Why can't we encourage local tourism. I think the emphasis on tourism is about attracting overseas tourists into PNG to see the different cultures and environments. Does that mean we PNGeans know all about the many cultures and scenic beaches and waterfalls and reefs of PNG. I would like to see more of PNG and enjoy other cultures in my country, rather than having to read about it in the papers. It would be a great step towards nation building if more travel is encouraged within PNG by lowering airfares, making village guest houses suited to local needs and budgets etc. I for one, would very much like to visit other parts of PNG and show my children the beauty of PNG thru their own experiences rather than from the Air Niugini inflight magazine or EMTV etc. All my children know about is Goroka, Okuk Highway, Lorengau and Alotau. Why can't it be possible for them to know and be proud of PNG and its diversity?

Kedz has raised a very important point. That is the key for tourism or in other words "It is the silver bullet of PNG tourism industry". If domestic flights fares are reduced, just from the top of my head, I think it will serve 2 purposes.

Firstly and definitely, our children will experience the diversity of culture, race and environment, and at the same time developing a respect by exposure through "cross cultural understanding and interaction". Without understanding each others diverse culture, I think national unity and patriotism will be difficult. As well as that, if the kids are unable to develop respect towards each other with different ethnic background, definitely dealing of issues on a personal, provincal and national levels will face related obstacles, meaning lack of respect for each other's culture is an obstacle to nation building

Secondly, as kedz said, I too will also be encouraged to visit all my "friends" home province. I think all the others would do the same. I have emphasized friends, this serves two purposes, because I'm going to my friend's home place, I know security is guaranteed...I hope...and secondly, there is a sense of friendship extended between the people of that province or area and my family when we are to visit their home. But generally, I agree with kedz that there is still very little we PNGeans know of our home PNG. It would be a great idea to encourage more local tourism by providing family packages for flight and accomadation to stimulate the local economies to be resilent and competitive against global tourism.

Very true guys.

I definetly want to visit other parts of PNG.

There have many talks about nation building and national identity. But if we are all isolated from each other and there is no cross cultural interaction than there will continue to be sterotyping individuals from a province (speaking as an Engan from experience).

Before there is a sense of national identity, we must first accept our diversity and appreciate our diverse cultures and beauty. That can only happen if people from one province frequently visit other provinces for visits, holidays etc etc.

To do this, guys, I really believe that the local tourist industry has an important role. Bring the air fares down, encourage local guest houses or home stays with villagers etc etc or just stay with a friend or collegue for a break (eg Valentine day,,LOL..)

Having said all this, I guess the peole must first have the MONEY to travel.

So brings use back to the age old question - How can we make conditions favorable for the ordinary PNGean to make money in the informal or formal industries and open a bank account? And actually keep it. Otherwise the banks will start deducting for all sorts of services and before you know it, you have no money....

I agree Dr. Who..valentine's day em best ya!..lol

Yes the Age old question..how can people startup?..i believe thats were financial institution come in. Lending and Small Business Developement agencies, Members RDF funds etc.. TPA must develope a database to source funding for village people to utilize. There has to be a large expenditure from the government. Recently, K100m has been promised by NA for free education in the coming elections... this is "Vote buying" and is absolutely wrong. K100m could have been giving to TPA to manage for villagers and others to start small guest houses and other business etc..