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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) launched its Hello Poro Tourism Campaign alongside the 50th Independence Destination Tour Packages on Friday 5 September 2025 at Kwalimu Haus, Waigani in Port Moresby.
The launch, held as part of the nation’s 50th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations, is a part of TPA’s initiative to encourage Papua New Guineans to explore their own home.
The Hello Poro Campaign is a storytelling-driven media initiative that will highlight Mt. Hagen, Kavieng, Port Moresby, and Wewak as hero destinations through TPA’s social media reels, YouTube content and booking-enabled websites.
Alongside the campaign, the 50th Independence Tour Packages will offer ten curated four-day packages across the four main tourism regions, each subsidised by 50 per cent to make travel more affordable and accessible. Partner operators include Buna Treks & Tours, Paiya Tours, Bougainville Experience, PNG Tour Guide, and others who are collaborating with PNGTPA to deliver these experiences.
These initiatives are expected to drive higher visitation during the Independence period from September to December 2025, increase visibility for local operators and SMEs, strengthen domestic tourism habits, engage communities in showing PNG’s culture and history Speaking at the event, TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo said the initiatives reflect TPA’s
commitment to strengthening the tourism brand, boosting visitor engagement, supporting SMEs, and encouraging greater domestic travel.
“Tourism tells the story of who we are as Papua New Guineans – diverse, united, and welcoming. Hello Poro shows our people, our culture, and our destinations with authenticity and pride, while the subsidised Independence Tour Packages ensure that more people, both here at home and abroad, can share in these experiences. This is an investment in our long-term growth as a tourism nation,” said Uvovo.
The launch event featured remarks from industry representatives, media partners, and tourism operators. Guests were treated to a preview of the campaign video, a showcase of the subsidised tour packages, entertainment by Wan Squad, and a prize draw.◼️
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More than 20 years of photography of Papua New Guinea has been captured in a new book released this week as part of the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Australian photographer David Kirkland has published Papua New Guinea – The Last Great Frontier, his sixth book on the country since he began capturing promotional photographs for the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) back in the early 2000s.
Kirkland highlighted the significance of PNG’s unique culture.
“It’s been one of my great privileges to return to this country frequently over the years and capture photographs that have been used to promote PNG worldwide.
To me, this country has always been The Last Great Frontier – an exceptional experience for the adventurous traveller. No where else in the world – and I’ve travelled it widely – offers such a spectacular array of culture and colour. And, in all the time I’ve travelled the country, I’ve only ever been welcomed by the friendliest of people,” said Kirkland.
According to Kirkland, his new book is the most prestigious publication he’s ever produced to reflect the status of the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
“It’s a large coffee table book – twice the size of my earlier books – which includes the best 150 photographs I’ve captured from throughout the country. I’d like to think it’s a unique testament to the country’s beauty, its tremendous cultural diversity, and the changes that have taken place since I first wandered the highlands around the time of the Mt Kare gold rush.
Since I arrived here, I’ve been working closely with the TPA which has been an exceptional partner. A member of its staff has travelled with me over the length and breadth of the country ensuring the images we captured appealed to the markets likely to be interested in the experience offered by PNG”, said Kirkland.
He also added that the book draws attention to what he considers to be the fragility of Papua New Guinea’s rich traditional culture.
“Papua New Guinea is changing rapidly. It has moved from the stone-age to the space age in less than a lifetime, and I fear much of its traditional culture – the thread that links generations – is being lost in the process”, he said.
I’d like to think my book draws attention to both the value, and vulnerability, of traditional practices in this country,” said Kirkland.
Coinciding with the release of the book, 150 large photographic prints by the photographer are being hung as a permanent collection throughout PNG’s K665 million Waigani Court Precinct.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has secured more than 1,000 copies of renowned photographer David Kirkland’s newly released book, Papua New Guinea – The Last Great Frontier.
The acquisition will support its promotional efforts locally and abroad, providing a powerful visual tool to inspire travel and highlight PNG as a unique destination for adventurous travellers.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended Kirkland on his new publication and he highlighted the importance of capturing PNG’s rich culture through photography.
“This publication is a visual chronicle of Papua New Guinea’s journey over the decades. As we celebrate 50 years of nationhood, David Kirkland’s work captures the essence of our people, culture, and natural beauty that continue to inspire travellers from around the world.
For over 20 years, David Kirkland has been one of our strongest partners in sharing Papua New Guinea’s story with the world. His lens has helped position our country as The Last Great Frontier, a destination for those seeking adventure, authenticity, and cultural richness,” said Uvovo.◼️
For more information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
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Papua New Guinea was featured as a Partner Destination at the 2025 NATAS Holidays Travel Fair, held from 15–17 August at the Singapore EXPO Halls.
Under the banner PNG: Adventure Meets Culture, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), in collaboration with Air Niugini and Changi International Airport, and supported by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), highlighted the country’s unique cultural and adventure tourism experiences to the Singaporean market.
As part of the showcase, Papua New Guinea cultural performers took centre stage at Singapore’s iconic Jewel Changi Airport on Sunday, 17 August, with a free public performance at the Forest Valley attraction. Known for its lush indoor gardens and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, Jewel provided a stunning backdrop to celebrate PNG’s culture with travellers and visitors from around the world.
In addition to the live performance, a Papua New Guinea photo booth and display wall was installed at Changi International Airport in honour of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. The installation, featuring striking imagery of PNG, will remain on display for one month.
“Our presence at NATAS Holidays 2025 was a strong opportunity to share Papua New Guinea’s story with Singapore — a city that is itself a hub for international travellers,” said Joel Keimelo, Executive Manager – Marketing & Promotions, PNGTPA. “Through culture, adventure, and collaboration with valued partners like Air Niugini and Changi Airport, we invited travellers to discover the million different journeys Papua New Guinea has to offer.”
The NATAS Holidays Travel Fair is Singapore’s largest consumer travel showcase, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Papua New Guinea’s participation reinforced the country’s growing appeal as an authentic cultural and adventure destination in the Asia-Pacific region.◼️
For more information, email: marketing@papuanewguinea.travel
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), in partnership with the Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia, successfully delivered the Advanced Digital Tourism Workshop to strengthen digital strategies for PNG’s online tourism presence on Tuesday 24 June at the Lamana Hotel Famagusta Room, in Port Moresby. The full-day event brought together key tourism stakeholders and operators to explore innovative digital ideas.
Trade Commissioner for PTI Australia, Tim Martin, spoke about PTI Australia’s Digital Tourism Program, a long-running initiative supporting Pacific tourism operators with tools and training to improve their digital capabilities.
Martin introduced the Digital Tourism Program as well as highlighting the importance of strengthening online visibility and bookings for PNG tourism businesses.
“Digital transformation is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. PTI Australia is proud to walk alongside PNG’s tourism operators as they embrace digital tools that connect them directly to the global traveler,” said Martin.
The core of the day’s program was delivered by Craig Smith from Counterpoint, PTI Australia’s digital service provider, who led the technical training. Smith emphasized the importance of utilizing digital tools such as SEO, social media, Online Travel Agents (OTA), and secure payment systems.
“The goal is to turn your websites into your most powerful sales agents. With the right strategies, even small operators in PNG can reach international markets and increase direct bookings significantly,” said Smith.
The workshop covered essential topics such as strategies to increase direct bookings via websites, leveraging search engine marketing (SEM), balancing OTA partnerships, and creating cost-effective social media campaigns. Attendees also explored how to effectively use Google’s digital tools, including Google My Business and Hotel Ads.
Further sessions focused on secure, automated payment processing for accommodation and tour operators, introducing solutions such as Hotel Link Pay and Nabooki. These tools are part of a broader push to streamline the booking experience and boost customer confidence across the Pacific’s tourism industry.
The afternoon sessions included a review of key learnings, steps for ongoing support and onboarding, and a vote of thanks from the PTI Australia team. One-on-one meetings between facilitators and participants followed, offering tailored advice to help operators begin their digital transformation journey.
Managing Director for VilLink Tours & Expeditions and the Chairlady for Milne Bay Tourism Association, Maleta Martha Tokwakwasi thanked TPA and PTI for the insightful workshop.
“One of the most valuable takeaways from the workshop was understanding online booking and cancellation policies. As tourism operators, we need to be prepared when a client changes their mind or cancels, and this session gave us real clarity on how to manage those situations professionally.
The one-on-one consultation with Craig Smith was also incredibly useful—it gave us tailored insights into improving our website and online presence, which is crucial for a business like ours,” said Tokwakwasi.
She also added that the training should be conducted at a grassroot level for local tour operators to understand digital tools.
“PTI and PNGTPA have taken a great step forward with this digital workshop. But we strongly encourage that these programs be extended beyond the major centers. Our remote communities and grassroots operators also deserve access to digital tools and training to help grow their small tourism businesses,” said Tokwakwasi.
PTI Australia’s Digital Tourism Program, established in 2012, has supported over 300 websites across the Pacific region, generating more than AUD 10 million annually in online bookings. By equipping local tourism operators with user-friendly websites, booking tools, and digital marketing strategies, the program continues to elevate the region’s visibility and competitiveness in the global tourism market.
TPA’s Executive Manager for Marketing & Promotions, Joel Keimelo, highlighted TPA’s role in developing and marketing the country’s unique tourism experiences.
“Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector holds immense potential. Through partnerships like this with PTI Australia, we’re equipping our operators with digital capabilities that can unlock new markets and drive sustainable tourism development across the country,” said Keimelo.◼️
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) committed K50,000 towards the 51st Hiri Moale Festival during a cheque presentation on Thursday, March 13th, 2025, at the Motu Koita Assembly boardroom in Port Moresby.
Set to take place from April 3rd to 6th, the Hiri Moale Festival is one of Papua New Guinea’s most celebrated cultural events, honouring the historic Hiri trading voyages between the Motuans and Gulf people.
This year’s festival is expected to attract more than 15,000 attendees, drawing cultural enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
Beyond the financial sponsorship, PNGTPA will collaborate with the Hiri Moale Festival Committee to capture high-quality photo and video content to promote the Hiri Motuan and Gulf cultures.
Motu Koita Assembly’s Manager & CEO, Mari Kila thanked TPA for its support.
“I’d like to thank TPA for its generous support towards the 51st Hiri Moale Festival. This support is vital in ensuring we deliver a successful event that honours our ancestors’ legacy while also providing opportunities for local artists, performers, and tourism operators.
TPA’s commitment strengthens our efforts to elevate the festival’s profile and show the unique traditions of the Motu Koita people to a broader audience,” said Kila.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the importance of the festival.
“TPA is proud to support this year’s Hiri Moale Festival, as it reaffirms our commitment to preserving and promoting Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage.
The Hiri Moale Festival is not just a celebration of history; it is a testament of the resilience and traditions of the Motu Koita people. As we approach the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary this year, this festival is one of those that shows our identity and the importance of cultural tourism,” said Uvovo.◼️
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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) and in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), has published the 2024 Papua New Guinea Annual International Visitor Survey (IVS) Report. Covering the period from January to December 2024, the report provides critical insights into visitor demographics, spending patterns, and overall experiences of Papua New Guinea (PNG) international tourists. These findings will support evidence-based planning and enhance PNG’s tourism offerings to align with evolving visitor expectations.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker highlighted the significance of the PTDI in shaping sustainable tourism growth across the Pacific.
He said SPTO remains committed to working closely with TPA and other member countries to ensure the PTDI continues to deliver meaningful insights that drive sustainable tourism development across the Pacific.
“As the leading hub for Pacific tourism research, SPTO is committed to equipping our member countries, including PNG, with reliable data to inform strategic decisions. The PTDI is a vital resource that enables governments and industry stakeholders to make informed choices that strengthen regional tourism development,” he said.
TPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo acknowledged the value of the IVS findings, highlighting their role in improving visitor experiences and positioning PNG as a competitive destination.
“These insights are instrumental in shaping the future of tourism in PNG. We appreciate SPTO’s collaboration in delivering these reports, which will guide our strategies for sustainable tourism growth,” said Uvovo.
The survey ran from January to December 2024, analyzing 3,701 responses from 3,775 collected, with a 24% response rate. 42% of respondents were first-time visitors, with an average household income of USD 86,074.
Australia recorded the highest visitor arrivals into PNG at 39%, Asia at 35%, and Europe at 8%. The dominant age group was 40-59 years old. 48% traveled to PNG for business, 23% traveled for leisure and 18% visited PNG to visit friends and relatives (18%).
Key attractions included nature, cultural heritage, business opportunities, and family visits. World War II heritage sites were a major draw for historical tourism. Visitors appreciated the warmth and hospitality of the local people.
The average prepaid visitor spending was USD 2,613, with 65% (USD 1,699) benefiting the local economy. In-country spending averaged USD 1,385 per trip, with an average stay of 10.2 nights. Visitors contributed USD 309 million to PNG’s economy, a 9% increase from the previous year.
Overall satisfaction was 4 out of 5, with 86% recommending PNG and 89% willing to return. Visitors rated hospitality, tours, handicrafts, accommodation, and activities highly. Areas for improvement included safety, travel costs, domestic flights, infrastructure, cleanliness, and security.
Since transitioning to SPTO’s management in October 2023, the PTDI continues to serve as an essential resource for tourism data across the Pacific. Funded by the New Zealand Government, the PTDI supports ten Pacific Island nations—Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and FSM-Yap—in evidence-based planning and decision-making. The initiative produces a bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report to strengthen regional tourism strategies.
To read the latest PTDI reports for PNG, click here: https://southpacificislands.travel/pacific-tourism-data-initiative/ptdi-reports-png/
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) officially signed a contract with Dustin Chen, a UK-based wildlife photographer, on Tuesday 11th March at the TPA office in Port Moresby to position the country as a premier global birding destination.
Renowned for his stunning photos of Papua New Guinea’s diverse avian life, TPA will engage Chen as a consultant for the development of Papua New Guinea’s National Birding Trail.
The agreement is set to run from April 18th, 2025, to April 18th, 2026, with TPA providing logistical support and funding.
Under the agreement, Chen will lead the identification and mapping of key bird-watching hotspots, conduct capacity-building programs for local birding guides, and contribute to the creation of high-quality visual content to enhance TPA’s marketing of this unique niche market to the world.
Chen has been instrumental in bringing international attention to Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary birdlife. His award-winning photograph, “Dance of the Flame Bird,” received high commendation in the ‘Behaviour: Birds’ category of the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in 2022.
Capturing a male flame bowerbird in a captivating courtship display.
Through his extensive work, Chen has travelled to PNG many times to document the country’s birds, from the dense rainforests of Kiunga to other remote birding locations teeming with rare and endemic species. His expertise in the field will be crucial in shaping Papua New Guinea’s first structured National Birding Trail, aimed at attracting international birdwatchers and conservationists.
Chen highlighted the importance of the partnership with TPA.
“Based on my experience traveling across South America, Asia, and Africa, I am confident that PNG has the potential to become a leading destination for birding tourism.◼️
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) proudly celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on Monday 11th March with a breakfast event, honouring the contributions of its female employees.
Thirty female staff members and their male colleagues celebrated this occasion demonstrating the organization’s inclusive work environment and the spirit of unity.
TPA’s Executive Manager for Corporate Affairs, Claire Kupo, delivered an inspiring message, emphasizing the importance of this year’s IWD theme, “Accelerate Action.“
“Today, on International Women’s Day 2025, we get to honour the strength, resilience, and vision of the women of TPA and around the world. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, is a call to move beyond words and ignite real change,” said Kupo.
Kupo also encouraged everyone to take bold steps in empowering women across all sectors, reinforcing the need for meaningful progress toward gender equality.
“Together, we can create an environment where innovation and progress thrive, where each act of support propels us towards a more inclusive future. When women step forward with courage, every challenge becomes an opportunity, and together, we turn dreams into unstoppable change,” said Kupo.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, reiterated the organization’s commitment to promoting an equitable workplace.
“Equality is a strong driver behind TPA’s dynamic team. We take pride in the fact that more than 50% of our workforce is made up of talented and hardworking women. Their leadership, creativity, and dedication continue to propel PNG’s tourism sector forward,” said Uvovo.
The celebration concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony, and a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Staff members were encouraged to wear purple—the symbolic colour of International Women’s Day—to show solidarity in advancing gender equality.◼️
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The National Tourism Conference & Expo, is set to take place on Wednesday 9th to Thursday 10th April, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby, aligning with the Nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) urges tourism industry members, stakeholders, and business leaders to register for the much-anticipated National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025 (NTCE).
Under the theme “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future,” the conference aims to bring together key industry players, government agencies, and international tourism experts to discuss strategies to advance Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector.
The event will be hosted by TPA in partnership Papua New Guinea Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) and sponsored by Mineral Resource Development Company (MRDC) as the event’s platinum sponsor.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo calls on all industry members to register and participate in the 2025 National Tourism Conference & Expo.
“We are calling on all industry players, from accommodation providers and tour operators to government agencies and corporate investors, to be part of this timely event.
This is more than just a conference, this is a catalyst to transform Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector for the future,” said Uvovo.
The Tourism Conference & Expo will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Over 35 expert speakers will share insights across eight conference sessions, while 300 participants and 43 exhibitors are expected to attend.
Interested participants can register through the TPA website. General admission fees are K1,000 per person, with discounted rates of K500 for PNGTIA, Surf, and Dive Association members.
For businesses looking to increase visibility, sponsorship opportunities are available under Gold, set at K100,000, Silver, at K75,000, and Bronze, at K50,000. Sponsors will receive premium branding exposure, VIP seating at the gala dinner, and media recognition.
Limited exhibition booth spaces are also available for corporates, at K1,500 or K700 for members of PNGTIA, offering businesses a chance to engage directly with potential clients and partners.
With the event drawing closer, TPA has set the deadline for registration: Saturday 29th March 2025. TPA urges all tourism industry stakeholders to secure their seats, exhibit their services, or take advantage of sponsorship packages before spaces run out.◼️
For more details, visit www.papuanewguinea.travel/ntc-2025/ or contact TPA’s event coordination team at ntc@papuanewguinea.travel
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Australian Government-funded Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP) have signed an MOA to boost tourism infrastructure and services along the Kokoda Trail.
The MOA, signed at Owens Corner on Tuesday 4 February, launches the “Kokoda Sanitation Project”. The Kokoda Sanitation Project is part of a broader effort to strengthen sustainable tourism development in Papua New Guinea. It will address inadequate and poor sanitation along the Kokoda Trail, which have been longstanding challenges for both tourists and locals.
TPA’s CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo said that the primary objective of the MOA is to strengthen tourism development along the Kokoda Trail.
“This partnership marks a significant step forward in our efforts to not only preserve the historical importance of the Kokoda Trail, but to enhance the visitor experience by improving facilities and services,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also emphasized the importance of upgrading campsite facilities and improving working conditions for porters.
“The Kokoda Trail is a national treasure. By improving the amenities and ensuring that local operators are better equipped to serve tourists, we are ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the communities directly involved.
Local communities are at the heart of our tourism industry. This partnership ensures that they will directly benefit from the development projects along the trail,” said Uvovo.
The MOA will be in effect until 2026, with between three and five major projects planned for implementation. Success will be measured by the timely delivery of projects, the positive impact on local trekking facilities, and the subsequent benefits to the communities involved.
The core focus of this partnership is the promotion of sustainable tourism development and the utilization of local resources and knowledge. The TPA, with the support of KIP, aims to enhance the tourism infrastructure along the Kokoda Trail while preserving its cultural and historical significance.
The partnership is expected to deliver many benefits, including improved services and facilities, which will enable local businesses to charge higher campsite fees and increase revenue for the communities along the Track.
Future capacity-building initiatives for local tourism operators and associations will strengthen the Kokoda trekking industry, making it more competitive and sustainable, while environmentally, the introduction of upgraded sanitation services will support a healthier and safer environment for both locals and visitors.
Daniel Wells, Counsellor for Kokoda and Bougainville at the Australian High Commission, emphasized the significance of the Kokoda Track to the Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relationship.
“The Kokoda Trail remains one of the most important people-to-people links between PNG and Australia, with nearly 3,000 people, most of them Australian, walking the Track each year.
This is an investment by Australia in PNG’s most important tourism asset. Australia, through the Kokoda Initiative Partnership, is proud to have invested in measurable improvements to livelihoods outcomes for Kokoda communities, including through sustainable tourism initiatives,” said Wells.◼️
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