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The Kokoda Track Authority will collect fees from trekkers to control smuggling of drugs, weapons and illegal removal of war debris along the Kokoda Track in the Central and Oro Provinces.
This will become effective as of 1st September, 2003.
Fees are:
- International Trekkers – K100.00
- National Trekkers – K50.00
- Overseas Students pay K50.00
- National Students – K25.00
Kokoda Track Authority interim chariman Alfred Amuli said: "International Trekkers can deposit their fees with Niugini Tours in Sydney Australia or register at the first checkpoints at both ends of the track."
He said they would also set up checkpoints in the Kokoda, Kovelo, Efogi and Vesulogo Villages to monitor their movements.
There will also be information booklets with a map of the track, locations of villages, guest houses and information about the people and culture.
Mr Amukli said they came up with this option after people have been reported smuggling drugs, weapons and removing war debris along the track.
Mr Amukli said the Oro and Central Police would co-ordinate the program under their village-policing program.
"We have notified the Ministers for Culture and Tourism, Inter Government Relations and Central and Oro provincial police commanders of the proposal," he said.
Mr Amukli said: "This year, over 1000 people walked the track. We will have a correct figure once we get this activity organised."
The track is popular international and local tourist destination.
Source: The National Newspaper Friday, 22nd August, 2003.
Editors Note: I take it, that before we used to pay our trek fees here in PNG to the Tourism Promotion Authority. Based on this information, we can only assume now that we will have to pay at either end of the track.
I phoned up TPA last Friday after reading this article and asked to speak to Justin who used to collect the trek fees only to be told he had already left. I then asked to speak to whoever does it now, to which the young lady replied, there is a new lady but she doesnt know anything as yet. I asked that she find someone who does and give me a phone back.
As at COB last Friday NO-ONE had called me back. Will keep you updated as soon as I find out more.
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