Tourism Potential in Popondetta

Popondetta among other provinces in Papua New Guinea may not rank as high as it should as an ideal tourist destination. I suppose the major drawback is crime. Crime is a major deterrent for tourists not to visit Popondetta. But I believe this to be not entirely true. One of the major reasons I find is lack of vision by leaders in both the government and private sectors. There is no proper planning for this industry. Three major factors that can lure tourist to Popondetta are;

1. Natural Attractions

2. Awareness

3. Marketing

There are two Natural attractions in Popondetta they are; 1. Tufi, which showcases the Tufi fjords and its coral reefs and 2. “The Kokoda Track which marks the course of one of the most important battles for Australians in the Second World War.” (https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/list-overseas). An estimated 5,000 overseas tourists visit Kokoda track and Tufi every year, but the numbers are dwindling. The 3 major questions we should ask are 1. How do we maintain current attractions and identify new Potential Natural Attractions for Tourists? 2. How do we create an awareness of the benefits of Tourism in the community? And 3. How do we market the province as a Tourist destination worldwide.

Jamaica despite its high crime rate has a high number of tourists who visit their country because of their white sandy beaches and pristine coral reefs. The same could be said of PNG who has natural virgin forests, pristine rivers, mountains, coral reefs, white sandy beaches and wild life. PNG could rank high as a tourist destination if the people had the will and the determination to lure tourists. Popondetta as a whole has a lot to offer if the province was serious about the growth of tourism in the province. The Province has never identified new potential tourism sites to expound and develop.