BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
THE completion of the Munda airport will increase visitor numbers in the country.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said recently that upgrading of Munda airport to become the second international airport is an absolute critical infrastructure and certainly will help to increase visitor numbers to the country’s beautiful shores.
He said it is no news; the potential in the tourism industry is hugely untapped.
“I am very certain that the Tourism industry provides greater hope now for the economy.
“In fact by 2018 the industry is already well placed to bring in $500 million in foreign exchange.”
He said achieving the target is not the only goal for tourism, but will greatly assist the country in addressing the issues of unemployment, sustainable economic development and mitigating against such social problems as urban drift by our youths.
He also said the Government is now taking steps to create innovative employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people throughout the country.
This year a new Youth Empowerment Policy to drive youth employment and entrepreneurship in the country will be launched.
This framework will also include programmes for leadership training, in sports, arts and drama and many other areas of interest to our youth population.
Houenipwela also revealed he personally seeking to put in place formal labour mobility agreements with several countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Taiwan.
“I hope will help provide huge opportunities for our youths and alleviate the youth unemployment challenges in our country.”
