The construction of eco-tourism sites in Banana Island, Tiwai Island, Wara Wara Mountain and the rehabilitation of the twenty-four-bedroom hotel and six classrooms of the Hotel and Tourism Training Centre (HTTC) are all part of the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Development and Promotion Programme (STDPP) that is financed by the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Trust Fund and implemented by the National Tourist Board.

This was revealed when a team from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and its sub-vented agency, the National Tourist Board (NTB) conducted a monitoring and assessment of the construction of different eco-tourism sites country wide.

The construction of the eco-tourism site in Tiwai Island entails providing access to and from the island through the provision of one excursion boat, outboard machine and twenty life jackets, plus the construction of two jetties/landing sites at the visitor’s centre and the research centre.

The development of eight heritage sites will add value to the heritage trail and also the construction of four dug up canoes and sixteen interpretative sign boards. Eco-lodge with entertainment and handicraft centre constructed at Kambama village with improved facilities; toilets, showers, tent platforms and water supply.

The Team from the ministry and the board commended the work done thus far, but however urged the contractors to submit their technical report for the project and also accelerate their pace in meeting the stipulated deadline for the completion of the project.