BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
Hotels and guesthouses in Gizo have been fully booked this week as the Western Provincial capital plays host to a series of national and provincial events.
The highlight is the National Healthy Setting Conference, which has brought together more than 200 participants from across the country.
Western Province Minister of Sports, Culture and Tourism, Eric Hitu, described the conference as a blessing for accommodation operators and other businesses in Gizo.
He said the event not only contributes to the development of national health strategies but also creates positive ripple effects for the local economy.
“Such events bring people from different regions together, creating opportunities for networking, investment, and knowledge sharing that can stimulate local businesses.
“They also attract visitors who spend on accommodation, food, transport, and other services, directly boosting the rural economy. At the same time, conferences showcase the host community’s culture, environment, and hospitality, which helps promote the area as a tourism destination,” Hitu said.
He emphasized that hosting conferences in rural centres like Gizo is vital for business growth and tourism, noting that the long-term benefits include rural development, diversification of income sources, and strengthening the community’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
Hitu acknowledges the government’s decision to host the national conference in Gizo, saying it reflects confidence in the province’s capacity to stage large events.
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