West Sepik launches Destination Authority to drive tourism

West Sepik Province has taken a significant leap into the tourism sector with the official launch of the West Sepik Destination Authority [WSDA], a dedicated body established to coordinate and expand tourism activities across the province.

The ceremony, held at the St Francis Oval, was officiated by West Sepik Governor Tony Wouwou and the Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Belden Namah, who also serves as the local Member for Vanimo-Green.

Governor Wouwou emphasized that the Authority is designed to develop tourism from a concept into a tangible economic driver.

"Tourism must not only remain an idea; tourism must become an industry that creates jobs, generates revenue, supports local businesses, empowers communities, and attracts investment into our province," Wouwou said.

Given the province's strategic proximity to Indonesia’s Papua province, governor Wouwou said the authority would position Vanimo as a critical gateway for international travelers.

The event was also attended by a high-level delegation from Indonesia, including representatives for the Governor of Papua Province, Mathius Fakhiri, and members of the Chamber of Commerce.

Susannae Wangai, representing the Governor of Papua Province, reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for the initiative. She said the groundwork for collaboration is already in place through existing agreements.

"West Sepik and Papua Province already share a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] and Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] on land border transportation," Wangai said. "Following this launch, I believe we will move forward significantly in this tourism space."

Minister Namah commended the provincial government on the milestone, saying West Sepik is the first province in Papua New Guinea to establish its own Tourism Authority.

"The West Sepik Destination Authority is people-oriented," Namah said. "This will benefit our people not only in Vanimo, but right across West Sepik. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate."

Namah pledged the full support of the Tourism Ministry to produce the province's untapped potential. He confirmed that upcoming support would include funding for the Vanimo Surf Club, the revival of the Shell Kambang Show, and the Wakai Yam Festival, alongside new programs aimed at job creation.

The program concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the office of West Sepik Travel and Tour, the business arm of the newly formed Authority.