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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) marked Father’s Day in a special celebration at the TPA office on Friday 30 August, Port Moresby.
The event, which honored the themes of strength, love, and sacrifice, brought together more than thirty male employees, including the organization’s CEO and their female team members in a heartwarming tribute to fathers everywhere.
The celebration was a time of reflection and appreciation, as the TPA team gathered to recognize the vital role fathers play in both their personal and professional lives. The event highlighted the qualities that are often associated with fatherhood, paying homage to the dedication and commitment shown by fathers in their families and communities.
The day concluded with special remarks from the CEO, Executive Managers, and other staff members. Each speaker took a moment to commemorate the day, offering heartfelt tributes to all fathers—both those present and those who have passed.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasized the importance of celebrating fatherhood and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all fathers.
“Our fathers are the pillars of strength in our lives, and today we honour their love, sacrifice, and support. As we celebrate Father’s Day, we also reflect on the values that drive us forward as an organization—values of dedication, resilience, and care, which are so often exemplified by those great men that have shaped our lives,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also highlighted the importance of celebrating such events.
“By celebrating Father’s Day in this way, TPA not only recognized the contributions of its male employees but also reinforced the importance of family and community in our organization,” said Uvovo.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) presented Project Management certificates to six participants at the Institute of Banking and Business Management’s (IBBM) campus on Friday 23rd August, Port Moresby.
Among the proud recipients of the certificates were TPA’s sponsored participants, Leo Ameua, Acting Advisor for Commerce Industry & Tourism with the Central Provincial Government Administration, and Muriel Gerari, Acting Tourism Coordinator for the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).
Both participants expressed their gratitude to TPA for providing this valuable opportunity to enhance their professional skills.
Ameua highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing his capacity with his work.
“Through this workshop, I learned how to analyze and collect data effectively, which is crucial for making informed decisions in our projects. Additionally, I’ve gained insights into managing my team more efficiently, ensuring that we can carry out our projects with greater precision and success,” said Ameua.
Gerari echoed Ameua’s sentiments, thanking TPA for its support.
“This training is vital for our work in tourism, particularly in understanding how to manage resources, including finances, more efficiently. These skills are essential to ensuring that our projects are completed to the highest standards,” said Gerari.
The one-week workshop commenced on Monday 19th and concluded on Friday 23rd August at the IBBM Training Centre.
Led by IBBM’s Manager of Special Projects, Ignatius Timothy, who commended the participants for their dedication.
“It’s commendable that all these participants took time off from their busy schedules to build their project management skills. Their hard work and commitment will undoubtedly benefit their respective regions, their work and the broader tourism sector,” Timothy said.
He also extended his appreciation to TPA and other supporting organizations for their commitment to capacity building for their respective industries.
The training was designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to develop project plans that align with timelines, budgets, and resource requirements. The participants also gained proficiency in using essential project management tools, such as Gantt charts and project management software, enhancing their ability to deliver successful projects.
The TPA’s sponsorship is part of a broader strategy to certify all 22 provincial tourism officers in project management. This effort is aimed at strengthening provincial offices to effectively coordinate and implement tourism projects, thereby achieving the Tourism Sector Development Plan’s (TSDP) Governance subsector objectives at the provincial level.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, congratulated the participants on their achievement and wished them success in their careers.
“I am always pleased to see our tourism industry members excel through the skills and knowledge they acquire from such training programs. TPA is eager to continue developing the industry by investing in the professional growth of our tourism officers,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also highlighted the importance of the training aimed at strengthening the tourism industry in the country.
“The goal of the Governance subsector is to provide leadership, synergy, and coordination to strengthen the tourism sector. By equipping Provincial Tourism Bureaus with the necessary skills, TPA ensures that these offices are well-prepared to coordinate and implement the TSDP effectively within their provinces, driving the growth and sustainability of Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry,” said Uvovo. ◼️
📸(banner image) L-R: Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Daphne Galore, Institute of Banking and Business Management’s (IBBM) Manager Special Projects, Ignatius Timothy, TPA’s Executive Manager for Policy & Planning, Ingrid Kuman, Acting Advisor for Tourism with the Central Provincial Administration and TPA’s sponsored participant for the training, Leo Ameua, Acting Advisor for Commerce Industry & Tourism for the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and another TPA sponsored participant, Muriel Gerari with TPA’s Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Faith Kaupa following the certificate presentation at the IBBM Training Centre, Port Moresby.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) promoted tourism at the 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show on the weekend of August 17th – 18th at Queen’s Park in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province.
TPA representatives set up an information booth at the showground, where they interacted with a large number of showgoers, particularly the youth. The booth became a hub of activity as curious visitors sought information about tourism opportunities within Papua New Guinea. Many expressed interests in creating their own tourism products in their communities, a growing awareness and enthusiasm for the industry.
The presence of TPA at the cultural festival was warmly received by the Mt Hagen town mayor, Councilor Jacob Michael, who paid a visit to the stall.
“I am very pleased to see the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority actively participating in this year’s show. Their engagement with the community, especially the younger generation, is crucial in strengthening a deeper understanding of the importance of tourism,” said Michael.
He went on to emphasize the vital role tourism plays in preserving the cultural heritage of the people, not just in Mt Hagen, but across the country.
“Tourism is an essential tool in safeguarding our traditions and cultural practices. Events like the Mt Hagen Cultural Show are a testament to the rich diversity of our country, and I am glad to see TPA promoting this aspect of our people,” said Michael.
TPA’s Senior Marketing Officer, Simon Pih expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the level of interest generated from the event.
“The numbers from this year’s festival were exceptional, and the enthusiasm shown by the people indicates a promising future for tourism in Mt Hagen and the broader Western Highlands Province. The interest in developing community-based tourism products is particularly encouraging.”
The 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show featured more than 50 different cultural dance groups from various regions, including provinces from the Western, Southern Highlands, and Eastern Highlands, as well as participants from Bougainville, Madang, and Morobe Province. The colourful and dynamic performances highlighted the diverse cultural uniqueness that the show brings each year, drawing large numbers of tourists and local people.
TPA’s participation in the Mt Hagen Cultural Show demonstrates the organization’s commitment to promoting tourism across the nation and supporting initiatives that preserve and celebrate Papua New Guinea’s unique cultural heritage. ◼️
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📸 (above banner image) L-R: Town Mayor for Mt Hagen, Councillor Jacob Michael and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) Senior Marketing Officer, Simon Pih at TPA’s Information booth during the 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show at Queen’s Park, Mt Hagen.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) officially launched the Enga Cultural Festival on Friday 9th August in Wabag, Enga Province.
The festival, renowned for celebrating the rich culture of Enga Province, marked a significant milestone this year with its 30th Anniversary.
Honourable Sir Peter Ipatas, Governor of Enga Province, expressed his gratitude for TPA’s continued support.
“I’d like to thank TPA for its continued support throughout the years, making this annual cultural festival one of the best in the country,” said Sir Ipatas.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the importance of the festival in reflecting the cultural richness of the Enga people.
“The people of Enga have been through a lot in the past few years, and it is always beautiful to see the vibrant culture of the Enga people come alive through this annual event,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
“Shows such as this remind us of our proud culture, and it’s always an honour to see so many young faces proudly dressed in their traditional attire and showing their culture,” said Uvovo.
From Friday 9th to Saturday 10th August, the Enga Cultural Festival showcased a weekend of more than 30 different unique traditional performances, vibrant displays of traditional rituals, traditional craft & artifacts, floral displays and community spirit, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s most celebrated cultural events.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) attended the 2024 Global Bird Fair (GBF) on Friday 12 to Sunday 14 July to showcase Papua New Guinea’s exceptional birding potential in Rutland, Oakham, UK.
TPA’s participation in this B2B trade fair event provided a valuable platform for connecting with international birding tour operators, travel agents, and conservation organizations.
The event was highly productive, with over 50 qualified leads generated through meetings and discussions with potential birding tourism partners, including tour operators, travel agents, conservation groups, media representatives, photographers, and bird watchers. This engagement led to increased awareness of Papua New Guinea as a premier birding destination among key industry players, established valuable connections for future travel packages, and sparked media interest in PNG’s birding industry.
The presence of professional PNG bird photographer Dustin Chen, whose high-resolution images and expertise also drew considerable attention, effectively directing sales to Papua New Guinea-based tour operators.
A TPA representative who attended the event, Product Development Officer, David Monai, said that the PNG booth was one of the main attractions.
“Our booth was a focal point at the event, featuring high-quality photographs of Papua New Guinea’s diverse birdlife and birding destinations, with informative brochures, maps, and promotional materials. The booth also offered one-on-one and small group information sessions, providing a personalized approach for attendees.
The connections made at the GBF have opened doors for potential partnerships and future initiatives to promote responsible birding practices and community development in Papua New Guinea. Our plans now are to maintain communication with interested parties, provide further
information and support to potential tour operators, and explore collaboration opportunities with conservation organizations,” said Monai.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the importance of PNG’s presence at the GBF.
“The success at the event highlights the growing demand for bird watching from the UK and European markets. To capitalize on this, we start preparing ourselves early for next year’s Global Bird Fair. After a hiatus of 5-6 years due to Covid-19 restrictions, the post-Covid bookings and travel plans secured at this year’s fair emphasizes the need for continuous participation.
Proper training and capacity building for PNG birding industry stakeholders are crucial to meet market demands. This includes standard compliance, bird identification, constructing hides near leks, placing bird feeders, and using bird box solar-powered cameras,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo commended his team for their participation in this year’s GBF.
“Our participation in this year’s Global Bird Fair was a resounding success, providing a strategic platform to showcase our exceptional birding potential and establish vital connections within the global birding tourism industry, which will ultimately lead to empowering our local and rural communities in PNG,” said Uvovo. ◼️
📸: Top banner image, (L-R) PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’s Product Development Officer, David Monai with Air Niugini’s UK office representative, Steve Bresh, Paiya Tours Owner, Pym Mamindi, Flight Directors’s Managing Director, Vikki Joyce and TPA’s UK & Europe’s Trade Marketing representative, Robin Russell-Pavier at the PNG Booth during the 2024 Global Bird Fair in the UK.
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A Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) employee has joined more than 15 other participants from across the Pacific who have become eligible to graduate with a Certificate IV in Climate Resilience from Fiji’s prestige university.
TPA’s Product Development Officer, Lemban Kaki recently returned from Fiji, where he completed his final presentation assessment for the Certificate IV in Climate Resilience at the University of the South Pacific (USP). The assessment, conducted from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 June 2024, has qualified him for graduation in September this year at USP’s Laucala campus in Suva, Fiji.
The Certificate IV in Climate Resilience is a six-month course designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to tackle climate challenges. The program focuses on practical applications and policy frameworks crucial to strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities and effectively addressing climate change issues.
Lemban Kaki thanked TPA for its continuous support towards upskilling its employees.
“I am truly humbled and would like to thank TPA who recognized the importance of this course and granted me approval to take leave for my participation. The knowledge and experiences gained will be integrated into my work, particularly in marine projects,” said Kaki.
The course covers four key topics: Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Resilience Projects, Institutional Frameworks in Resilience, and Hazards and Sustainable Practices in Resilience. The programme is sponsored by the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Program, jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden, and delivered by USP through its Pacific Technical and Further Education.
The program’s purpose is to address the impacts of climate change, which have become a global concern, particularly for developing nations like the Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The course aims to build capacity for mitigating climate challenges and implementing adaptation strategies, aligning with international agreements like the Paris Agreement.
The topics covered in the course align with the goals and requirements of Papua New Guinea’s Environment Act (2000) and Climate Change and Development Act (2015). Implementing climate initiatives in accordance with national laws and international agreements also aligns with the TPA’s Environmental and Social Management Framework and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026.
TPA’s Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Kennewton Kennedy, emphasized the importance of the knowledge gained through the programme.
“Understanding climate change and reducing disaster risks is crucial and will be mainstreamed into our Products and Development Projects. This integration will ensure our initiatives are socially, environmentally, economically, and climate-friendly, thereby enhancing resilience, promoting eco-tourism within the green industry space, and setting a positive example as a tourism authority in the country,” said Kennedy.
During his week in Fiji, Kaki engaged in educational exchanges and delivered an interactive, practical presentation that was considered the best among all groups. His presentation combined theoretical knowledge with practical examples, demonstrating a strong understanding of the course concepts and effective mitigation strategies.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, congratulated Lemban on his achievement commending him on his dedication towards his studies.
“His successful completion of the Certificate IV in Climate Resilience is a testament to TPA’s commitment to capacity building and sustainable development. The skills and knowledge he brings back will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of climate resilience projects in Papua New Guinea, aligning with national and international climate goals.
I am confident that the knowledge gained and experiences learned from the university will be translated and integrated into his work,” said Uvovo. ◼️
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) honoured two exceptional graduates from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) with the TPA Academic Excellence Award at a ceremony held on Tuesday 2nd July, Port Moresby.
Harmson Waliya and Rendy Ono, both recipients of the prestigious award, expressed their heartfelt gratitude for TPA’s unwavering support in their careers in tourism.
The event saw attendance from UPNG’s Head of Division Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dr. Joyce Jazmin-Rayel, along with her lecturers from the School of Business & Public Policy, and TPA staff.
Harmson, who graduated in Business Management majoring in Tourism Hospitality Management, highlighted the positive impact of such initiatives on aspiring tourism professionals.
“Such initiatives motivate us, the students. I also see that the future of this industry is secure when partnerships and collaborations between the industry and institutions occur. As a student, I have noticed that there has been a missing link that needs to be connected. The industry has been functioning on its own, and students have been studying independently. Additionally, some of the things taught in class are different from what is happening in the industry. This initiative of coming together for a shared goal suggests that the industry is sustainable and growing, but it needs more effort,” said Waliya.
Harmson excelled during his studies, achieving top grades in the Tourism and Hospitality Management curriculum. He served as Events Manager for the 16th UPNG Tourism Convention, was a student leader in his church known for his strong moral character, and exhibited exemplary behaviour, setting high standards for classmates. He also completed an industry immersion at TPA, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to his field.
Rendy Ono, Professional Studies & Business Management Tourism & Hospitality (PSTHM) graduate, described the program as a blessing.
“I come from a teaching background and studied science, but entering tourism was a new experience for me. I struggled at first, but as I progressed, I learned a lot. I thought, if I had taken tourism in my youth, it would have been much better for me. But it’s not too late, and I’m very happy for my second chance,” said Ono.
Rendy consistently topped the PSTHM cohort. Transitioning from a teaching background, he demonstrated strong tourism research skills, organized the 2nd UPNG Tourism Industry Seminar, and volunteered during the PNG Update 2022-2023.
Head of Division Tourism and Hospitality Management at UPNG, Dr. Joyce Jazmin-Rayel, praised the award recipients.
“I’m so glad and proud of both men, because the TPA Academic Excellence Award honors outstanding graduates in tourism and hospitality management from the university. Both men have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, strong leadership qualities, and exemplary behaviour throughout their studies,” said Dr. Jazmin-Rayel.
TPA’s Executive Manager for Corporate Affairs, Clair Kupo, highlighted the importance of the program and acknowledged the graduates.
“As part of the economic sector, we strive to do our best despite cash flow limitations. We are grateful for the program and our partnership with UPNG, which builds the capacity of tourism operators and those interested in tourism and hospitality management, including our own staff, said Kupo. ◼️
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Left to Right: Department of Agriculture & Livestock Secretary (DAL), Dr Sergi Bang with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo during the signing of the MOU between TPA and DAL in Port Moresby.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop agritourism in Papua New Guinea.
The MOU signed on Thursday 27 June in Port Moresby, marks a step towards utilizing the country’s rich agricultural heritage to boost tourism and forge a partnership between two key economic sectors of PNG.
Key objectives of this collaborative effort include the development of a National Agritourism Policy, to guide investment and establishing agritourism pilot projects in the Eastern Highlands, Milne Bay, East New Britain, and Morobe Provinces.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo said that Agritourism Steering Committee (ASC) and Agritourism Technical Working Group (ATWG) will be subsequently formed to guide the implementation of the MOU between the two parties. In addition, it is most likely that the committee will expand in the future to make room for relevant stakeholders who are involved in the space such as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA), to ensure a sustainable and inclusive agritourism sector is developed.
“Agritourism is an emerging niche tourism product that has great potential; the concept of agritourism provides an opportunity for local farmers such as Honey Bee producers, trout fish farmers or coffee growers, for example, to develop tour itineraries that are centred around their commodity or cash crop. By doing so, it provides local farmers the opportunity to develop a tour package that proudly showcases the farm site, process from raw material to a finished product and allows for branding of local PNG products or local dishes and cuisine.
The MOU partnership with DAL will provide the policy and planning advisory support and co-financing of an integrated work plan, we are setting the foundation for a sustainable agritourism sector. This collaboration will ensure that we harness the full potential of our agricultural and tourism resources to drive community empowerment, economic growth and cultural preservation,” said Uvovo.
Left to Right: Department of Agriculture & Livestock Secretary (DAL), Dr Sergi Bang with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo during the signing of the MOU between TPA and DAL in Port Moresby.
It is anticipated that following the endorsement of the National Agritourism Policy, the parties will work together to facilitate investment in the agritourism sector. This includes the development and marketing of existing agritourism products to create niche markets and attract tourists.
The Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Sergie Bang, has hailed the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) as a significant milestone for the agriculture sector. He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with the newly launched National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024-2033, which aims to transform subsistence farming into commercial farming and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Bang noted that agritourism development will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives by providing additional revenue for farm owners and strengthening self-sustaining, resilient communities.
During the event, Dr. Bang highlighted the shared commitment to facilitating regional consultations and comprehensive stakeholder engagement in the policy formulation process. By collaborating with relevant agencies, the partnership aims to efficiently achieve the MOU’s objectives and drive the transformation of the agriculture sector to empower healthy and prosperous agricultural communities.
The MOU is set for an initial period of three years, setting the stage for a path to harness Papua New Guinea’s agricultural potential to boost tourism. Through this partnership, both TPA and DAL are committed to developing a vibrant agritourism sector that will contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), along with more than 20 PNG participants from the public and the private sector, have concluded a seven-day international China roadshow to promote PNG as a prime tourism destination.
A total of 21 participating organizations, including four government agencies and 17 tourism operators, reported successful engagements and promising leads. The productive interactions throughout the event showed a strong interest for collaboration between PNG and Chinese tourism stakeholders.
Participants included representatives from PNGTPA, the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB), Beijing Kumul Consular, Air Niugini Hong Kong GSA, and various tour operators and accommodation service providers. This diverse group worked together to showcase PNG’s tourism potential and establish strong connections with Chinese agents and wholesalers.
The China Ready Roadshow, held in the cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from a total of 117 Chinese agents and wholesalers, with 45 visitors in Shenzhen on Tuesday 18th June and 72 in Guangzhou on Thursday 20th June during the B2B exchange events.
The event commenced with a presentation led by TPA’s Executive Manager for Marketing and Promotions, Joel Keimelo and TPA’s Videographer, John Vaii, who highlighted the unique attractions and experiences PNG offers – pertinent to Papua New Guinea’s destination brand – A Million Different Journeys, simultaneously capturing the attention of the Chinese audience.
Participants on the roadshow also experienced cultural and city tours around Shenzhen and Guangzhou, which strengthened cultural ties and enriched their overall experience. These tours allowed the participants to immerse themselves in the local culture and landscape, enhancing the connection between the two countries.
China Travel Online’s CEO, Dr. Marcus Lee, who is a facilitator of the China Ready program emphasized the invaluable lessons learned during the event.
“The China Ready Roadshow has taught valuable lessons on market entry and positioning. If a destination is China Ready, then they are ready for any market,” said Dr Lee.
Dr. Lee also commended the efforts of TPA and various other organizations who ensured that the event was a success.
“With strategic planning, effective execution, and continuous follow-up, PNG is poised to unlock its tourism potential,” said Dr Lee.
TPA’s Executive Manager for Marketing and Promotions, Joel Keimelo, shared his insights on the event’s impact and future prospects.
“The China Ready Roadshow not only promoted PNG as an attractive tourist destination but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships and growth in the Chinese market. Focus was also given to Port Moresby as the gateway to the country and with direct flights from Guangzhou (with China Southern Airlines) and Hong Kong (with Air Niugini) respectively, we will certainly see Chinese travellers to PNG.
The Chinese market, characterized by a preference for leisure and soft adventure activities, presents vast opportunities for PNG. However, addressing specific needs such as visa requirements, direct flight routes, and cost-effective airfares remains crucial and also ensuring translation services and meeting Chinese tourists’ preferences are vital steps toward a successful market entry,” said Keimelo.
Keimelo further elaborated on the structured approach adopted by PNGTPA.
“The China Ready Program, adopted by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), is making significant strides in preparing PNG for an influx of Chinese visitors. The program follows a four-stage process: Destination Audit, Industry Workshop, Accreditation, and Distribution. This structured approach is designed to ensure that PNG becomes visitor-ready not only for the Chinese market but also for other international tourists,” said Keimelo.
Addressing one of the key challenges faced during the roadshow, Keimelo highlighted the team’s efforts to overcome the language barrier.
“One of the key challenges addressed during the roadshow was the language barrier. To overcome this, the team organized translations of brochures and business cards and ensured that translators were available at each table during the B2B sessions. This initiative facilitated clear communication and helped Chinese agents better understand PNG’s tourism offerings,” said Keimelo.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman, highlighted the significant progress and future steps for PNG’s tourism industry.
“Through these strategic efforts, TPA is effectively positioning Papua New Guinea as a prime destination for Chinese tourists, ensuring that the country meets the specific needs and preferences of this growing market,” said Uvovo.
He emphasized the importance of understanding and catering to the unique requirements of Chinese travellers to enhance their experience in PNG. Uvovo also outlined the roadmap for maintaining this momentum.
“Following the successful roadshow, the next steps involve nationwide destination audits, workshops, and accreditation to ensure comprehensive readiness across PNG. Establishing a Destination Marketing Representative (DMR) office in China is under consideration to maintain connections and support ongoing promotional efforts,” Uvovo explained.
Looking ahead, TPA’s focus will be on several key initiatives. Firstly, the organization is committed to implementing a comprehensive China Digital Marketing Plan to effectively reach and engage Chinese travellers.
Secondly, exploring the establishment of a dedicated TPA China Office to strengthen PNG’s presence and support in the Chinese market. Additionally, TPA will also be implement a PNG-CHINA Tourism Year 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence. This initiative aims to celebrate PNG’s cultural richness and strengthen bilateral tourism ties between PNG and China. ◼️
📸 Above banner image: Papua New Guinea tourism roadshow participants in Guangzhou, China, June 2024.
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Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo (centre left) and TPA’s Deputy Board Chairman, Mr Andrew Abel (centre right) with members of the Tourism Sector Development Plan Implementation Steering Committee (TSDP-ISC) following their first meeting for this financial year at the APEC Haus late last month.
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) announces its first successful Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026 Implementation Steering Committee (TSDP-ISC) meeting held on Wednesday 22 May at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby.
The quarterly meeting is crucial to drive the Tourism Sector Development Policy (TSDP), a structured and strategic framework designed to coordinate and facilitate the growth and sustainability of tourism in Papua New Guinea.
This meeting marks the first for this year, facilitated by TPA’s Policy and Strategic Planning Division, chaired by TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo. In attendance were TPA’s divisional Executive Managers, Senior officers, and officers from TPA’s Policy and Strategic Planning and Monitoring and Evaluation teams.
The TSDP-ISC serves as a vital reporting mechanism to track the progress of deliverables outlined in the TSDP 2022-2026. Mr. Uvovo began the meeting by presenting the minutes from the previous session held in 2023, setting a comprehensive agenda for the current meeting. Following this, TPA’s respective Executive Managers provided updates on their achievements, challenges, and plans moving forward for the financial year and the work plans for 2024.
A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation and endorsement of the Terms of Reference for three crucial subcommittees: PNG Cruise Development, Agritourism, and Kokoda Trail Development. These subcommittees are designed to address specific areas within the tourism sector, ensuring focused and effective interventions.
Three specific terms of reference were discussed during the meeting:
The TSDP aims to coordinate and facilitate growth within the tourism sector by establishing subcommittees to guide specific objectives and timelines. These subcommittees are made up of representatives from both public and private sectors, and the Chair is responsible for reporting their outcomes and progress directly to the TSDP-ISC,” said Uvovo.
Although the TSDP 2022-2026 does not specifically mention sustainable outcomes, many identified projects aim for sustainability. The plan provided insights that contributed to the review of the National Tourism Policy, which prioritizes Environmental Sustainability and Cultural Heritage Preservation and Protection.
The TSDP 2022-2026 is aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) III, ensuring a structured monitoring and evaluation process, this plan is scheduled to undergo a mid-term review to align milestone objectives to the recently launched MTDP IV. The TSDP-ISC meetings provide a platform to identify and address issues impeding the tourism sector, facilitating the achievement of the plan’s deliverables.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo emphasized the importance of tourism in Papua New Guinea as a cross-cutting sector that requires a coordinated approach for development and sustainability.
“The TSDP 2022-2026 was crafted using a comprehensive sector-wide approach, emphasizing development through timely interventions in both primary and enabling subsectors. These subsectors encompass the international and domestic tourism sectors, suppliers and providers, product & service, regulations & standards, critical enabling sectors, and leadership and synergy coordination,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also said that TSDP relies heavily on the support of various stakeholders.
“We face a major hurdle, which is the adequate and timely release of funds for the implementation of the TSDP 2022-2026. The way forward involves working together in partnerships among key stakeholders to achieve mutual sector goals and national strategic plans,” said Uvovo.
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