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The year 2022 marks the 80th Anniversary of the World War II campaign, 1942 – 2022, a momentous period in Papua New Guinea history.
Battles between the allied and axis powers raged across the territory of Papua and New Guinea – none more poignant to the memories of Australians, New Zealanders and Papua New Guineans than that of the Kokoda Track Campaign.
Between July to November 1942 a series of Battles were fought along the Kokoda trail, beginning from the beaches of Buna in the Northern Province to Ower’s Corner, Koiari, in the Central Province.
Casualties numbered in the thousands during the Kokoda campaign, and the tales of sacrifice, victory and defeat still linger among the descendants of those that lived to witness the battles. National commemorations are held annually to remember those that served.
For Papua New Guineans, the special days of commemoration are ANZAC Day, April 25th; National Remembrance Day, July 23rd; and Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day or Kokoda Day, November 3rd.
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels are heroes of national renown in Papua New Guinea. They were native Papua New Guinean recruits who served as laborers, carriers and scouts during the Kokoda Campaign.
The name Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels was immortalized in the poem ‘The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ by an Australian sapper, Bert Beros.
The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels
Many a mother in Australia,
When the busy day is done,
Sends a prayer to the Almighty
For the keeping of her son,
Asking that an Angel guide him
And bring him safely back
Now we see those prayers are answered
On the Owen Stanley track,
For they haven’t any halos,
Only holes slashed in the ears,
And with faces worked by tattoos,
With scratch pins in their hair,
Bringing back the wounded,
Just as steady as a hearse,
Using leaves to keep the rain off
And as gentle as a nurse.
Slow and careful in bad places,
On the awful mountain track,
And the look upon their faces,
Makes us think that Christ was black.
Not a move to hurt the carried,
As they treat him like a Saint,
It’s a picture worth recording,
That an Artist’s yet to paint.
Many a lad will see his Mother,
And the Husbands, Weans and Wives,
Just because the Fuzzy Wuzzy
Carried them to save their lives.
From mortar or machine gun fire,
Or a chance surprise attack,
To safety and the care of Doctors,
At the bottom of the track.
May the Mothers in Australia,
When they offer up a prayer,
Mention those impromptu Angels,
With the Fuzzy Wuzzy hair.
Sapper Bert Beros
NX 6925, 7th Div., RAE, AIF
(The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels and other verses, published 1945)
Above image: Photo by George Silk of Australian Private George Whittington being led to a field hospital near Buna by carrier Raphael Oimbari. Image colorised by Aufa Tora Media.
For more information on Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day and the Kokoda WWII 80th Anniversary, please email: ppd@papuanewguinea.travel or call +675 320-0211
THE Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), just like all National Tourism Offices around the world, is welcoming travellers back to Papua New Guinea with the reopening of the Tourist Information Centre at the Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby, Friday 14th October, 2022.
The reopening of the Tourist Information Centre at Jackson’s International Airport was officially opened by CEO of the PNGTPA Eric Mossman Uvovo and CEO of the National Airport Corporation Rex Kiponge.
The Centre, will be open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4.30 pm, and will serve as an information hub for all tourism enquiries at Jackson’s. There will be two friendly PNGTPA information officers who will be working full time at the Centre to assist enquirers.
The Centre is in an ideal location where visitors at the Jacksons International Airport can easily walk over to the Tourist Information Centre to get information regarding travel and tourism, especially accommodation, tours, hire car, events and attractions in Papua New Guinea.
The Tourist Information Centre was operational in 2019, however closed its doors when the COVID -19 Pandemic affected travel globally.
In early 2021, the PNGTPA renovated the Tourist Information Centre, but handed it over to the Health Department and TrackPro to conduct PCR Testing for arriving passengers. The Centre was vacated early this year, allowing the PNGTPA and NAC to carry out further maintenance and renovation.
The PNGTPA is thankful to the National Airports Corporation for the enduring partnership over the last couple of years in helping promote tourism in the country. The PNGTPA and NAC will be signing an MOU to set up similar Tourist Information Centres in other airports across Papua New Guinea.
For further information email Ms. Alice Kuaningi marketing@papuanewguinea.travel
Above Image: Official ribbon-cutting ceremony at the reopening of the Tourist Information Centre.
Above Image: (L-R) NAC CEO Rex Kiponge, PNGTPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo, PNGTPA Director Marketing Alice Kuaningi.
Above Image: Tourism information officers (L-R) Joy Wenapu and Gohi Oring.
Chief Executive officer of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) Eric Mossman Uvovo said Cruise Tourism was one of their key agendas for the year following the easing of travel restrictions back in Papua New Guinea for commercial shipping.
Uvovo said, “Cruise Tourism as we know today can be traced back to the beginning of 1960s coinciding with the decline of transoceanic ship travel and introduction of the first nonstop air travel between USA and Europe.”
“This is according to its history, however for PNG, Cruise Tourism is an essential part of our tourism program where visitors from all over the World can come to PNG and cruise around on our beautiful islands and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, including our blue seas, the lagoons, riverways, reef and many other beautiful sites we have across our islands.”
Uvovo said, “We all know that our country is blessed with an abundance of natural resources as well as the environment itself is a paradise on earth. We haven’t realized how beautiful our country is, from the Highlands to the coastal areas, we are richly blessed and at TPA, we want to showcase all these beautiful places to the world and Cruise Tourism will certainly play its part in making sure PNG is marketed and we bring in more tourists into our country.”
“Cruise Tourism involves an all-inclusive holiday on a cruise with a set and specific itinerary in which the cruise ship calls at several ports or cities and I tell you, our beautiful breath-taking islands and its seas inclusive of their natural and yet beautiful white sandy beaches, coral reefs, riverways, best diving spots, and many more is offered here in our country and that is where many tourists around the World will Love to see and experience first -hand, this is what PNG can offer in terms of Cruise Tourism,” the TPA CEO Uvovo said.
Uvovo said PNG with its diverse culture and landscape, it imperative that we bring back Tourism Cruise after it was stopped for over two years since the onset of the global pandemic in 2019.
The CEO said, our coastal villages are accessible through air and sea, and bringing back Cruise Tourism will enable our visitors to see our waters, seas and what it has to offer, we can attest to this simply by looking at the increase in cruise itineraries since 2009 when PNGTPA launched its Cruise Development Strategy. This strategy provided the pathway to strategically positioning PNG as an ideal cruise destination in the region whilst identifying the key infrastructure investments that were needed to meet the capacity of larger global cruise liners. Through strong partnerships with key stakeholders such as PNG Ports, NMSA, Department of Transport, Immigration, Customs, and NAQIA, the long-term impacts of cruise tourism have been felt in island communities that play host to an array of cruise passenger vessels.”
“It (Cruise Tourism) is certainly a luxurious form of traveling involving an all-inclusive holiday on a cruise with a specific Itinerary in which Cruise Ship calls at several ports or cities and voyage around our beautiful islands at the same time enjoying the best time of the lives on the ship or boat while seeing these places,” he said.
“This would not have been possible without the clearance from the controller’s office, other government agencies, and stakeholders who have been instrumental in the reopening of the Borders for commercial shipping in August this year.”
“We thank you Controller David Manning and office as well as the Department of Health, PNG Ports, Department of Transport, NAQIA, Customs, Immigration, and NMSA for the efforts put in the reopening of the borders.”
“I would like to take this time to thank you all for taking the step forward for the good of this beautiful country and re-opening the borders. Thank you for your effort and perseverance,” Uvovo said.
Uvovo thanked the international cruise liners and expedition ships that cruise PNG waters for their patience during the border restrictions, stating, “it has been a period of uncertainty with the onset of the pandemic and after effects, however, it was imperative that we restart economic activity for our island and riverway communities and welcome back our tourist in a safe manner, ensuring that all local cruise communities and tour operators are well versed with the Nuipela Pasin health and safety protocols. As such we look forward to welcoming back one of our big players in the region, Carnival Australia’s P&O Cruises, whose cruise ship Pacific Encounter is expected to berth in Alotau on Friday the 7th of October, 2022, on its inaugural port call following the closure of borders since 2019.”
Meanwhile, Uvovo said Carnival Australia has invested in a new multimillion state-of-the-art cruise terminal in Brisbane taking into consideration the proximity to PNG and the rest of the Pacific which will increase significantly cruise itineraries in the next five years.
For further information, email the Policy & Planning Division of the Tourism Promotion Authority: policy@papuanewguinea.travel
Above: (L-R) Deputy Controller National Pandemic Response Dr. Daoni Esorom, Minister for Tourism Arts & Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, PNGTPA CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo
In light of the current situation in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority would like to advise our valued international tourists in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, whom have attended the 2022 Goroka Show, to seek further information from our office should the need arise.
PNGTPA will assist, as and where need be to provide accurate information and advice to ensure your transit to Port Moresby and onto your next destination is expedited. An emergency hotline has been established, please contact any of the following PNGTPA numbers:
When prompted, dial any of the following extensions – 202 or 204.
OR Email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
We are devastated by the situation that has unfolded in this peaceful province of PNG and stand ready to support our international tourists.
PNGTPA extends our deepest sympathies to all whom have been affected by the tragedies that have occurred and pray for peace in the beautiful Eastern Highlands Province.
Authorised by:
Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Tourism Promotion Authority
On Tuesday 1st March 2022, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), signed a memorandum of understanding with a Dubai-based marketing and representation company to promote and market Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry in the Gulf and Middle East regions.
Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard and the chief executive officer of Across Borders Travel, Fabian Fernandes, signed the MoU at the Staybridge Suites in Internet City, Dubai. The signing was witnessed by PNGTPA chief executive officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo, and TPA director marketing, Alice Kuaningi.
Minister Leonard said Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry has never penetrated the tourism market in the Middle East and that the MoU was a breakthrough, and hopes that a market from the Gulf region can be secured.
He said PNG’s participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai would provide the leverage to effectively market PNG as a tourism destination in light of the opening of international borders.
Across Borders Travel looks after the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which is a political and economic union of Arab states bordering the Gulf. GCC was established in 1981 and its members include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Established and registered in 2013, Across Borders Travel represents preferred sales agents for seven cruise and 11 destination management companies.
Under the MoU, Across Borders Travel will provide tourism and marketing advice to TPA, and support in providing information about travel and tourism, and any related information throughout the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East and Arab region to TPA.
Image: (L-R) Mr. Fabian Fernandes – CEO Across Borders; Hon. Isi Leonard – Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture; and Mr. Eric Uvovo – CEO PNG Tourism Promotion Authority.
For further information, email PNGTPA director marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi: alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.travel
On Tuesday the 15th of February, 2022, the National SOE Controller, Commissioner David Manning announced the re-opening of borders to tourists travelling into Papua New Guinea in compliance with travel entry requirements.
In expressing gratitude on behalf of the tourism industry of PNG, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo thanked the NCC and Department of Health for their strong control and mitigation efforts which have now brought us to this juncture. Warmly welcome the good news as it will now allow for tourists to come back to our beautiful country, and more importantly provide much needed economic relief to our struggling industry that has been hit hard with the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority has also initiated the Safe Traveler Campaign to ensure tourism operators and businesses comply with health and safety protocols that are in line with the “Nuipela Pasin”. This initiative aims to boost consumer confidence to travel in and around PNG knowing that tourism operators and businesses your tour operator, accommodation provider etc., are certified, Safe Traveler operators.
CEO Uvovo commended the tourism industry associations for taking leading a collaborative effort between the private sector and TPA to ensure affiliated members of the respective associations adhere to the Safe Traveler guidelines and certification.
TPA will work closely with the tourism industry and other stakeholders in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition in the reopening of borders to tourists.
Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority stated, “The pandemic is here to stay and we must learn to adapt and live as we continue to go into normalcy. We warmly welcome all our visitors to come to PNG, the land of a million different journeys.
About PNGTPA
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is a statutory body wholly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and established under the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Act 1993. The ultimate goal of the PNGTPA is to market and promote Papua New Guinea to the world as a desirable travel destination. The PNGTPA is a proud member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the South Pacific Tourism Organization.
Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority.
For more information relating to the new travel measurers, please do visit the link: https://bit.ly/Travel-Advice-Update-16th-February-2022
ENDS//
Press Release: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
For more information contact Joel Keimelo, Acting Director Marketing, on email: joel.keimelo@papuanewguinea.travel
Approved for Release
Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo
Chief Executive Officer
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) after a vigorous process of organizing a dance competition, selecting the top-performing dance troupe, staging several rehearsals and preparing the group, is all set to send off the PNG National Dance Troupe to Dubai this week. With the support of the National Cultural Commission and UPNGs Creative Dance School and planning and preparatory work have now reached its final stage.
PNGTPA is a proud sponsor of young talented and gifted Papua New Guineans. Half of the group is made of Creative Arts and Dance students from the University of Papua New Guinea. Others are also professional creative individuals who have much experience in the dance and music industry. The expertise of Choreographers Mr. Steven Pagasa, Mr. David Taim of National Cultural Commission and Ms. Meriba Igara have prepared the PNG National Dance Troupe well.
The National Dance Troupe will perform various contemporary genres or dances. The theme for the Papua New Guinea Pavilion is “Living in Balance with Nature”.
The PNG TPA representatives in Dubai have also prepared the program for the visiting Dance performers and secured enough spots and venues at the Dubai World Expo for the group to perform.
The main event the group will perform at is the National Day for PNG which is set for 28th February 2022. The other performances will be at the Earth State, Australian Pavilion, Morocco Pavilion and Angola Pavilion. The group will be in Dubai from 18th – 28th February.
PNGTPA sees the need to encourage our young people to develop professionally, embrace our origin, our culture, our heritage through songs and dances. The creative industry and entertainment industry involves professionals and taking this career path to develop professionally is not a mistake.
Mr. Eric Uvovo, CEO of the PNGTPA said “Dubai World Expo is an International Event, we have planned to participate at and committed to supporting by sponsoring PNG National Dance Troupe. Giving such exposure to our youths and students gives them confidence, learn from others and gets them motivated to develop our creative dance and music industry. I wish them well and I know they will be great Ambassadors for Papua New Guinea. “
Mr. Uvovo added, “We are also thankful to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for the sponsorship of 12 performers.”
About PNGTPA
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is a statutory body wholly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and established under the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Act 1993. The ultimate goal of the PNGTPA is to market and promote Papua New Guinea to the world as a desirable travel destination. The PNGTPA is a proud member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the South Pacific Tourism Organization.
Press Release: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
For more information contact Alice Kuaningi Mobile: (971) 0525510326 Email: alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.travel
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is glad to support the Music Industry of Papua New Guinea. One of its members is Anslom Ronald Nakikus. Anslom will be performing at the Dubai World Expo 2020 from, 21st – 28th February 2022.
The PNGTPA and the PNG Expo Secretariat wishes acknowledges sponsors such as DataCo for making Anslom’s trip possible.
Anslom will be performing alongside the PNG National Dance Troupe at various Stages within the Expo.
“Anslom’s music is unique. It is pleasing to see Papua New Guinea musicians using their time, money and resources to develop themselves and using their successes to be motivated to do more,” said Ms. Alice Kuaningi, PNGTPA director marketing.
To watch the live-stream of the Papua New Guinea performances at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, click: Papua New Guinea National Day, February 28th.
About PNGTPA
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is a statutory body wholly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and established under the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Act 1993. The ultimate goal of the PNGTPA is to market and promote Papua New Guinea to the world as a desirable travel destination. The PNGTPA is a proud member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and the South Pacific Tourism Organization.
For more information contact Alice Kuaningi: Email: alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.travel | Mobile: +971 0525510326 |
With international borders closed over the past two years, Papua New Guinea’s Tourism Sector has suffered greatly with airlines, tour operators, hoteliers, product owners and business houses all feeling the effects of the covid-19 pandemic. In response to this, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority is looking to provide industry support by boosting domestic tourism by encouraging residents in-country to explore and create memories through a travel subsidy program.
As an important and key industry stakeholder, PNG Air is pleased to announce our partnership with PNGTPA in this venture.
“At a time when the travel industry is suffering from reduced visitor numbers, this program is a great example of how all tourism stakeholders can come together to develop solutions to start the rebuild of our industry,” said Simon C, Pitt, PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer.
“PNG Tourism Promotion Authority happily announces the partnership with PNG Air in creating PNG packages for people living in the country and for our fellow Papua New Guineans. This is a great opportunity to travel and make a difference to revive our tourism industry”, added Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO PNG Tourism Promotion Authority. This partnership will enable us to work directly with select accommodation providers and tour operators to create attractive subsidized travel packages, inclusive of return PNG Air flights, accommodation and tours that travellers can take advantage of to explore our amazing country.
These subsidized packages are expected to be available soon for purchase from the respective accommodation providers, through the Festive Christmas and New Year Period of 2021-2022.
Photo: Senior PNGTPA Officials with PNG Air Acting CEO, Stanley Stevens, PNGTPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo and PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer, Simon C. Ptt at the signing of the partnership.
THE World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates delivered a successful Travel & Connectivity week, 9th – 15th January 2022.
The purpose of the Expo 2020 thematic week was to create international dialogue on addressing the interrelated global challenges of Travel and Connectivity.
As a participating country at the Expo 2020, Papua New Guinea – through the PNG Expo Team, hosted a series of virtual events during the Travel & Connectivity week aimed at promoting investment opportunities for tourism in the country. These events included a virtual information session for the PNG tourism industry, an investment forum involving a number of tourism businesses and agencies in Papua New Guinea, including online access to the Expo 2020’s major Travel & Connectivity forum.
Ms Alice Kuaningi, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Director of Marketing, facilitated the Tourism Industry Information Session and the PNG Investment Forum – Ecotourism & Connectivity held at the Expo 2020 during the mid-January thematic week.
“Papua New Guinea’s exposure as a travel destination at the Expo 2020 has attracted a lot of interest in the Arab and Middle East tourism market. I have met many individuals from this part of the world who appreciate the niche tourism products that our destination offers, we are certainly on the radar of travellers seeking places to visit that don’t have mass tourism, and this is understandable considering the global pandemic we are facing,” said Ms Kuaningi after the culmination of the Expo 2020 Travel & Connectivity week.
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority is one of several key government agencies that make up the PNG Expo Team representing the country of Papua New Guinea at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
For more information visit: www.pngworldexpo2020.com
Above: (Centre) Ms. Alice Kuaningi, TPA Director of Marketing with PNG Investment forum attendees at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Above: (L-R) Ms Alice Kuaningi, TPA Director of Marketing; Ms Pauline Riman, TPA Digital Marketing Officer; and Ms Beverly Puton, IPA Media Manager.
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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