TOURISM ministers for the provinces yesterday were given a tour of several tourism sites near Gizo, Western province.

The visit was aimed at allowing the ministers to see firsthand the beauty and settings of developed tourism sites, which they can relay to their own tourism aspirations back in their own provinces.

They were led by Western Province Premier Wayne Maepio, Chief of Tourism officer Jeffson Patovaki, Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Vincent Eria and the national Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon Bartholomew Parapolo.

They first visited the million-dollar jetty project located at Saeragi Village in West Gizo.

After, they went on to the Urilolo Lodge, owned by local operator William Giroi

Njari Island and Orava Cottage resort were their next stops.

They were briefed at the Oravae Cottage resort for ten minutes before continuing to Epanga Island.

There they met with community members of Epanga for 20 minutes before travelling to Sanbis resort.

They then ended their tour at the popular Fatboys resort.

Hon Mesepitu said, “It is a special privilege and a pleasure on behalf as a Minister for Tourism and Culture to warmly and sincerely welcome you all as you can see the development of Tourism in Western Province.

“I must say that my division is indebted to take on tourism industry to newer heights and higher level to working close with the operators.

“Let us all working together to promote tourism industry in our provinces as you can see in your own eyes and feel about Western Tourism.”

He said the Western Provincial government’s main objective is to develop tourism in the province.

He encourages his colleagues to develop tourism in their provinces.