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A press conference was held, 31st October 2019 at 10am, at the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) Boardroom. This was to announce the Naming Rights Sponsorship of K250,000 in kind by PNG TPA to Miss Pacific Islands Pageant PNG (MPIP PNG) to host the 2019 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant here in Port Moresby from the 24th November 2019 – 1st December 2019. The Theme is “Pacific We Are, One Step, One Aspiration”.
Mr Jerry Agus (CEO, PNG TPA) made the opening remarks saying, “On behalf of the Marape-Steven Government and Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture and Member for Kokopo Open, Hon. Emil Tammur, I am pleased to announce this sponsorship and partnership”
“PNG TPA as the organisation in charge of Tourism in the country is mandated to promote PNG as a destination and Port Moresby as a MICE hotspot and so PNG TPA is supporting the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant PNG for the following reasons:
Mr Agus concluded by saying ” We look forward to welcoming all the Island Queens and their delegations to Papua New Guinea”.
PNG TPA is the Official Naming Rights Sponsor of the 2019 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant and will host the Welcome Gala Dinner, Float Parades and with the support of our national flag carrier – host the East New Britain Trip for the Island Queens.
For further information email PNGTPA director marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi, marketing@papuanewguinea.travel
For more information on the event, click: Miss Pacific Islands PNG Pageant
L-R:
Niawali Twaine (Former Miss PNG and MPIP PNG Committee Member)
Genevieve Falevai-Igara (MPIP PNG Deputy Chairperson)
Lewa Kanah (MPIP PNG Treasurer & Head Chaperone)
Alice Kuaningi (PNG TPA Marketing Director)
Lucy Maino (Miss PNG)
Jerry Agus (PNG TPA CEO)
Leoshina Kariha (Miss Pacific Islands)
Molly O’Rourke (MPIP PNG Chairperson)
Pamela Hoepel-Aupae (PNG TPA Marketing)
Monica Toisenegila (MPIP PNG Secretary)
As dawn breaks on the 1st November 2019, the distinctive sound of the Conch Shell signaling the gathering of traditional sailing and war canoes, the rhythmic beating of Kundu drums and traditional dancing heralding the Opening Day of the 16th National Kenu & Kundu Festival 2019 (NKKF) will be heard throughout the township of Alotau, Milne Bay Province, in Papua New Guinea.
Preparations are now underway for this three-day event, which is a unique festival showcasing the finest craftsmen and women in canoe (kenu) and kundu making, cultural dress, artifacts and traditional dancing and exchanges from across the four Districts of Milne Bay Province.
In June 2019, the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau opened up a small office space under its wing for Festival Event Teams for both the NKKF and the recent Huhu War Canoe Festival. The NKKF Team has been hard at work reviewing the 2017 and 2018 internal process audits of the festival’s performance levels before laying out the internal framework for the staging of the 2019 event.
Since its appointment in 2017, the National Kenu & Kundu Festival Executive Committee has its sights set on taking this Festival to the next level and is keen on re-setting the standards which no other festival in the province has ever done, by adopting and implementing its very own management system, policies and streamlined processes with the objective of executing its events to world-class standards and to bring it to greater heights, and in doing so attracting an annual increase of followers and tourists both locally and around the world. This also includes the unrestricted disclosure of financial reports and audits for all sponsors, stakeholders, and the general public. Reports can be downloaded off the NKKF website as well.
This year’s official theme is; “PRESERVATION OF OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE”. The Event Committee and Events Management Team is not only looking to brand and promote the event as a leading platform and flagship for Cultural Festivals across the entire province, but also looking at providing opportunities for women and youth by offering capacity building workshops for employment, SME, and Wealth Creation and Personal Development in order to improve standards for their personal lives.
The need to address attitude, behavior, perception and change in character are seen as a vital aspect of personal development for young people with limited opportunities, and this will go a long way in developing the Province as a renowned and growing tourism hub.
Come November 2019, Alotau will see a significant difference in how the National Kenu & Kundu Festival is staged, with a framework in place to minimize shortfalls from the past, and increase efforts to bring alive and expand the showcasing of the cultural significance and authenticity of the Canoe and Kundu Culture.
Registration was concluded recently, with over 700 participants signing up for the 2019 NKKF. Cultural Groups across the province visited the Milne Bay Tourism Bureau Events Office at the Media Centre in Alotau to register for the event. The NKKF Committee encouraged all District Members and Administrators including their Local Level Governments to work closely with the Events Office to fully support their respective local groups with their applications and also with preparations leading up to the Festival either in cash or in kind. This would boost their willingness to participate in the National Kenu & Kundu Festival this year.
This year, the NKKF will also host the launching of the 10th PNG Human Rights Film Festival in Alotau, on the evenings of Friday 1 November and Sunday 3 November 2019. This is the first time for this event to be held in the province under the leadership of the film festival patron, Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Davis Steven (Member for Esa’ala), the United Nations, and partners. It is hoped that this collaboration will become an annual event in the province, supported by Milne Bay Tourism Bureau and NKKF.
The NKKF 2019 Corporate Sponsorship Kit is accessible on the NKKF Website: www.nationalkenukundufestival.com or any queries relating to the festival can be forwarded to the Marketing Coordinator via email on marketing@nationalkenukundufestival.com.
A copy of the program can be downloaded here:
https://www.nationalkenukundufestival.com/2019-program-download
For following and updates leading up to the event this year, please visit our Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/kenukundufest/
War canoes at the National Kenu & Kundu Festival. Photo courtesy of Milne Bay Tourism Bureau
2018 National Kenu & Kundu Festival. Photo courtesy of Milne Bay Tourism Bureau
Select members of PNG’s Tourism Industry were at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, for the China Outbound Tourism Market workshop hosted by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority on Friday, 25th October 2019.
The one-day workshop had two prominent guest speakers present research data, findings and professional advice on best practices for marketing to Chinese travelers. The guest speakers were Professor Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt – founder and director of the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute; and Mr. Jason Lin – chief of talent for Talent Basket based in Xiamen and San Francisco.
The workshop also provided an opportunity for PNG tourism stakeholders to share their experience, raise their concerns and ask questions about the development of the Chinese market and discuss future strategies and plans. During discussions, many tourism industry members stressed that bridging the Chinese language barrier was an issue – one in which PNGTPA will be looking into.
“Since establishing our PNG Tourism Office in Shanghai nearly five-years ago, we’ve seen a great need to help our PNG Tourism Industry become market-ready to receive a larger number of Chinese travelers. One of the major challenges has been the Visa Issue. The PNG Government through the ICA have now allowed Chinese Tourists to apply for tourist visa online. With the ease of that process, PNG can now expect to develop more Tourism Products and promote these packages to the Chinese travel professionals. Hence, it is important for the Tourism operators to be prepared and be ready to receive Chinese tourists,” said PNGTPA marketing director Ms. Alice Kuaningi.
She further added, “This workshop is one of many initiatives PNGTPA will be rolling out in the coming months to help our industry with marketing their products to the Chinese market. Now is the time to embrace the Chinese travelers, it is critical for Papua New Guinea tourism stakeholders to understand current and future trends, spending patterns, purchasing behaviors, and how to adapt products and services (including their presentation) to attract a bigger and more profitable portion of this market.”
China is the biggest tourism outbound market in the world. With nearly 150 million outbound visits made by Chinese travelers in 2019, up 14.7 percent year on year, according to a report by the China Tourism Authority. The total amount of overseas consumption related to tourism in 2019 was estimated to be around $120 billion, by the Chinese tourist.
With an annual GDP of 13 trillion dollars and over 100 million trips to destinations outside of Mainland China. In addition, Generation Z is moving into adulthood, providing new opportunities for the industry. This generation of travelers are becoming very educated who are influenced by external factors such as increased air connectivity, increased available information, decreased levels of visa formalities, encouraging the Chinese outbound market to provide potential lucrative opportunities for destinations and businesses alike in respective host destinations.
For further information, email our Japan / Asia senior marketing officer Mr. Joel Keimelo: marketing@papuanewguinea.travel
2019 China Outbound Tourism Marketing Workshop participants
Professor Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt – founder and director of the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute
Mr. Jason Lin – chief of talent for Talent Basket based in Xiamen and San Francisco.
Varirata National Park celebrates 46 years of being Papua New Guinea’s most renowned national parks, since opening on the 18th October 1973 – two years before the country’s Independence.
Leading towards Varirata’s 46th Anniversary, the inaugural Park Management Committee for Varirata National Park was established paving the way for the parks future management and maintenance. The new office bearers of the Park Management Committee (PMC) were voted in during the second committee meeting at the Conservation Environment and Protection Authority (CEPA) on Wednesday 16 October, 2019.
The PMC comprises of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (Mr Nathan Lati, Chairman), Koiairi Local Level Government (Mr. Alfred Kennedy, Deputy Chair), Central Provincial Government (Mr. Edward Kila), Port Moresby Nature Park (Ms. Michelle McGeorge), University of PNG (Dr Linus Digim’Ra), PNG Power Ltd (Mr Titus Tsigese), Sogeri Police (Snr Sergeant Max Maso), Kae Association representing the local community (Mr Omoro Asi) and CEPA as the secretariat.
This year has been an eventful year for Varirata National Park beginning with the construction of an Information Center, and the employment of Park Rangers who recently received uniforms sponsored by the UNDP-GEF 5.
The rehabilitation of the Varirata National Park comes under the CEPA-JICA Biodiversity Project 2015-2020.
For further information email the JICA Technical Coordinator Mr.Ted Mamu: email chrysencious@gmail.com or call +675 301-4500 / 301-4531
For updates like and follow the CEPA-JICA Biodiversity Project Facebook Page
The new Varirata National Park Management Committee. Photo courtesy of CEPA-JICA Biodiversity Project
Varirata National Park rangers in their new uniforms. Photo by Soso Borrey and supplied by CEPA-JICA Biodiversity Project.
In the line with the APEC project “Prospect Analysis for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Remote Areas of APEC Economies. Phase I”, the Russian Federation held the workshop in Manila, the Philippines, on 10-11 October 2019.
Tourism plays a significant role in tackling social problems, providing employment growth and population welfare. The Asia-Pacific region is very diverse in terms of its economic development and includes many remote areas, many of which are suffering from deep economic and social challenges. The development of remote areas is one of the most pressing issues both for global and regional economies. Tourism could become one of the drivers of remote areas’ social and economic development.
The workshop was dedicated to analysis of differential characteristics of remote areas in APEC economies and tourism capacity of these areas while preserving their authenticity.
The project investigation covered the following APEC economies: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the Russian Federation.
The workshop “Prospect Analysis for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Remote Areas of APEC Economies-Phase I “has started with welcome remarks from Tatiana Shlychkova, Charge D’Affears of the Russian Embassy on the Philippines, and Marina Mutalieva, Adviser of International Cooperation Department, Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation, the Project Overseer.
The workshop gathered around 30 participants from the following APEC economies: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Viet Nam, the Philippines, Peru, Chile, Mexico and Russia. Participants were presented by government officials, including policymakers and delegates from law enforcement bodies, experts in the field of sustainable tourism development, representatives of related institutions and tourism associations. Participants of the workshop shared their vision regarding development of remote areas, discussed possible ways for APEC economies to develop remote areas through sustainable tourism, and suggest further steps and projects to facilitate sustainable development of tourism in remote areas.
Because of experience sharing within the workshop, government authorities, responsible for tourism development, improved their knowledge and skills about remote areas touristic capacity, ways of promoting tourists ‘awareness of these remote areas.
In addition, the help workshop has contributed to development of recreational capacity of remote areas, increase human and natural resource efficiency, and promote overcoming a gap in remote areas development and integration in APEC economies.
Article by: Anastasia Filichkina
Date 15.10.2019
PAPUA New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is delighted to sponsor and give support towards the Amazing Port Moresby 44th Independence Festival with activities that will be staged from the 14th to 16th September in Port Moresby, the nation’s capital.
PNGTPA is supporting the Independence Day initiative by the NCDC and Office of the Governor of NCD, Hon. Powes Parkop with a sponsorship of K41,000 and K14,000 towards cultural group performances and transportation involved in the event.
There will be cultural performances, contemporary performing artists and various demonstrations and displays promoting 44 years of PNG’s Independence since September 16th 1975.
NCD is a central hub and capital city comprising of International residents, visitors and locals who are from all over Papua New Guinea. The NCDC destination campaign ‘Amazing Port Moresby’ is a positive tribute to a city that is home to over half-a-million people with many travel and tourism opportunities.
“Independence is an important time to reflect on on our journey as a nation and remind ourselves that we are Papua New Guineans who contribute to Nation Building. Our attitudes, family and work ethic must reflect on bringing about a positive change. We are all agents of change,” said PNGTPA director marketing Alice Kuaningi during the sponsorship presentation.
“Visitors come to Papua New Guinea to experience our unique cultures, tradition, way of life and try out some of our unique tourism products from the marine environment to the coast to the lush rain-forest of the mountains”
“Whilst we celebrate Independence, count the many blessings we have. For challenges and issues, we must ask ourselves how we as Papua New Guineans can contribute to bring about positive change,” Ms. Kuaningi further added.
The PNGTPA extends its appreciation to the NCDC for continuing to organize campaign events like the Amazing Port Moresby 44th Independence Festival for residents and visitors.
The board, management and staff of PNGTPA wish the nation of Papua New Guinea a ‘Happy 44th Independence Anniversary’.
For updates and information about Independence celebrations taking place in the country, follow the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority on social media using the hashtags #PNGTourism and #VisitPNG.
For further information about the Amazing Port Moresby 44th Independence Festival, contact Mariana Silva: email festivalpng@gmail.com or phone +675 7140-5223 | Visit the Amazing Port Moresby website: www.amazingportmoresby.com
PNGTPA director marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi with NCDC Governor Hon. Powes Parkop at the Amazing Port Moresby 44th Independence Festival Launch.
The Sponsors Launch of the Amazing Port Moresby 44th Independence Festival.
Amazing Port Moresby 44th Independence Festival | 14-16 September 2019
PNG’s Tourism Industry is often described as a sleeping giant, however, much of the government’s attention was given to the non-renewable sector and tourism was not recognized as one of the key sustainable economic sectors, even though Tourism is recognized as a major contributor to the global economy.
For the past years, Tourism Awareness campaigns were driven by PNGTPA throughout the country through various mediums but given the limited budget and vast topography of PNG, much have not been achieved or covered as it is intended and most of the Papua New Guineans are not aware of the importance of tourism.
Therefore, this year much of the concentration was given to awareness activities and Bus Decal Designs is one of the many projects that PNGTPA is undertaking this year. PNGTPA has engaged number of buses in NCD to carry the awareness message as ” TOURISM IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS”.
This is because Tourism cross-cuts across all sectors and that anyone can participate in this sector and it is said to be the world’s largest employer. It plays a crucial role in world economics and has a significant impact on many people’s lives. Tourism encourages pride in local traditions and support local SMEs’. Tourism brings income to the local communities and supports employment.
The artwork depicted on these buses shows how our local SME’S and the local community can participate to benefit from the tourism dollars.
Article By: Wilfred Parker
Product Development Officer
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and Trostle Films wish to take you on an immersive journey through the Islands, Highlands and Papuan region of Papua New Guinea.
Follow the online journeys of the Trostle Films team: Micah Trostle, Trevor Mallen and Daniel Jacobsen – as they travel stunning locations in beautiful Papua New Guinea, the land of ‘A Million Different Journeys’.
Trostle Films and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority invite you on their daily filming journeys in Port Moresby and the provinces of Milne Bay, Western Highlands, Enga, East New Britain and New Ireland.
Subscribe to the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority social media pages for project highlights – hashtag #VisitPNG and #PNGTourism:
Air Niugini, Papua New Guinea’s National Airline | www.airniugini.com.pg
Grand Papua Hotel, Port Moresby “Meet, Stay & Play” | www.grandpapuahotel.com.pg
Milne Bay Tourism Bureau, Alotau | www.facebook.com/mbtourismbureau
Alotau International Hotel, Milne Bay | www.alotauinternationalhotel.com.pg
Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort, Milne Bay | www.tawali.com
Western Highlands Provincial Government | Phone: +675 +675 542-0087 / +675 542-1626
Trans Niugini Tours, Mount Hagen | www.pngtours.com
Enga Provincial Government | www.fcebook.com/Enga-Provincial-Tourism-Bureau
East New Britain Tourism Authority | www.enb.travel
Gazelle International Hotel | www.gazelleinternationalhotel.com
Rabaul-Kokopo Dive | www.facebook.com/rabaulkokopodive
New Ireland Tourism Authority | www.facebook.com/NewIrelandTourism
Nusa Island Retreat, New Ireland | www.nusaislandretreat.com
PAPUA New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority launched an exciting destination video captured in 360 virtual reality at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Monday 22nd July.
The launch of the 360 VR video was part of the inaugural ‘Promoting PNG Positively Online’ event sponsored by PNGTPA and co-hosted with Trostle Films, the team behind the development and production of the PNG 360-VR video.
The ‘Promoting PNG Positively Online’ event was a bold step at initiating discussions about addressing the negative perceptions PNG has as a travel destination and how Papua New Guineans can all be tourism ambassadors by using their online presence to create positive content about the country.
Guest speakers at the event included: Miss Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha, Trostle Films film director Micah Trostle, digital marketing entrepreneur Ian Hetri, popular music sensation Anslom, local tour operator Florence Bunari, photographer and media marketer Autu Autu, and general manager of Walindi Plantation Resort Cheyne Benjamin.
“PNGTPA is embarking on new and creative ways to market and promote Papua New Guinea. We’ve found it’s not enough to simply talk about our destination, or show them brochures or try and install some big billboards and all those traditional ways of marketing and promoting a destination.
“Destination marketing has changed drastically over the past few years. This 360 VR project is a new promotional tool for us and we aim to share more videos through this innovative new medium,” said Jerry Agus, CEO of PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.
The ‘Promoting PNG Positively Online’ event and 360 VR tourism video launch is a culmination of a four-week long project PNGTPA had undertaken with Trostle Films.
PNGTPA and the Trostle Films team, led by 20-year old film director Micah Trostle, filmed in Port Moresby, Milne Bay, Western Highlands, Enga, East New Britain and New Ireland.
Since posting the video on Facebook on July 22nd, the Papua New Guinea tourism 360 VR video has received over 300,000 views. PNGTPA will be sharing the video on YouTube as well as their official travel website: www.papuanewguinea.travel
Miss Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha and PNGTPA director marketing Alice Kuaningi at the 360 VR tourism video launch. Credit: Laurence Korup
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority CEO Jerry Agus officially launching the 360 VR tourism video. Credit: Trevor Mallen
Viewers at the 360 VR tourism video launch hosted by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and Trostle Films. Credit: Laurence Korup
For further information, email PNGTPA director marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi: marketing@papuanewguinea.travel
The Tourism Promotion Authority through the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture will renovate the historical Raun Raun Theatre in Goroka, Eastern Highlands with a K100,000 funding.
Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Hon. Emil Tammur MP said work will begin immediately to get the iconic traditional structure ready for the Goroka Show in September this year.
Minister Tammur said the funding support from Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) was timely as the facility will host several performances for tourists during the Goroka Show weekend.
“My Ministry is grateful for TPA recognising the importance of rehabilitating the Raun Raun Theatre and for capturing this funding in their 2019 budget because it is an iconic structure and a tourism attraction on its own,” said the Minister.
The Minister said sadly many such valuable structures around the country which are part of PNG’s historical and cultural heritage have been neglected over the years due to lack of funding.
Minister Tammur said under the Marape/Steven Government, culture and tourism, will be a key focus for development not only for economic empowerment but to also instill pride in our cultural heritage for our people, particularly the younger generation.
He said TPA has also funded other major tourism products and infrastructure in Eastern Highlands including the Asaro Mudaman Amphitheatre (performance stage and amenities for tourists including toilets) in Mando in the Daulo Electorate and the Kemase Tourism Site in Lufa.
TPA Chief Executive Officer Mr Jerry Agus said this was part of the Authority’s overall product development program to revive tourism in Goroka and Eastern Highlands.
Mr Agus said similar projects are also being undertaken in the other provinces as well under the TPA’s overall product development scheme.
Minister Tammur said once the Raun Raun theatre has been rehabilitated it is hoped that the structure will be used by schools for educational programs and visits by tourists after the Goroka Show.
For further information, email the TPA Provincial Coordination and Product Development Division: ppd@papuanewguinea.travel
For media enquiries email Mr. Colin Taimbari: colin.taimbari@papuanewguinea.
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
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