure of the track.
“Villages along the track are benefitting from regular income, better health, education and communication services that they have not had access to before.”
Billy, one of the first local tour operators along the Kokoda Track, said there would be major commemorations when the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign falls later this year.
A local from Depol village in Sogeri, where the Kokoda Track begins, he has been involved in the trekking industry for the last 20 years.
Billy’s company, Kokoda Icon, is an established trekking company that brings trekkers for the Kokoda Track.
It started as Koiari Tracks and Tours until the name change.
Kokoda Icon caters for long or short Kokoda treks, as well as sightseeing in the local Sogeri area.
Many of its clients come from Australia, especially Brisbane and Melbourne where it has agents.
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