DCC GOV’T PLEDGED TO SUPPORT NATIONAL TOURISM INDUSTRY

The Democratic Coalition for Change Government has pledged to support the national tourism industry because it has the potential to wreck in huge economic returns.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made the statement when he officially opened the 2015 Tourism Council of Minister’s meeting in Honiara today.

Prime Minister Sogavare said, his Government is a strong believer in Public-Private sector Partnership and inclusive decision-making.

Meanwhile the Prime Minister advised the Ministers, to build a relationship and close structural gaps between National Government and Provincial Governments and build bridges with the Private sector to be active participants in the tourism development.

He explained tourism is about empowering our people to be self-reliant and believing in themselves.

Meanwhile, Western Province will play host the next Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting next year.

Announcing the next host prior to the closing of the two days Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting in Honiara today, the Minister for Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo says Western Province will host the next meeting after the Provincial Secretaries and Provincial Tourism Ministers all voted in its favour.

Western Province is the leading tourism destination in the country.

A date for the next meeting is yet to be announced.

Provincial Secretaries, their Tourism Ministers and Tourism officers from all provinces attended the meeting.

SIBC News understands the last Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting was held in 2004.