Australia plans to develop Manus Island as tourist destination

Friday, April 6, 2018

The Australian government is working on a plan to turn Manus Island, famous for housing Australia-bound asylum seekers, into a tourism destination.

 
The federal government is working with Papua New Guinean authorities to identify opportunities for economic growth, including opening up more tourism opportunities.

 
Aid contractor Abt Associates is scouting to hire a “tourism specialist”, to determine what the sector needs to do to change national and international perceptions about the island.

 
It includes producing a database of natural and cultural points of interest for tourists, developing tourism plans for 2018 to 2030 and redeveloping the island’s tourism website.

 
Manus Island is currently home to around 600 refugees and asylum seekers, moved into the community this year after Australia’s offshore detention centre was shut down.

 
PNG tourism authority boss Jerry Angus thinks Manus has “huge potential” for tourism.
“One of the greatest areas of strength they have in terms of tourism is diving, surfing is one of them, and there’s a lot war relics in Manus Island as well,” he told ABC.

 
The adviser would work as part of the Decentralisation and Citizen Participation Partnership, supported by the Australian government, to give PNG’s provinces greater responsibility over their own economies and development challenges.

 
“The Manus Provincial Administration has identified tourism as a priority, in order to help generate job opportunities and economic growth, and sought Australia’s support for this sector,” a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said.

« Back to Page

• River Rafting, River Cruise and Canal Tours boost water tourism

• Food and Hotel Asia Singapore 2024 to attract global hospitality leaders

• This weekend, best road trips you must take in Asia

• The Ghan is launching the best train travel experience available

• UPS Expedites Shipments from Intra-Asia Hub in Shenzhen to Sydney, Enhancing Connectivity to Australia