THE Western Province Tourism Association (WPTA) has re-strengthened its approach to support tourism products in Western province.

WPTA President, Ivan Maeke, in an interview with Island Sun, said he wants to see this association come up strong, and calls for operators to work together with governments and stakeholders.

“I want to see this association come up strong, every operators in Western province we need to work together with the provincial government, national government and every stakeholder.

“Government must play its part to improve our infrastructures such as roads, airports, bridges, wharfs and others in the province.

“We want to the government to build tourism centre here in Gizo, and the same for Munda and Seghe all these facilities must be in place to better improve our tourism products,” Mr Maeke said.

He said west Gizo road also need to be improved, and the government should educate people on how to provide hospitality for visitors.

“The government should help operators that had just started as well as those who have started many years back but unable to go further due to financial shortfalls,” he said.

Mr Maeke said WPTA is an independent body with membership from tourism operators in Western Province.

It create marketing and research for tourism operators to increase demand for tourism products in the province as well as work closely with governments to increase regional opportunities and increase accessibility.

It works with stakeholders to support tourism products in Western province. It ensures the ability to be competitive, safe and reliable tourism development in Western Province.

He said the association has been weak over years but restrengthened last year. Its membership consists of tourism operators in Western Province.