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PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, 27 June 2025 at the Kokoda Trail Motel in Port Moresby, formalising a partnership focused on advancing micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development in PNG’s tourism sector.
The MoU sets a collaborative framework to deliver business development services including entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support, and compliance assistance tailored specifically for tourism MSMEs. The partnership will also support financial literacy, training of trainers, and shared use of regional business hubs across the country.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo and Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation’s (SMEC) Managing Director, Mr. Petrus Ralda, signed the MOU. The signing was witnessed by Executive Manager for Research and Business Development, Douglas Keari, and the Director of SME Business Advisory & Capacity Building, Diana W. Guria.
The MOU outlines key areas of cooperation, including the delivery of “Start Your Business” and “Improve Your Business” training programs, support for business registration processes, assistance with tax compliance, and development of customized training materials for tourism operators. Costs associated with training logistics, materials, and trainer expenditure will be shared.
Ralda praised the initiative as a vital step in bridging tourism and entrepreneurship.
“Tourism has enormous potential to lift communities out of poverty and drive sustainable growth. This MOU allows us to reach deeper into rural and remote areas where tourism opportunities exist but lack the technical support to flourish,” said Ralda.
The partnership also includes mechanisms for joint oversight, regular communication, and review of projects, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment throughout its implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the CEO of TPA, Keari welcomed the partnership, highlighting the benefits of the MOU for the tourism industry members.
“This MoU marks a new chapter in our efforts to strengthen the grassroots level of our tourism economy. For too long, aspiring tourism entrepreneurs have lacked access to the training, resources, and the support needed to grow. This collaboration with SMEC fills that gap by ensuring our MSMEs are equipped to thrive in both local and international markets,” said Keari.
He added that the partnership aligns with TPA’s broader mission to stimulate sustainable tourism development and build resilient local economies.
“Through this partnership, we are creating the foundation for a more inclusive tourism industry, one that empowers our people, protects indigenous knowledge, and supports long-term economic growth,” said Keari.
During the graduation Mr. Keari and Mr. Pundu also graduated as ILO SIYB Trainers. Since first participating in 2023 TPA has graduated 6 staff as trainers. The training will enable TPA to conduct business startup and management training to Tourism SMEs throughout the country.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) congratulated two of its staff for successfully graduating with their Training of Trainers (ToT) Certificate on Friday 27 June 2025 at the Kokoda Trail Motel, Port Moresby.
TPA’s Executive Manager for Research & Business Development, Douglas Keari and TPA’s Culture Officer, Jessie Pundu, join a certified network of SIYB Trainers responsible for delivering capability-building and business advisory services nationwide.
The training under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program took an intensive two-week training program facilitated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The SIYB program is a globally recognized entrepreneurial training initiative designed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to build the capacity of trainers who will provide business development training and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Keari highlighted on the positive aspects of the training.
“This certification is a personal milestone and it’s an opportunity to directly contribute to the growth of our tourism MSMEs. The training has equipped us with tools and that are practical and rooted in the realities of what our small business operators across PNG face,” said Keari.
Pundu said that he was excited and committed to demonstrating some of his newly acquired skills from the training to the industry members in tourism.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained will help me support grassroots tourism operators, especially in the cultural and community-based tourism space. I’m eager to start putting it all into action,” said Pundu.
Keari and Pundu will join a growing team of certified trainers within the organization. The duo will work alongside TPA’s Senior Partnership & Liaison Officer, Clare Atava Kolma, and Senior Business Development Officer, Dunstan Uluchoe, who both completed their ILO Trainers’ Certification in 2023.
The SIYB program covered a wide scope of responsibilities, including the promotion of entrepreneurship, training delivery, quality assurance, technical support, and ongoing mentorship of MSMEs. Trainers are expected to follow strict ILO and SMEC guidelines to ensure the consistency and quality of training delivery.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended both employees for their commitment to the training.
“This achievement reflects TPA’s commitment to investing in our human resources to better serve the tourism sector. I am proud of Douglas and Jessie for embracing this challenge. Their certification not only enhances our internal capabilities but also strengthens our outreach to communities and MSMEs that form the backbone of our tourism industry.”
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More than 70 Port Moresby youths were inspired by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) tourism Awareness Session on Wednesday, 9 July, under the NCDC Urban Youth Employment Project II (UYEP) at Pari Village, Port Moresby.
The session was the first of a series of targeted trainings aimed at exposing unemployed and out-of-school youth to the tourism and hospitality sector in PNG.
This collaborative initiative, by TPA and NCDC UYEP, will extend to other training locations, including Saivara Community and PNG Defence Force Barracks, and will cover key focus areas such as Basic Tourism Awareness, Customer Service Skills, and Tour Guiding Techniques.
UYEP’s Internship Training Coordinator, Bruce Imata, expressed the importance of TPA’s involvement in the project.
“Training like this is transformational. It introduces our youth to a whole new world of possibilities in the tourism industry. Many of them have never thought about a career in tour guiding. TPA’s presence here shows that tourism isn’t just for international travellers, it’s a local opportunity, and it can change lives and provide alternative economic opportunities,” said Imata.
The session not only educated participants on the fundamentals of tourism but also included interactive discussions and real-life insights into hospitality, service delivery, destination promotion, and cultural heritage.
One of the youth participants, Terence Apa, from Goroka, said the experience has inspired him to return home and contribute to his community.
“I see now how powerful tourism can be. Back in Goroka, we have beautiful mountains, culture, and coffee farms. This training has given me the vision to go back and build a small guesthouse, maybe even run cultural tours. I want other young people in my village to dream big too,” said Apa.
The NCDC Urban Youth Employment Project II is a World Bank-supported initiative designed to address PNG’s growing youth unemployment and crime crisis. Its objective is to equip out-of-school and unemployed youth aged 16–29 with skills, job exposure, and income-generating opportunities.
In PNG, one in four youth (approximately two million) are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Less than 16% of boys and 12% of girls complete secondary school, and youth are responsible for 80% of crimes committed in the country. In addition, 71% of the prison population is under the age of 25.
According to the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA), 60% of PNGs current population is under the age of 25. These collaborative efforts provide opportunities for exposure for our youths who are not engaged to think outside of the box and venture into sectors such as tourism.
TPA CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, commended the youth for their participation and acknowledged the collaborative partnership for enhancing tourism awareness in Port Moresby.
“This initiative is a step into a doorway for our youth to participate in the formal economy. I thank the Policy & Strategic Planning Division for spearheading this engagement and for seeing tourism not just as an economic driver, but a youth empowerment tool to inspire and build potential tourism ambassadors that will become change agents for PNG in this industry,” said Uvovo.
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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), has released Papua New Guinea’s first Business Confidence Index (BCI) report. This report provides valuable insights into business outlook and tourism recovery, helping guide smarter policies and stronger private sector involvement
PNG is one of 10 Pacific Island nations participating in the PTDI, alongside the Cook Islands, Niue, Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and FSM-Yap. Funded by the New Zealand Government, PTDI continues to play a key role in strengthening regional tourism strategies through data-driven research, including the bi-annual IVS, the annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and the annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS).
The BCI survey was conducted from November 2024 to February 2025, gathering 299 responses, with 206 valid entries analyzed. The effort was made possible through a strong partnership between SPTO and PNGTPA, with both organisations working together to reach businesses across all four regions of the country.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker highlighted the importance of the collaboration, “This achievement reflects the strong leadership of PNGTPA. Their close connection with the local business community and focus on data-driven planning were key to collecting valuable insights that will help shape the future of tourism in Papua New Guinea.”
While responses came from a wide range of sectors, it is important to note that the sample was primarily focused on tourism businesses — a deliberate approach aligned with the survey’s aim of understanding tourism recovery and business confidence within the sector. As a result, 62% of respondents were tourism-related businesses, while the remainder represented sectors such as real estate, healthcare, media, engineering, and events.
The survey also found that 90% of participating businesses were Papua New Guinean-owned. More than half (52%) were based in the Southern region, followed by Momase (25%), Islands (25%), and Highlands (22%). The report found that large tourism businesses generated an average annual revenue of PGK 10.3 million, while micro-enterprises averaged PGK 15,594. Labour costs accounted for 33% of business expenditure, inventory 37%, and other operating costs 31%. Notably, 47% of goods and services were sourced locally, with 53% imported.
Despite persistent challenges, there is optimism across the sector. 59% of businesses reported they were actively hiring, although workforce availability (40%), recruitment (33%), and financial barriers (19%) remain key concerns. Broader systemic issues were also cited, including security (21%), infrastructure (19%), and limited government support (10%).
Even so, many businesses see growth opportunities through increasing visitor demand (19%), strategic partnerships (16%), expansion opportunities (15%), and enhanced government support (14%).
PNGTPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo welcomed the report and praised the partnership with SPTO: “The BCI report is an important step forward in understanding the real-time challenges and opportunities our businesses face. We thank SPTO for its technical leadership and are proud to have partnered in this effort. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to shaping a resilient, inclusive, and data-driven tourism sector for PNG.”
This report marks the beginning of a data-driven approach to tourism recovery and private sector engagement in Papua New Guinea. SPTO and PNGTPA will use the findings to guide planning, investment, and business support initiatives.
“The Business Confidence Index is a key part of the New Zealand-funded Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, designed to capture local perspectives and guide tourism development that truly reflects community needs. We sincerely thank NZMFAT for funding this important survey, the PNGTPA team for their strong collaboration and the businesses that contributed their time and insights,” said Mr Cocker.
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Proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours, Bob Bates, honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Gala Dinner segment of the National Tourism Conference & Expo (NTCE2025) on Thursday 10 April, at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were proudly sponsored by the Platinum Sponsor of the National Tourism Conference & Expo, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries. Their partnership played a significant role in recognising industry legends who have shaped the tourism landscape of Papua New Guinea.
The award was jointly presented by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, and the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Namah, in recognition of Mr. Bates’ lifelong commitment to developing and promoting tourism in Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Bates joined two other proud recipients recognised for their legacy and contributions to the tourism industry. These included Andrew and Juanita Barter, who received the award on behalf of the late Sir Peter Barter, founder of Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd; and Cheyne and Cecilie Benjamin, the son and wife of the late Max Benjamin, proprietor of the iconic Walindi Plantation Resort in West New Britain Province.
With more than four decades of service to the tourism sector, Bob Bates has long been a cornerstone of adventure and eco-tourism in Papua New Guinea. He arrived in the country in the early 1970s and quickly established Trans Niugini Tours, which has since become one of PNG’s most respected inbound tour operators.
His company is known for its commitment to cultural authenticity, environmental conservation, and community-based tourism. From setting up eco-lodges in remote parts of the country, such as Rondon Ridge, Karawari Lodge, and Ambua Lodge, to organising carefully curated cultural tours and expeditions, Mr. Bates has helped place Papua New Guinea on the global tourism map.
Bob Bates offered his thanks to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Tourism, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), and the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA).
“I thank you all for this honour — although I must say, I’ve still got another 40 years in me, so it’s not quite a ‘lifetime’ yet!” said Bates.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, commended Mr. Bates for his remarkable contribution.
“Mr Bates is a name that resonates across the tourism industry not just in PNG but internationally. His deep respect for local culture, his investment in sustainable tourism, and his pioneering spirit have inspired generations. On behalf of TPA and the entire tourism family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and thanks for his dedication to Papua New Guinea.”
Photo Caption: L-R): Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Beldan Namah, proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours, Bob Bates and the Prime Minister of PNG, Hon. James Marape presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Bates during the presentation at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence.
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The legacy of the late Sir Peter Barter, was honoured during the National Tourism Conference & Expo (NTCE) 2025 Gala Dinner, held on Thursday 10 April at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was proudly sponsored by the Platinum Sponsor of the NTCE2025, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries, who played a key role in supporting the event and recognising industry leaders.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Sir Peter’s son, Andrew Barter, who received the honour on behalf of his late father, alongside his wife Juanita Barter. The award was presented by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, and the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, in recognition of Sir Peter Barter’s lifelong service and contribution to the tourism sector in Papua New Guinea.
Andrew and Juanita joined two other proud recipients of the evening: Bob Bates, proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours, and Cheyne and Cecilie Benjamin, the son and wife of the late Max Benjamin, founder of the world-renowned Walindi Plantation Resort in West New Britain Province.
Sir Peter Barter’s name is etched into the foundation of PNG tourism. After arriving in Papua New Guinea in the years prior to the 1970s, he later established Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd, which would go on to operate the Melanesian Discoverer expeditionary cruise and Madang Resort Hotel, helping to position Madang as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations. Beyond business, Sir Peter was known for his deep cultural appreciation, his strong love for the people, which he supported through the Melanesian Foundation, and his passion for promoting PNG’s diversity to the world.
The late Sir Peter Barter was also a prominent figure in Papua New Guinea’s government, serving as Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs during the early 2000s under the Somare Government. As Minister for Bougainville Affairs, he played a key role in the peace and reconciliation process following the Bougainville Civil War, helping to rebuild trust and to strengthen dialogue. He also served as Governor of Madang Province, where he championed
rural development, health, education, and tourism, leaving a lasting legacy for the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea.
The Gala Dinner marked the close of a two-day national conference, hosted on Wednesday 9 to Thursday 10 April, where tourism operators, government officials, development partners, and community leaders gathered to reflect on the past 50 years of PNG tourism and plan for its next chapter under the theme: “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, praised the late Sir Peter’s enduring influence.
“Sir Peter Barter was not only a pioneer in the tourism industry but a statesman, philanthropist, and a prouder Papua New Guinean than most Papua New Guineans. His efforts extended far beyond economic gain — he championed peace, culture, and inclusive development through tourism. On behalf of TPA, I thank Andrew and Juanita for travelling to Port Moresby to receive this honour. It was a truly special moment,” said Uvovo.
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The Late Max Benjamin was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, on Thursday evening, April 10, during the National Tourism Conference & Expo (NTC) 2025 Gala Dinner, held at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel and Residence.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were proudly sponsored by the Platinum Sponsor of the National Tourism Conference & Expo, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries, whose support made it possible to honour the tourism legends of PNG in such a meaningful way.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape and Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture Hon. Belden Namah to Max Benjamin’s wife, Cecilie Benjamin, who accepted the award alongside their son Cheyne Benjamin. The event marked a moment of heartfelt remembrance and celebration of a man whose vision helped shape the face of PNG’s marine tourism.
The Benjamins joined two other proud recipients of the award: Bob Bates, proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours, and Andrew Barter, son of the late Sir Peter Barter, who accepted the honour with his wife Juanita on behalf of the Melanesian Tourist Services founder.
Max Benjamin’s journey in Papua New Guinea began in the 1960s when he arrived as a young man with a love for exploration and conservation. He went on to establish Walindi Plantation Resort with his wife Cecilie in Kimbe Bay, West New Britain, which has since earned international recognition for its world-class diving, marine conservation efforts, and commitment to sustainable tourism. Under the Benjamin’s leadership, Walindi became a flagship for responsible tourism, attracting scientists, divers, and eco-travellers from around the globe and putting PNG on the world diving map.
In her acceptance remarks, Cecilie Benjamin thanked the Prime Minister, the Minister for Tourism, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) for hosting an exceptional conference and Gala Dinner.
“A wonderful conference and an award that is a proud achievement for my husband,” said Mrs Benjamin.
She also reminded the audience of the unique treasure that PNG represents.
“Please, never compare Papua New Guinea to anywhere else on earth. This country is unlike any other — with its cultures, its biodiversity, and its pristine beauty. There is no place like PNG,” said Mrs Benjamin.
The Gala Dinner brought to a close the two-day National Tourism Conference, hosted on Wednesday 9 to Thursday 10 April, where tourism operators, government officials, development partners, and community leaders from across the country gathered under the theme “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future” to celebrate 50 years of tourism and to chart the path forward for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry.
Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), praised the late Mr. Benjamin’s remarkable contributions to the sector:
“Max Benjamin was more than a resort owner — he was a true champion of eco-tourism, a protector of marine biodiversity, and a mentor to many in our industry. His passion and commitment to Papua New Guinea’s natural beauty and people have left a lasting legacy. On behalf of TPA and the tourism sector, we are grateful to Cecilie and Cheyne for travelling to Port Moresby to accept this award in his honour,” said Uvovo.
Photo Caption: Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Beldan Namah, wife of the late Max Benjamin, Cecilie Benjamin, Cheyne Benjamin (son) and the Prime Minister of PNG, Hon. James Marape presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to the Benjamins for the Late Max Benjamin’s contribution to tourism in PNG.
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Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, has commended all industry members, stakeholders, and participants for their contributions to the successful staging of the National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025, held from Wednesday 9 April to Thursday 10 April at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence in Port Moresby.
Through a statement, Uvovo expressed heartfelt appreciation to the national leaders, corporate sponsors, tourism operators, community representatives, and development partners who came together to honour five decades of tourism in Papua New Guinea under the theme “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future: 50 Years of PNG Tourism.”
“This week’s events have been nothing short of extraordinary. We gathered not only to celebrate 50 years of tourism in our beautiful country, but to honour the visionaries, communities, and industry builders who laid the foundation for where we are today,” said Uvovo.
The event was also a tribute to three iconic figures who have shaped the course of tourism in the country — the late Sir Peter Barter, the late Mr. Max Benjamin, and Mr. Bob Bates. These individuals were honoured during the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards segment of the Gala Dinner.
TPA CEO, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, acknowledged their lasting legacy and the profound impact of their work.
“We honour the families of these great pioneers who dedicated their lives to building Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry from the ground up. Their vision, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire us.
And to Mr. Bob Bates — the last strong man still standing in PNG’s tourism legacy — we salute you. Your resilience and lifelong service are a beacon for the generations to come,” said Uvovo.
The CEO acknowledged the generous support of the event sponsors, highlighting the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries as Platinum Sponsor.
“Your investment and belief in the future of PNG tourism empowered us to host this event and recognise the legends of our industry with the honour they deserve,” he said.
He also extended gratitude to the Gold Sponsors,’ OK Tedi Mining Limited and ExxonMobil PNG, and the Bronze Sponsors, the Department of National Planning & Monitoring and China CSCEC Steel (PNG) for their partnership and continued support in strengthening tourism in Papua New Guinea.
Over the two-day conference, more than 300 participants engaged in sector updates, strategic panel discussions, and keynote presentations from leading tourism and business figures. Day One focused on post-COVID recovery, sustainability, SME development, and access to finance, with compelling input from speakers such as Alan Manning, Moses Wai, Andrew Abel, Dominic Sikakau, Lloyd Piari, and Cheyne Benjamin.
Day Two shifted toward the future, featuring sessions on investment, infrastructure, connectivity, and destination marketing. Presenters included John Tuaim, Fantasha Lockington, Simon-Marc Brendling, Gibson Holemba, Dominic Kaumu, Walter Yangomina, Charlie Wanma, David Rawlings, Noor Ahmad Hamid, Hannah Pearson, and Dr. Marcus Lee.
“To everyone who participated, from SMEs and landowners to youth representatives and investors, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this industry. Your stories and energy are shaping a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and authentically Papua New Guinean,” said Uvovo.
He noted that the outcomes of the conference provide a strong platform for future international milestones including Expo Osaka 2025 and the PNG-China Tourism Year 2026, as well as renewed commitment to improving industry standards, financing access, and digital marketing strategies.
Uvovo also extended special thanks to the TPA organising team, the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), and all the behind-the-scenes staff whose hard work ensured a professional and meaningful event experience.
“As we close this week of celebration and reflection, I thank you all for believing in the power of tourism to connect people, preserve culture, and transform lives. Let us move forward with pride, unity, and a shared purpose to take PNG tourism into the next 50 years,” said Uvovo.
📸Photo Caption: (L-R) Tourism Promotion Authority CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, and Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) Managing Director, Mr. Augustine S. Mano.
The Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), announced the National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025.
The event will convene leading experts, industry stakeholders, and key decision-makers to explore critical issues, discuss emerging trends, and plan a sustainable course for the future of tourism in the country.
A significant highlight of the announcement was the presentation of the Platinum Sponsorship from Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries. MRDC, a major investor in tourism and hospitality and instrumental in bringing the international Hilton brand to Papua New Guinea, has demonstrated its commitment to the sector’s growth through the contribution.
Hon. Belden Norman Namah, Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, states the strategic importance of the conference within the broader context of Papua New Guinea’s development. “This National Tourism Conference is a key component of the PNG Tourism Sector Development Plan, which recognises tourism as a vital renewable resource,” said Minister Namah. “This conference will serve as a catalyst, awakening the immense potential of the tourism industry and encouraging Papua New Guineans to recognise the ‘pot of gold’ that exists within this sector.”
Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of the TPA, remarked on the significance of the conference for industry stakeholders, “The PNG Tourism Industry Association, represent over 60 members, including hoteliers, transport providers, tour operators, artisans, and trekking companies. The conference serves as a vital conduit for facilitating knowledge exchange and driving the development of actionable strategies to promote sustainable growth. Additionally, the conference will feature an exposition open to the public, allowing people to explore and understand more about the diverse packages offered.”
Mr. Augustine Mano, Managing Director of MRDC, explained MRDC recognises the immense, long-term potential of the tourism sector to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s economic diversification and sustainable development. Mr Mano explained, “Our investment in this conference, along with our broader commitment to tourism and hospitality through initiatives like the Hilton brand and infrastructure development in the communities we serve, reflects our vision for a future beyond extractive industries.”
“Tourism can complement extractive resources, as it offers a lasting benefit for our people. That’s why our investments, in aviation, finance, healthcare, real estate, power generation, all contribute to building a foundation that supports and promotes tourism. This conference will be instrumental in shaping that sustainable future and helping our communities thrive in the tourism industry.” Mr Mano said.
The National Tourism Conference will address a wide range of critical topics, including sustainable tourism development, destination marketing, cultural preservation, infrastructure development, and community engagement. It will provide a valuable forum for participants to network, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives to enhance Papua New Guinea’s tourism offerings.
Further details about the conference, including dates, venue, and registration information, will be released soon.
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An employee from the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) represented the country’s Tourism sector at the 16th UTM-UN training in Macao late last year to enhance PNG’s digital innovation in the tourism industry.
TPA’s Digital Marketing Officer for Website, Craig Kaviagu joined more than 40 participants from the Asia Pacific Region in the digital training program hosted on Monday 18 to Friday 21 November 2024.
Kaviagu highlighted the transformative role of technology in promoting tourism in PNG.
“Technology allows us to reach the other side of the world almost instantly.”
In PNG we need a strong digital system involving government departments, industry players, and SMEs to allow us to identify trends across sectors, improving decision-making and targeted strategies,” said Kaviagu.
Kaviagu explored the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing tourism experiences.
“While infrastructure limitations remain, we cannot afford to delay, as technology evolves rapidly with the current use of AI, which can streamline bottleneck processes that assist travellers and tour operators,” said Kaviagu.
The training was facilitated through the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and University of Macao’s (UTM) joint training program. It is designed to provide professionals in the tourism industry with valuable insights and skills related to tourism marketing, digital transformation, and current global trends.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended Craig for his valuable knowledge gained through the training program emphasizing on the importance of investing in people.
“There is a need to upskill our current human resources and our industry, educating the next generation. Closing the digital literacy gap and preparing for jobs of the future are vital steps for PNG’s tourism sector to grow and change,” said Uvovo.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo acknowledged the challenges of implementing technology in PNG.
“We do have issues like infrastructure limitations, digital literacy gaps, but despite these challenges there is a huge opportunity if we act now to bridge these gaps,” said Uvovo.
The training also provided actionable insights for immediate application, which TPA sees the potential for AI to enhance efficiency without replacing human roles in the industry and training industry members to be well equipped to use AI-driven processes.
Uvovo also supports launching digital literacy workshops for local tourism operators aimed at establishing a strong digital presence, equipping operators with skills in social media management, website management, and running online advertisements.
Looking ahead, Uvovo envisions a tourism sector that integrates technology, culture, and the environment.
“We must ensure our traditions and natural surroundings thrive alongside technological advancements to promote PNG’s million different journeys,” he said.
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