Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged customary landowners throughout Milne Bay to retain ownership of their land and instead use it as the foundation for tourism and small business development.

Addressing communities during the opening of the upgraded Gurney Airport, Prime Minister Marape said land remained the province’s greatest economic asset and should never be permanently sold.

“Do not sell your land to outsiders,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“We have already moved to stop the sale of customary land. Register your land properly under Incorporated Land Groups and keep ownership within your families and clans.”

The Prime Minister said the National Government would work with the National Development Bank to help registered land groups access finance for tourism-related investments, including guest houses, eco-lodges and other visitor facilities.

“My Government’s job is to create the enabling environment. Your job is to use your land productively.

“You already own the land. Register it properly, borrow responsibly, build tourism facilities and become entrepreneurs in your own communities.”

Prime Minister Marape said the upgraded Gurney Airport would serve as the gateway to a new era of tourism growth in Milne Bay, creating opportunities for landowners to generate sustainable income while preserving their culture and environment.

He said Milne Bay possessed some of Papua New Guinea’s richest cultural traditions, spectacular islands and marine attractions, making it one of the country’s strongest tourism prospects.

“The greatest asset you have is not only your forests, fisheries or minerals. It is your people, your culture and your customary land.”

Prime Minister Marape said his Government envisioned a tourism corridor stretching from Port Moresby through Central Province to East Cape, with local landowners playing the central role in providing accommodation, cultural experiences and tourism services.

“Tourists spend thousands of dollars during their stay. That money should remain in Milne Bay by supporting local guest houses, local businesses and local communities.

“Hold onto your land. Develop it. Let your children and grandchildren benefit from it for generations to come.”