Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Tourism Promotion Authority kickstarts tourism on Siassi

Tourism Promotion Authority chairman Kennedy Wenge says the TPA is committed to develop tourism in the remote Siassi islands of Morobe.

Tourism Promotion Authority Chairman Kennedy Wenge presents the K10,000 to Siassi LLG representative Willa Omole.


He made the committment on Friday during a short visit to Siassi Lutheran High School where he presented K10,000 for development of tourism, arts and culture education at the school.

Siassi dancers welcome Tourism Promotion Authority Board chairman Kennedy Wenge to Siassi High School on Friday.


Wenge made the presentation of behalf of Tourism Arts and Culture Minister Emil Tammur and TPA chief executive officer Jerry Agus to Siassi LLG representative Willa Omole.

School Chairman John Gerson assured Wenge the money would be put to good use.

The Siassi islands, because of their remoteness, have an intact traditional culture and untapped tourism potential.

Wenge said this potential must be tapped into to bring about development on the island.

He said TPA's committment to develop tourism on Siassi had seen him travel the long distance across the Vitiaz Strait.


"The rich culture of the Siassi islands must not be lost," Wenge said.


"My presence on the island today shows our commitment to develop tourism here.

"People from all over the world must travel here to see the rich arts and culture of the island.

"What TPA can do is market the Siassi islands as a tourism destination in Morobe."

Wenge said the Government was keen to develop tourism throughout Papua New Guinea.

"Siassi is one of the best places to develop tourism," he said.

"Tourism is an industry that puts money directly into everyone's pockets."

Wenge said last October, he attended the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG's national women's conference at which he had made a commitment to return.

He lived up to his words on Friday.

"We want ships and planes to come to Siassi," he said.

"We wants wharves and airstrips.

"When these are in place, visitors will come.

"Siassi is the first place I have visited as it has so much potential for tourism."

Siassi tourism promoter Clyde Aigilo welcomed the TPA support.