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RESIDENTS in Papua New Guinea can experience a range of exciting holiday packages offering opportunity to explore the country this festive season.
“I urge our local people and expatriate community to explore our beautiful country,” said Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer.
“We’ve been telling the rest of the world how incredible our country is. It’s time for our people to discover for themselves that Papua New Guinea is truly the land of ‘A Million Different Journeys’.”
“Furthermore, when our residents travel they can be assured that every toea they spend is supporting local jobs and businesses in our tourism industry,” Mr. Mossman Uvovo added.
An internal report published by the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) in April 2020, revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions had affected over a thousand jobs in PNG’s tourism industry and millions of Kina in revenue had been lost. Hence, travel
The PNG tourism industry, from accommodation providers, tour operators to transport services are offering discounts to encourage domestic travel.
The TPA travel website provides a selection of holiday packages and discounts from all over the country.
Your Papua New Guinea journey awaits.
For further information about the Festive Season Holiday Packages and Discounts, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
By Pauline Riman
Above: Image of Kimbe Bay by David Doubilet. See: Paradise Revisited, National Geographic.
NOTHING has captured the exquisite other worldly beauty of West New Britain than David Doubilet’s famous photo of Kimbe Bay that featured in the National Geographic in 2016. Everyone who has ever searched Papua New Guinea on Google has seen this incredible photo.
Doubilet’s image is the perfect balance of ocean and sky. The picture captures a warm blue and gold sky with wisps of clouds, beneath it is a tiny islet, while nearby a local man with his son is seen fishing on an outrigger canoe. All this is separated by the translucent surface of a calm and rippling sea. Far below is a bright healthy coral garden basking in the warm brilliance of our Papua New Guinea tropical sun.
Many who have scuba-dived, snorkeled or kayaked Kimbe Bay will tell you that it is an experience of a life-time. The life down there in the oceans of West New Britain are phenomenal. Even the statistics can back this up, for Kimbe Bay’s coral reefs are home to more than 900 species of the world’s fish, see: Kimbe Bay in the Coral Triangle.
Diving Kimbe Bay is just one of the many wonders of West New Britain. When you get to this lovely part of the New Guinea Islands for your next adventure, pack not only your flippers, but your hiking boots, binoculars, fishing rod and a memory card or two, to store all your amazing West New Britain photos.
Here is a list of wonderful things we highly recommend you experience while exploring West New Britain:
(1) GEO HOTSPOTS: Pangalu Hot Springs in Talasea and the Pokili Sulphur Ponds in the Nakanai area, are two sites that are worth visiting. Feel the geothermal activity under your feet as you hike through these sites, watching with fascination the bubbling ferocity of the hot springs and the geyser at Pangalu. While at Pokili, you would never guess that the peaceful sulphur ponds with its sleep-inducing vapors could hide a volcanic legend. It is even better touring with a local guide because they share some of the fantastic myths of the area. At Pokili, there are a colony of elusive Melanesian Megapodes that lay eggs underground, these eggs are a local delicacy and sold for four to five Kina at the town and roadside markets. Tours can be organized through Walindi Plantation Resort, Liamo Reef Resort and Genesis Haven Lodge.
Above: Sulphur Ponds at the Pokili Wildlife Management Area, Hoskins RLLG.
(2) GAME FISHING: The best game fishing in West New Britain is offered by Baia Sportfishing. Whether it is white water or blue open water fishing, the waters of New Britain provide some of the best fishing adventures in the country. Book a group tour on the Baia Sportfishing’s stylish new 72-foot vessel the Ultimate One. Cast off on the open sea for that prize Giant Dogtooth Tuna and Blue Marlin.
Above: Riccard Reimann of Baia Sportfishing PNG with Michael Guest.
Above: Golden Masked Owl filmed by Walindi Plantation Resort birding guide Joseph Yenmorro. Click image to take you to the Facebook video.
(4) CULTURAL EXPERIENCES: West New Britain cultural dances are rarely seen, event at the national festivals held in various parts of Papua New Guinea. With the revival of the West New Britain Culture and Tourism office, an opportunity has been presented to the people of West New Britain to revive traditional dances, songs and rituals that were hidden and almost forgotten. There are several cultural festivals in the West New Britain annual events calendar that visitors can keep a look out for, including the Maola Ulu Mask Festival at Balivitu Island, Balala Festival in East Nakaanai, Bakovi Festival in Talasea, Aulu Nakamutmut Festival in Gloucester, and more. Contact the West New Britain Culture and Tourism office for more details, contact Executive Manager Mr. Harold Rawei: +675 7241-9976
Above: Performers at the 2020 Khawaii Cultural Festival. Credit: Nelson Sengel.
(5) BEEF LOVERS: West New Britain is famous for its quality beef. The Numundo Beef cattle ranch and abattoir is home to over 20,000 plus heads of cattle. It is owned by the New Britain Palm Oil company. Meat processed at Numundo is served at restaurants in Kimbe Town and across Papua New Guinea, especially Lae, East New Britain and Port Moresby. Tours can be organized either by calling the Numundo Beef ranch, or you can have one of the hotels in Kimbe Town, including Walindi Plantation Resort arrange a tour for you.
Above: Cattle at the New Britain Palm Oil Numundo Beef Ranch.
There are many more experiences we recommend you try in West New Britain, involving history, agriculture, four wheel driving and more. For now, we urge you to put West New Britain on your travel bucket list. We guarantee there’s an adventure waiting for you in this wondrous place.
West New Britain is just an hour and 15 minutes flight from Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby. Air Niugini and PNG Air run daily commercial flights to the province. There are a variety of accommodation providers throughout the province, ranging from budget to luxury.
Above: Snorkelling Schaumann Island’s nearby coral reefs, Kimbe Bay. Credit: Hudson Lavari
For further information about traveling West New Britain, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Read: Tourism Developments in West New Britain Province
SINCE the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2018 between the Tourism Promotion Authority and the West New Britain Provincial Government, several developments have taken place aimed at strengthening tourism in the province.
West New Britain is a well-known tourism destination famous for its world-class scuba diving, game fishing and volcanic geo formations. These sites, products and attractions brought international recognition to the Province and the rest of Papua New Guinea by Walindi Plantation Resort and Liamo Reef Resort.
Overtime the West New Britain tourism industry realized the sustainability of the natural and cultural resources that were bringing in visitors, also needed the support and backing of the provincial government. The value of tourism in the province was just as important as the agricultural commodity of Oil Palm that was contributing to the wealth of the province.
Since the signing of the MOU with TPA, the West New Britain Provincial Government revived the Culture and Tourism Division – now a staff of seven locals led by Executive Manager Mr. Harold Rawei. The West New Britain Culture and Tourism office is located in Kimbe Town where the province’s museum is located – adjacent the Sasi Muthuvel Stadium which hosted the 2017 PNG Games. The West New Britain Provincial Museum is undergoing renovations and will open in early 2021.
The West New Britain Culture and Tourism Office have been in close consultation with the TPA Division of Provincial Coordination and Product Development for advisory support in terms of developing major tourism attractions. A key project site is the Pangalu Hot Springs located in the Talasea District, home to one of the largest geysers in the region, and a popular tourism attraction.
On the 25th of August 2020, construction work began at the Pangalu Hot Springs to create an accessible and comfortable environment for visitors. These include concrete footpaths, solar lights, a hauswin seating area and a toilet.
TPA will be working the West New Britain Culture and Tourism office on other tourism project sites located in Hoskins, Bialla and the greater Nakanai area.
For tourism updates in West New Britain follow the West New Britain Tourism Group Facebook page.
Above: Mr. Harold Rawei, executive manager of the West New Britain Culture and Tourism Division. Credit: Benjamin Narua
Above: The West New Britain Provincial Museum in Kimbe. Credit: Annette Esakia
Above: Artist’s impression of the completed Pangalu Hotsprings’ Tourism Site. Courtesy of West New Britain Provincial Government.
For further information about the tourism projects in West New Britain, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Read: Journey the Wondrous Wilds of West New Britain
PAPUA New Guinea’s national flag carrier, Air Niugini, is offering incredible discounts every Tuesday for domestic travelers.
According to a November 2020 Air Niugini media release, the specials are published at 0900 hours every Tuesday. Air Niugini email subscribers and Facebook followers are the first to be alerted. Fares have gone as low as PGK19 with a limited travel window, terms and conditions apply. See the Air Niugini Facebook page and the Air Niugini latest offers page.
The Tuesday special saver has sparked a massive interest in domestic travel, especially with the lingering restrictions to international inbound travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many PNG residents have taken advantage of the slashed prices and visited places in PNG that would have been too expensive to travel to on a normal fare.
The Tourism Promotion Authority CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo commended Air Niugini for its Tuesday Specials and discounted fares. “These airfare discounts come at a critical time when our tourism industry is struggling to fill rooms, book seats and sell tours,” he said. He further encouraged more PNG residents to take advantage of the reduced fares and explore the country while the opportunity was around.
Local tour operators in East New Britain, have capitalized on the rise in domestic travel due to Air Niugini’s discounted airfares, and are heavily promoting affordable tour packages that can be enjoyed by local and expatriate residents.
In the land of ‘A Million Different Journeys’ Papua New Guinea is proving to be an ideal place for local travelers.
Subscribe to Air Niugini to receive email notifications, click here.
For further information about the Air Niugini Domestic Tuesday Specials and other special fares, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
THE Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) was a proud Gold Sponsor of the inaugural 2020 Kumul Petroleum Holdings Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show, which convened on the 13th of December in Wewak Town, East Sepik Province.
The event was successfully staged for three-days at the Sir Michael Somare Stadium, a fitting location for the new show, which celebrates two founding fathers of the East Sepik province – they are Papua New Guinea’s first prime minister, grand chief Sir Michael Somare, and long-serving Parliamentarian, Sir Peter Lus.
The TPA marketing team was on site at the stadium show grounds, running promotions and creating awareness about Tourism in Papua New Guinea and the East Sepik.
“East Sepik is a destination of astounding cultural and historical icons that continue to attract visitors from all across the world. TPA is happy to support the province in hosting its first cultural show, and I encourage the Sepik Show organizers to ensure the event is sustainable so more visitors can attend and discover the amazing products the province has to offer,” remarked Mr. Eric Mossman, TPA chief executive officer.
The show featured dozens of cultural performances representing the six ward districts of the East Sepik. ‘Singsing’ groups travelled as far away as the Chambri Lake in the west and the Karawari River in the south. Visitors at the show were treated to one of the finest and richest authentic displays of Sepik culture that will be remembered for a long while.
The agricultural showcase was also an eye-opener for visitors and locals alike. East Sepik farmers proudly shared their agricultural skills and showed-off their best produce featuring vanilla, cocoa, copra, rice, crocodile farming products and more.
Entertainment was never in short supply at the show. PNG artists like Anslom, Kronos and the Avisat band were on scene belting out popular hits and thrilling the crowds.
The Sepik Cultural and Agricultural Show ended on a a high note for the 2020 year. Organizers will be hosting the event next year around the same time in December. Follow the Sepik Show Facebook page for confirmed dates in 2021, as well as other updates and sponsorship details.
See: Accommodation in the East Sepik Province
For further information about the Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
THE Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) is in the process of finalizing the much anticipated Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025), which was developed through extensive consultation with the tourism industry and the public between 2019 and 2020 across major centers in the country. (See: TMP Have Your Say Survey.)
The new Tourism Master Plan (TMP) will capture key areas and issues of sustainable economic development identified by the tourism industry, and provide detailed guidelines and processes for the TPA to implement in partnership with key stakeholders in the nation’s government and private sector. Tourism infrastructure development and support for local tourism businesses are two of many key areas highlighted in the TMP.
The development of the Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025) is led by the TPA Policy & Planning Division under the guidance of Ms. Ingrid Kuman, policy and planning director. Ms. Kuman and her team ensure that the industry recommendations and implementation processes developed in the new TMP are achievable within the governing mandate of the TPA under the Tourism Promotion Authority Act (1993).
“The Tourism Master Plan is an eagerly awaited document, and I am pleased with the thorough process my team has undertaken to ensure the framework is solid and the content represents the range and diversity of our tourism industry’s needs and overall vision,” said Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, TPA chief executive officer.
An intense series of internal workshops were carried out during November and December 2020, involving TPA senior management and select staff from each division in the organization.
Each division of the TPA organization will have key responsibilities in implementing the Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025), they include:
The Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025) is expected to be launched in early February 2020. It will be implemented over a four-year period and its performance will be carefully measured through annual assessment reporting.
See: Tourism Master Plan (2007-2017)
For further information about the Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025), email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
THE beginning of 2020 was the most challenging year for tourism in Papua New Guinea and across the globe. Especially with border closures, travel restrictions, cancelled bookings and a multitude of issues that severely hurt our tourism industry.
However, in the last quarter of the year in Papua New Guinea, event organizers in our tourism industry have sought ways to still bring people together in a safe and comfortable environment to celebrate, share common interests and enjoy life.
“If there is ever an industry as hopeful and resilient, it is our Papua New Guinean tourism industry,” said TPA CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo. He added, “PNG is a challenging place to do business and the tourism industry have survived it all, even this COVID-19 pandemic. Our people are still traveling and spending money within the economy. This is the result of our tourism industry working together”.
Independence celebrations, craft markets, cultural performances and a variety of other events took place without issues. Events like the Karimui Show in Simbu, Break Free PNG Boera Experience, Sogeri Pineapple Festival in the Central Province and the Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show revived the nation’s event scene, proving people in PNG could still come together to celebrate even in the shadow of a global pandemic.
A slew of events are expected for the 2021 Tourism Events Calendar. Event organizers are offering PNG residents and visitors the opportunity to be a part of their special celebrations. Click on the Cultural Show Calendar and Industry Events Calendar on the TPA website.
Next year in 2021, experience something new and exciting like a cultural show. Paint your face another tribal color, dance the Weipa at the Hagen Show, witness a sacred dance at the National Mask Festival and Warwagira, paddle with warriors in a war canoe at the National Kenu and Kundu Festival, pet a live ‘pukpuk’ at the Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival, or sample the world’s best tasting coffee at the Goroka Show, there is literally so much to see and do in the land of a million different journeys.
For further information about the 2021 Events Calendar, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has this month launched a new destination training website for travel trade. Designed to immerse agents in the history, culture, adventures and unique stories of Papua New Guinea, as well as provide lots of practical information, the new platform will help to increase destination knowledge and ultimately support the industry to better sell the Pacific paradise.
After seeking input from agents on what training and information was needed to support them in selling Papua New Guinea, PNGTPA developed the new training site featuring more itineraries, brochures, maps, accommodation and events listings.
To celebrate its launch, PNGTPA is offering agents the chance to win one of five $250 visa gift cards. To automatically enter and be in with a chance of winning, agents simply need to complete the five new training modules on the site by 15 December, 2020. The winners will be drawn and contacted directly via email on 16 December, 2020.
Whilst working through the five training modules, which take approximately 20 minutes and cover an introduction to the destination, history and culture, as well as insights into trekking, diving and surfing adventures, agents will quickly learn key details about Papua New Guinea and how to best sell the destination.
“We are really hopeful that agents will be sending clients to Papua New Guinea in the not too distant future and we want to ensure they’re well prepared for the opportunity as soon as the time comes,” said Holly Marshall, Trade & Marketing Manager, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority Australia and New Zealand. “As the primary source of information to help travel trade learn more about Papua New Guinea and how to sell it, the site is not only more modern and engaging in design but also provides a larger array of tools and resources that are actually needed by the industry.”
She continued, “Papua New Guinea has so much to offer the traveler, yet is still relatively untouched and unknown despite being right on Australia and New Zealand’s doorstep. We hope the new site encourages more agents to discover everything the destination has to offer.”
For more information visit www.png.destinationtraining.com.au/online-training .
For media enquiries, please contact:
Rachel Jones
PNGTPA PR Director, Australia & New Zealand
Phone – 0422 085 502 | Email: rachel@example.com.au
The People of Megabo in the upper Bena area of the Eastern Highlands Province have been challenged to wisely use what God has blessed them with to enrich their lives.
Tourism Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo told the Megabo community that God has blessed them with rich cultural and natural resources which they must also nurture and cherish for future generations.
Mr Uvovo was speaking at the official launching of the Megabo Cane Swallowing Festival and the Yasina Nature Park, Thursday 26th November 2020.
Cane Swallowing is a traditional initiation ceremony performed exclusively by men in this part of Eastern Highlands and it is a major attraction at the popular Goroka Show every year. The men hold both ends of a small cane and swallow up to 30 centimeters before pulling it out.
The Yasina Nature Park is part of the Bismarck Range bordering Ramu towards Madang Province. It has been surveyed and will shortly be declared as a protected conservation area hosting not only unique and diverse animal and plant species but also holds historical sites including relics from the Second World War.
Mr Uvovo said it was encouraging to note that the Megabo Community continues to maintain peace and harmony in their society through the intervention of the Seventh Day Adventist Church which has provided health and education services to complement other government services in this remote part of PNG since Independence.
He said TPA will support such unique cultural festivals from the national level but such initiatives have to be recognized and endorsed first by the district and provincial administrations.
Similar sentiments were expressed by National Cultural Commission representative Mr John Dua who said district and provincial shows are becoming reliant too much on national agencies for funding support while there is little or no support from the district and provincial levels.
Megabo community leader Bibi Giko said theirs was a peaceful community in the whole of Unggai-Bena District and they wanted to bring in tourism development through their unique culture and their rich natural biodiversity.
Above: Megabo traditional cane swallower from Unggai-Bena District, Eastern Highlands.
For further information about the Megabo Cane Swallowing Festival and the Yasina Nature Park email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Contact the National Cultural Commission for a listing of 2021 Cultural Festivals in Papua New Guinea, call: +675 323-5111
The TSA Technical Working Group from the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), National Statistical Office (NSO), Bank of PNG and the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) met for the first time on Tuesday this week at the TPA office to discuss the importance of developing a TSA for Papua New Guinea.
Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is the standard United Nations (UN), approved method of measuring the direct contribution of tourism consumption to a national economy and TPA will lead the technical working group to implement this project next year. TPA is a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo while welcoming the group said, even though PNG’s tourism industry is small, tourism will play a significant and increasing role in the economy of Papua New Guinea, and unlike industries such as agriculture, mining, fisheries and forest, tourism has not been explicitly measured in the official economic statistics to identify tourism’s contribution to the GDP and compare with other economic sectors. Therefore, the development of TSA is vital for Papua New Guinea, so that reliable data on the impact of tourism on the economy and employment can be measured effectively going forward.
The National Statistical Office (NSO) will play the leading role in producing the TSA for Papua New Guinea, while the TSA Technical Working Group will meet on a monthly basis to coordinate and monitor the progress and provide support during the implementation process.
Image: The Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) Working Group at the TPA Office, comprising of representatives from National Statistical Office, Bank of Papua New Guinea and Internal Revenue Commission.
For further information about the TSA Working Group, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
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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