18/05/2011

The Divine Word University (DWU) will come alive once again this Friday 20th May with a hype of tourism related activities.  This will be when the Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) Department of DWU will host the 4th Liklik Diwai Turism Expo.

The Liklik Diwai Turism  Expo is an annual event hosted by the fourth year students as part of their assessment  for the Events Management unit, which has theory part and the practical component .  According to the THM department, the first part is the theory which is mainly lectures in class and the second part is the actual organization and hosting of the Liklik Diwai Turism Expo.

The THM department said the Expo gives the students an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills gained in class in a practical situation. 

The department said areas covered include seeking sponsors, inviting industry members to display products and services, catering, organizing guests for opening and closing of the event, marketing, planning human resources, audio visual equipment, fund raising and budget, transport and logistics, administration, catering, space allocation for display, entertainment, prizes and awards.

The Liklik Diwai Turism Expo is hosted to assess the students skills, and it also provides an opportunity for students to interact with industry members, potential employers, business houses and sponsors and the local communities. 

The THM department said by doing so, the students and all stakeholders build good relationships and forge partnerships in the development of the tourism industry in the country.

The Expo is an opportunity for sponsors and industry members to get maximum exposure and raise the awareness level of their products and services.  To target individuals is an expensive exercise but to actively participate in such activities can reach many people with few dollars and build strong brand images in the minds of local consumers of products and services.

The Office of Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has recognized the value and the significance of Liklik Diwai Turism Expo and sponsored the event with K10, 000.00.  There were minor sponsors like Jais Aben Resort, BeMobile, Coral Sea Hotels, and individual contributions from Nathan Lati, a former student working with World Vision.  The organizing committee has sent many invitation letters to several organizations and these organization need to confirm participation by Thursday 21st of April to secure a free display booth.

The Head of Department John Imbal, Unit Lecturer, Nathan KUMIN and the student involved said they are very grateful and thanked the sponsors, the local community and the industry members for their insurmountable support and assure them that their support would go a long way and the event will be a success.

The organizing committee is appealing to individuals, local business houses, industry members and corporate bodies to come forward and support the 4th Liklik Diwai Turism Expo. Contact details are nkumin@dwu.ac.pg, rnembo@student.dwu.ac.pg, jjacob@student@dwu.ac.pg, 422 2937/4241880(T) or 4221880(F).