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PNG’s active engagement in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has been sector lead in recent years with the vision to address sector priority areas on the regional level. PNGTPA, through its involvement in the APEC Tourism Working Group was able to garner support from the other 20 APEC member economies to drive the development of the APEC Economic Study on the Impact of Cruise Tourism: Fostering MSME Growth and Creating Sustainable Communities.
Prior to the onset of covid-19, global cruise tourism was one of the strongest tourism sectors, registering a growth rate of 5.4% since 2009 with 30 million people expected to cruise globally in 2019.
PNGTPA developed the PNG Cruise Strategy in 2009 that laid out the foundation of what would become an evolution of the PNG cruise sector. PNG had always enjoyed the arrival of small expedition cruises, itineraries included island or up-river visit’s with shore excursions.
In 2014, PNG saw the inaugural visit of the Carnival Australia, P&O Cruise Line, Pacific Dawn dock in Alotau, Milne Bay and then sail into Rabaul. The entry of large capacity passengers’ ships is attributed to the strong cross-sectoral engagement between government agencies PNG Ports, NMSA, PNG ICSA, NAQIA, PNG Customs and PNGTPA.
Since then, PNG cruise numbers have increased significantly from 4,000 in 2007 to 19,123 cruise arrivals in 2016. In 2019 PNG recorded its highest cruise arrivals with 51,417, cruise visitors experienced Milne Bay, East New Britain, East Sepik, Morobe, West New Britain, AROB, Oro Province and NCD.
Alotau, the first port of call for PNG, was featured in this study. A wide range of stakeholders from both public and private sector contributed towards the findings of this study through the consultation workshop hosted in Alotau, March 2019. Given that each cruise destination has different facilities and economic attributes that determine the tourism size, scale and overall economic benefits, this study provides an assessment of the destination type, value proposition and frequency, nature and quantum of passenger and crew expenditure.
Milne Bay Province is the most visited provinces in the country, outside of Port Moresby. In 2018 the province registered a total of 34, 961 international visitors, 33,616 of which were cruise visitors. The economic impact study shows that 60% of MSME’s actively engaged in tourism generate most of their revenue from cruise tourism activities whilst 68% of respondents noted that employment opportunities increased significantly to service cruise tourism in the province. Crime, influence of foreign culture, congestion were a number of negative impacts discussed in the study.
To download the study please visit https://www.apec.org/Publications/2020/08/APEC-Economic-Study-on-the-Impact-of-Cruise-Tourism or contact the Policy and Planning Division on email: policy@papuanewguinea.travel
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About PS-THM Programme
Tourism is regarded as one of the largest and fastest growing industries manipulating global economy. This can be attributed to the continued expansion and diversification experienced by the industry. The need to travel, explore the unknown and experience the inherent beauty of a place drive people to engage in tourism and prompt destinations to provide what tourists expect. The tourism and hospitality industry in Papua New Guinea has emerged into a promising economic sector that generates income, creates employment, and promotes balance of payment. Tourism is now viewed as a catalyst for sustainable development in the country. With this current development, the industry has to be prepared in terms of its human capital to cater to the dynamic and
demanding nature of both international and domestic travelers. Thus, the need to professionalize the industry is of paramount importance.
The University of Papua New Guinea in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority will offer Professional Studies in Tourism and Hospitality Management. This program will be offered on campus at the School of Business and Public Policy and will be delivered through the Tourism and Hospitality Management Division.
Candidates who will be successfully completing the PS-THM programme will be awarded with the degree in Bachelor of Business and Management major in Tourism and Hospitality Management by the University of Papua New Guinea.
Who is this program for?
The design of the PS-THM curriculum is tailored to fit the specific needs of the industry. It also recognizes the knowledge, skills and capabilities of potential candidates acquired through the experience and expertise gained over the years of working within the industry. The PS-THM helps the working class individuals from various tourism network acquire a formal and academic qualification that matches their knowledge and skills and thus contribute to improving their employability, lifelong learning, social inclusion and self-esteem. This academic programme is expected to bridge the gap between theory and practice, develop higher level of tourism and hospitality management competency and improve confidence of the tourism practitioners from both public
and private sectors in the assumption of their current and future roles and responsibilities.
Duration
2 Years (Full-time) or 4 Semesters
Delivery Mode
Waigani Campus, Port Moresby
Programme Structure
Tourism and Hospitality Courses (Core Major)
Business-Related Courses (Core Minor)
Note: The candidates will be required to study all THM core major courses and minimum of six (6) Business related core minor courses. The School will make decision to offer core minor courses.
This serves to notify all sponsors, stakeholders, and the general public that the 2020 National Kenu and Kundu Festival (NKKF) is cancelled to become a biennial event (held every two years) starting in 2021. This is consistent with a 2019 PEC Decision placing the NKKF under the auspices of the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau.
Since 2014, the NKKF has become difficult to manage. The 2017-2019 Committee under Chairman Mr. Harold Tabua started in February 2017 and boosted sponsorship by over 250% from 2017 to 2019. However, difficulties in implementing an Event Management System (EMS) with awareness and training has seen new challenges regarding participants and stakeholders.
This deferral is also due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and resulting State of Emergency, which has also led to a stand-still of the tourism industry amidst measures to prevent the local spread of the global pandemic.
This will enable the rebranding, restructuring, and establishment of an EMS for the NKKF, with a focus on restoring the cultural aspects to enhance quality and make the event more enjoyable and beneficial for all going forward.
On 17 April 2020, the MBTB Board appointed Mr. Jehoram Mataio as the new NKKF Chairman for 2020-2021. A new committee will maintain communications, online presence, complete payouts and reporting, and prepare for the 2021 NKKF event under a new model with awareness and training for all stakeholders.
The Huhu War Canoe Festival (HWCF) will now be held on 6-7 November 2020 at Maiwara Village near Alotau.
The MBTB Board and Management apologize to all stakeholders for any inconvenience caused.
For updates to Milne Bay’s 2020 provincial events subscribe to the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau Facebook page or call +675 641-1503
The Enga Cultural Show Committee has announced that the 2020 Enga Show is all set to go ahead as planned from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August at the Aipus Rugby Field in Wabag.
Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas said, “The Enga Cultural Show has grown to become an important part of the annual cycle of Enga Province over the past 25 years. Only 1% of people who come to the show are from outside. It is the people’s show first and foremost and the people of Enga are as eager as ever to unite and display their authentic traditional culture.”
Enga responded with swiftness at the announcement of the first Covid-19 virus in PNG in March, closing its borders to outsiders and stopping all FIFO workers from coming to the Pogera Mine within just days. Enga’s Governor put in an astonishing amount of mileage travelling by road across the province, to personally address communities and kick start what has become an on-going awareness campaign.
Dr Betty Koka, Director of Public Health with the Enga Provincial Health Authority, who is rolling out the awareness program said, “Enga also has the advantage of being the only province in PNG that speaks the one language, making the communication of health messages travel much further, faster in a country where word of mouth is still the main way to spread awareness messages.”
The Enga Governor said, “The Covid-19 Pandemic has affected the tourism industry globally. But it also presents an opportunity for Papua New Guineans who might have been planning to travel overseas to instead turn inward and support our country’s tourism industry. We would like to welcome people from other provinces come to Enga to see our authentic cultural displays, experience our pure environment, enjoy our famous fresh food produce and the hospitality of our friendly people.”
Enga Cultural Show Committee Chairlady and Director of Commerce, Culture and Tourism, Margaret Potane said, “With the cancellation of the 2020 Mt Hagen & Goroka Show, Enga will be the only Highlands show to go ahead this year and have we have launched the “Lukim Ples Pastaim/See Home First” campaign, calling for all Papua New Guineans and PNG residents to come and experience authentic Engan and Highlands culture and hospitality.”
“This year we will scale down the number of singsing groups to 30 and we already have singsing groups coming in to register from all our districts. Our famous display of ancient rituals, traditional skills, crafts and art will also still go on.”
“We will also be staging a number of show program side events, including an art exhibition, the Enga Fashion Fair, sand painting workshops and the Tasting Enga dinner”, Mrs Potane said.
The show committee plans to announce 2020 the show theme and full program in the next month.
More information and tickets for the Enga Cultural Show visit www.engashow.com.
MEDIA CONTACT For additional information, photos or video
Tania Nugent
E: tanianugent@internode.on.net
M: +675 73911308
ENGA CULTURAL SHOW SOCIETY INC.
Post Office Box 124
WABAG
Enga Province
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Phone/Fax: + 675 547 1128
Email: engaculturalshow@gmail.com
According to the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority COVID-19 crisis business impact survey report conducted in April 2020, the global pandemic has had a devastating impact on Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry with more than 90% of businesses experiencing cancelled bookings.
Many of these cancelled bookings have been for the cultural festival tours taking place between June and November 2020.
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority works closely with cultural festival organizers to confirm dates for the industry, stakeholders and the general public every year.
This year a majority of cultural festival organizers have made the difficult decision to cancel their 2020 events as a result of the COVID-19 crisis affecting inbound travel.
Cancelled cultural festivals confirmed for 2020 include:
The confirmed cultural festivals that will take place in 2020 are:
The following festivals are confirmed for next year:
For a list of 2020 events, please visit Tourism Industry Events.
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
The tourism industry in Papua New Guinea has been severely hit as a result of COVID-19 and the travel restrictions imposed to contain its spread, a survey has revealed.
The Business Impact Survey, carried out by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, was aimed at assessing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the industry.
A total of 44 respondents including hotels, tour operators, guest house owners, industry associations, airlines, product owners, and parks participated in the survey, which revealed massive losses they suffered in key areas of their businesses.
The survey found that 90% of bookings for 2020 were canceled (1,600 bookings canceled), an estimated K67.9 million in revenue lost, over 1,200 workers laid off, and all businesses reporting significant revenue drop for the year.
Of the respondents, 95% said they were affected by the pandemic when visitor arrivals to the country started dropping by February 2020.
They said the flight and cruise ship ban imposed after the first coronavirus case in PNG was reported on March 22 meant no visitor was coming into the country as a result of tough lock down measures.
With the vital tourism supply chain broken, no visitors were coming into the country, they said.
They said the biggest impact to their business was the cancelation of bookings for 2020.
Over 90% of the respondents said they had to cancel forward bookings for the year.
“Canceled bookings during the ongoing SOE period were expected, even though impactful. However, it is the canceled bookings eventuating in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters of the year that have really hurt the industry,” they said.
This has led to 74% of them closing down their businesses, or drastically reducing their trading.
These are mostly locally owned businesses whose closure impacts the national economy through loss of tax revenue as workers are laid off.
Bookings totaling 1,606 between the months of March 2020 and January 2021 have had to be canceled. This includes airlines, hotels, events, parks, trekking, diving bird watching, and cultural tour bookings, wiping off millions of kina in revenue.
Most of these individual and group bookings were for popular events like Kokoda Trekking, ANZAC anniversary event in April, Goroka and Hagen Shows, scuba diving and surfing, amongst others.
With no visitors arriving, all respondents reported significant decline in their revenue so far.
As a result, 58% have had to lay off their workers, or have wages of their workers reduced. A total of 1,209 employees (778 permanent, 431 casuals) were laid off. The layoffs were most apparent in hotel chains in Port Moresby and Madang.
It is estimated that survey participants would lose K67.91 million in revenue this year, with airline dropping up to K40 million, while hotels and resorts losing about K8 million. Overall, the tourism industry contributes over K0.5 billion to the nation’s economy every year. It will report far short of that this year, the survey found.
Commenting on the survey, Minister for Tourism Hon. Emil Tammur said the impact on the industry was an unavoidable consequence of an action the government needed to take to protect its citizens from a deadly pandemic.
He said it was hope the survey information could help the government understand the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and how best the government could target any assistance from the K5.6 billion Stimulus Package to help businesses recover.
Mr Tammur assured the industry that as minister responsible he was conveying their grievances to the government, and will inform the industry how best the government would help, via the PNG Tourism Authority.
The novel coronavirus was detected in China in December 2019. It started spreading to neighbouring Asian countries by January 2020, and to other parts of the world by February.
Governments worldwide reacted swiftly by shutting down borders and imposing travel restrictions as tough measures were adopted to prevent the spread of the deadly virus as infection and deaths starting rising fast.
PNG reported its first case on March 22, which prompted the Marape Government to shut down the border, ban all flights into and within the country, and imposed a State of Emergency.
Initial Survey Report
COVID-19 TOURISM BUSINESS IMPACT SURVEY REPORT
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority brings you this interim report from a business impact survey conducted in April 2020. Click the download button below to download a copy.
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) Chief Executive Officer Mr Jerry Agus says mobile advertisements on PMV buses in Port Moresby are part of the organisation’s ongoing tourism awareness and promotions campaign.
Mr Agus said PNG TPA has advertised on about 10 PMV buses in Port Moresby aimed at educating ordinary Papua New Guineans about the importance of tourism because tourism is everyone’s business.
“We want Papua New Guineans to appreciate the role tourism plays in the development of our country and also in the development of individuals and communities that are involved in the tourism sector,” said Mr Agus.
“PNG TPA’s mobile campaign also promotes a message of maintaining cleanliness, maintaining our cultures and traditions, respect for one and other and more importantly being friendly towards our international visitors.”
Mr Agus said PNG TPA aims to promote similar mobile campaigns on PMV buses in other provinces and regions of PNG but funding has been a hindrance to expanding the campaign.
He said depending on funding availability in 2020, PNG TPA also aims to do wrap-around color advertising at selected bus stops in Port Moresby as well.
Mr Agus said a similar campaign for the international market has been undertaken in Australia, particularly in Brisbane and Sydney, where PNG TPA’s mobile advertisements can be seen on metropolitan train carriages. Visit PNG from Australia.
The advertising started this January (2020) and will end on March for a period of 12-weeks. There are seven trains in Brisbane and 28 trains in Sydney carrying the TPA logo promoting our ‘Highland Adventure Campaign’. TPA will run a similar advertising campaign for the ‘Coastal Adventure’ starting in the second-quarter of the year.
This is all about promoting positive image on PNG as a desired tourism destination.
“Australia is PNG’s primary inbound tourism market and we want to continue to remind them through such advertising campaigns to come visit our beautiful country which is only few hours flying time from Brisbane or Sydney,” said Mr Agus.
He said PNG TPA will also continue with its tourism television programs on both NBCTV and EMTV in 2020 to help develop local tourism by encouraging Papua New Guineans to visit other parts of the country for holidays.
Papua New Guinea Tourism ‘Highland Adventure’ Campaign. Image: Holly Marshall
Tourism Awareness Promotions on Port Moresby PMVs. Image: Wilfred Paka
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority official bus. Image: Digital Billboards
As the Surfing Association Papua New Guinea Inc (SAPNG) marks 31 years since its foundation, another new and exciting chapter in the evolution of its history is being made with Skateboarding PNG, headed by its President Ms Victoria Hudson, a passionate surfer and skateboarder and former Port Moresby International High School Music teacher joining forces to boost its social impact policies.
Skateboarding PNG, recently held a week long program of ‘skate & create’ with the local youth of Taurama, National Capital District – as well as visiting youth from Life Care P.N.G. at Pyramid Board Riders Club (PBRC), an affiliated surf club of the Surfing Association Papua New Guinea (SAPNG) located at Rabesi Beach, Madaii on the western side of Taurama point. The Pyramid Board Riders Club is one of eleven affiliated surf clubs of the SAPNG and is located at the private property of Mrs Pamela Solien.
Ms Victoria Hudson of Skateboarding PNG, said the workshops delivered last week, were based upon the Skate & Create model that pioneered the internationally recognised and celebrated skateboarding Charity, ‘Skateistan’. The Skate & Create program model is accessible to all levels of literacy and ability and is a program that aims to build life skills through a balance of social sports and structured learning.
Moreover, Ms Hudson said the program at Taurama last week involved learning about plastic pollution in our oceans, a clean up of the beach at Taurama and a recycling project using collected ‘rubbish’ to create a hanging garden. Both female and male youth participants were engaged equally in the workshops and approximately 100 youth were engaged throughout the week. We hope to expand this skateboarding/education program throughout Papua New Guinea complementing the SAPNG model and policies through its extensive network in coastal communities.
SAPNG President and Co- Founder , Andrew C.Abel, ML on behalf of SAPNG Secretary Sylvia Pascoe and Skateboarding PNG Victoria Hudson emphasized that in addition to the inclusion of the skateboard ramp, they are currently working on the fit-out of a repurposed 20 foot shipping container-turned library, that will support the local community by providing literacy materials and study resources for the local youth to access in line with SAPNG “No School- No Surf” Education Policy.
The aim is to expand this surfing/skateboarding/resource centre model at all SAPNG affiliated surf clubs throughout Papua New Guinea, thus empowering the young male and female aspiring surfers to not only embrace skateboarding which will enhance their surfing skills, but also take on greater responsibility in embracing SAPNG “ Pink Nose Revolution Surf Board “ policy in addressing gender based violence and empowerment of women in lieu of access to these facilities.
Mr Abel also stated that these community social impact policies and facilities that it is rolling out around the nation in all its eleven affiliated surf clubs – including latest Pokpok Surf Club in Central Bougainville, is empowering the surfing communities that have embraced the SAPNG Model and policies, and will over time, see young people taking on greater responsibilities in their communities to not only improve their own personal lives, but more significantly, contribute to collectively bringing about long term sustainable and equitable change in communities where youth have been left to fend for themselves, thus leading to crime and increasing social problems.
Surfing Association of PNG and Skateboarding PNG Members at Taurama.
Image: Youth from Life Care P.N.G. with SAPNG and Skateboarding PNG founders. Pyramid Board Riders Club, NCD. Courtesy of SAPNG.
More information can be found at www.skatepng.org and www.sapng.com.
Visit skatepng.org to donate and/or support the future delivery of programs to the youth of P.N.G. You can purchase skateboarding apparel that has been designed by the local youth of Taurama through the online store.
Port Moresby residents are invited to come out and meet the 12 contestants of the 2019 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Float Parade takes place one day prior to the actual crowning night of the new Miss Pacific Islands – 29th November 2019 from 10 am to 2 pm.
The route of the pageant float parade will be from the Konedobu Field to the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
Now in its 33rd year, the Float Parade and the Crowning Ball are key features of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
The Float Parade is an opportunity for the wider public of host countries to meet the contesting pageant queens who are ambassadors of their own country. The event also poses an opportunity to showcase each of the contestant’s culture and tradition through the float truck decorations.
The general public are also made aware of the crowning of the new Miss Pacific Islands taking place the following day.
As a proud member of the Pacific Islands region, Papua New Guinea is proud to showcase its hospitable and welcoming spirit to fellow visiting Pacific Islanders, especially promoting the well-being of young women in its capital city, Port Moresby – often infamously portrayed in international media.
The float parade will feature the reigning current Miss Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha and 12 contesting queens from the different pacific island nations, namely:
These Queens will be seated on their individual float trucks that will be decorated by select schools within the National Capital District and the contestants own committee. The schools which have volunteered to participate to assist each contestant with their float truck decorations are:
There will also be business houses involved such as Pure Water sponsoring water bottles and Boroko Motors who’ve donated vehicles on the pageant float day.
The pageant float parade will end at the APEC Haus with a closing ceremony that will see the presentation of the “Best Float Award” and certificates of appreciation to schools and organizations that have participated in this event.
The PNG Tourism Promotion extend a warm welcome to the public to come along to the Pageant Float Parade and cheer and wave to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant queens as they appear on their float trucks.
For further information and a map of the float parade route, go to: http://bit.ly/2019-miss-pacific-islands
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A warm Papua New Guinea Welcome to our island brothers and sisters from across the beautiful Pacific!
Join us in PNG – the land of ‘A Million Different Journeys’ as we welcome 12 outstanding Pacific Island pageant queens to our capital city Port Moresby for the annual Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
Follow the week-long journey of our island queens – from Monday 25th November to December 1st, as they share their humble aspirations promoting the many cultures and shared values of our Pacific Islands Region.
The pageant program includes excursions to the surrounding attractions in Port Moresby, including Loloata Island. There will be a Float Parade in the Down Town CBD area, then finally a Crowning Ball where contestants bring their best to the stage to determine who will be crowned the new 2019 Miss Pacific Islands.
Witness the handing over by our very own Papua New Guinean reigning Miss Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha, as contestants compete in sarong wear, traditional and contemporary inspired talent and onstage interview to be crowned our new Queen of the Pacific.
Sunday 24th November 10 am: Church Service, Vabukori, Central 6.30 pm: Welcome Dinner by PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, APEC Haus, Port Moresby |
Monday 25th November Port Moresby Excursion and Loloata Island Resort. Excursion sponsored by PNG Tourism Promotion Authority |
Tuesday 26th November 6.30 pm: Welcome Dinner by Paga Hill Estate, Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby |
Wednesday 27th November 10 am: Visit National Museum & Art Gallery and Parliament Haus, Waigani, Port Moresby |
Thursday 28th November 2 pm: Visit Port Moresby Nature Park, Gerehu, Port Moresby |
Friday 29th November 11 am: Float Parade, Port Moresby |
Saturday 30th November 6.30 pm: Miss Pacific Islands Crowning Ball, The Stanley Hotel & Suites, Port Moresby. |
FLOAT PARADE
Date: Friday, 29th November 2019
Venue: Kondedobu, Down Town CBD, Ela Beach and APEC Haus | Port Moersby
Tickets: Open to public, except for the Awards Ceremony for the Best Float at the APEC Haus.
Schedule:
10:00 – 11:00: Float Parade Muster Point at Konedobu
11:00 – 13:00: Float Parade Begins – Konedobu, Down Town, Ela Beach to APEC Haus
13:15 – 13:30: Awards Ceremony for Best Float at APEC Haus
14:00: Pageant Float Parade Program Ends
Contact: Chairperson of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Committee, Ms. Molly O’Rourke: email mollyorourke6308@gmail.com / mpippng401@gmail.com or call +675 7536-4489
CROWNING BALL
Date: Saturday, 30th November 2019
Venue: The Stanley Hotel & Suites | Port Moresby
Tickets: K1,000 per person or alternatively a table of 10 for K10,000. Ticket-holders will also have access to pre-judging (topic presentation) and float parade meet-and-greet at APEC Haus on the 29th November.
Contact: Chairperson of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Committee, Ms. Molly O’Rourke: email mollyorourke6308@gmail.com / mpippng401@gmail.com or call +675 7536-4489
Thank you for submitting your registration for the PNG Tourism Sector Legislation Review!
Spaces are limited per consultation, so only registered participants will be contacted.
Kind regards,
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
Thank you for submitting your business form. We will have our team look over the details and then contact you once we have added your details to our website.