Tourism budget and changes evident of Govt attitude

Minister Kulang delivering his opening remarks.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 25, 2016 (PNG)

MINISTER for Tourism Arts and Culture, Tobias Kulang has painted a picture of what he said was the general attitude towards tourism in the budgeting processes- that was further evident with huge cuts in the supplementary budget last month.

He said with the annual budget of the PNG Tourism Authority of K10 million out of a growing national budget of K14 billion represented less than 1% invested in the sector.

The minister made his remarks during the National Tourism Conference, held in Port Moresby, as part of the Tourism Week activities from September 21 to 27.

Kulang stated that the commitment by the National Government in the sector was, completely ludicrous and unthinkable.

“This dismal and piece meal approach has not gotten us anywhere and will continue to deny us of any meaningful growth in the sector,” the minister said.

He even made reference to the recent2016 budget of K50 million allocated to grow the sector that got mowed down up to 90 percent in the 2016 Supplementary Budget- which despite being understandable was perhaps one of the biggest cut sectors apart from others.

“In recent times the industry was excited by an allocation of k50 million in the 2016 budget, the highest so far, in over 40 years.”

“However, this allocation was cut back by K45 million, by 90 percent, to make it one of the highest cut sector in the supplementary budget.”

“This was like adding salt to the wound, thanks to our friends at Vulupindi Haus. I am saying this because I want us to understand what is the overall attitude towards this industry in this country.”

“This clearly indicates a lack of foresight on the part of National Government and bureaucratic leadership,” Kulang added.

Minister Kulang called for the need for serious change in attitude.

“Otherwise we are wasting our time here and denying ourselves of the economic value this industry is able to generate during this time.”

He said with the country classified as an undesired destination, due to law and order problems served as a deterrent to what he said is an untapped tourism market.