International Visitors' Safety Perceptions in Madang Province, PNG
This study explores international visitors' perceptions of safety and security issues in Madang Province, PNG. Findings reveal concerns about safety, suggestions for increased police visibility, and the use of heavy private security escorts. Limitations include a focus on business visitors over genuine tourists, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in the region.
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INTERNATIONAL VISITORS PERCEPTIONS OF SAFETY AND SECURITY ISSUES IN MADANG PROVINCE, PNG BY: BY: ALLAN ALLAN SUMB SUMB
INTRODUCTION Thisstudy explores international visitors perceptionsof safety and security issues in Madang Province. It aims to identifythe safety and security issues and offer recommendations to Madang Provincial Government and tourism stakehoders.
METHODOLOGY This study employs qualitative research within the interpretive research paradigm to identify international visitors views, opinions and experiences about safety and security in Madang. Qualitative data was collected via a series of semi- structured interviews were conducted among guests of Madang Resort Hotel. The data collected were analysed through thematic analysis.
FINDINGS&DISCUSSIONS Visitors fear traveling within & around Madang The majority of the participants expressed concern about safety and security in Madang. For instance, Aggie (Australia) when asked if she had traveled out of the hotel and visited rural villages or sightseeing within Madang replied: I don t feel safe to travel by myself to visit rural Madang.
POLICE VISIBILITY Several of the study participants suggested that an increase of police visibility and regular patrols might help feel safer. This would give them confidence and a sense of security. For instance:Maggie (Samoa) expressed: Madang Provincial Government must support police and create a free and safe environment for tourists and locals. I would suggest foot patrols would be ideal .
HEAVY PRIVATE SECURITY ESCORT FOR BUSINESS TOURISTS/VISITORS Almost all the research participants who were in Madang on business travel stated that they have heavy private security escort to go to work,market,shopping and sight seeing. This was echoed by one of the participants: We went with a security escort to some of the settlements and stayed there for 15 minutes because we heard that there are many rascals. on the road (Dorothy, Australia).
STUDYLIMITATIONS This study was done interviewing mostly business visitors and just a few genuine tourists.
CONCLUSION This paper found that visitors feel unsafe travelling in and around Madang Province to engage in tourism activities. This is not good for tourism development and it needs political will to address safety and security issues.
RECOMMENDATIONS Increase policemen power Regular law & order awareness Introduce foot patrol Support community policing Introduce 24 hour call centre
REFERENCES Gibbs, P.,Basse,.,L & Warr,T. (2012). PMIZ-Promise and plight. Contemporary PNG Studies: DWU Research Journal, 16, 37-51 Imbal, J. (2009). Developing the potential of PNG. Contemporary PNG studies: DWU Research Journal, 10, 26-39. Kau, T.W. (2014). The role of tourism promoting community participation in the development of Jiwaka Province in PNG. Unpublished masters dissertation, Waikato University, New Zealand. Sumb, A. (2017). New Zealand travellers perception of safety and security issues in PNG. Contemporary PNG studies: DWU Research Journal, 27, 42-50. PNG Tourism Promotion Authority. (2006). PNG Tourism Master Plan. Retrieved 10 July, 2016 from http://www.tpa.papuanewguinea.travel/papua-new-guinea- tourism-promotionsauthority/png-tourism-master- plan_idl=2_idt=326_id=1766_.html PNG Tourism Promotion Authority. (2017). Visitor arrival report. Retrieved 10 July, 2017 from http://www.tpa.papuanewguinea.travel/tourism-statistics-reports.
