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THE Papua New Guinea Investment Forum on Ecotourism and Connectivity successfully concluded on Friday, 14th January 2022, at the Expo2020 Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This was the third investment forum hosted by the Papua New Guinea Expo Team focused on promoting investment opportunities in PNG’s Eco-tourism and ICT sectors. The Forum ran parallel with Expo2020’s thematic week of ‘Travel and Connectivity’.
The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu, officially opened the PNG Investment Forum, thanking the UAE Government for the tremendous support given to Papua New Guinea in ensuring its inclusive participation at the World Expo in Dubai.
Minister Masiu commended the theme of the Expo2020 Dubai, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, and lauded the global event for championing ideas and innovations to facilitate sustainable trade and investment opportunities, including cultural exchanges that Papua New Guinea considers important to its economic development.
In his speech, Minister Masiu highlighted the need for developing Papua New Guinea’s tourism and ICT infrastructure,
“Papua New Guinea needs integrated tourism, visitor connectivity and infrastructure system. Investors and experts are needed to help plan and deliver a connectivity system in a sustainable way for Papua New Guinea.”
Hon. Masiu emphasised, “Partnerships are also needed for mutual gains, and such plans should be carried out in consideration of the environment, and in line with the country’s sub-theme at the Expo2020, ‘Connecting Minds and Creating Opportunities in Sustainable Development.” The PNG Investment Forum on Ecotourism and Connectivity was also officiated by the UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce, H.E. Humaid Ben Salem.
In his speech, H.E. Salem spoke of the PNG Roundtable Discussion on Education, Science and Green Economy, which he attended last month – also hosted by the PNG Expo team. He spoke of the diverse ecotourism experiences that the UAE shared with PNG, and affirmed technological innovations and infrastructure were key to economic development, and that partnerships were possible through continued communication and cooperation.
The CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Eric Uvovo, concluded the keynote addresses of the Forum with an overview of the unique tourism potential that Papua New Guinea had to offer, and the immense opportunity for investment.
Mr. Uvovo stated that PNG TPA will be working with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority and Department of Foreign Affairs to make it easier for UAE citizens to travel to PNG, especially looking into travel visas and developing tour packages for the Arab tourism market.
There were a variety of presentations delivered at the Forum from Papua New Guinea tourism businesses and organisations – including Immigration Authority, Air Niugini, Trans Niugini Tours, Walindi Plantation Resort, the Enga Show Committee, Vanimo Surf Lodge, as well as the PNG Business Council. Participants also had the opportunity to discover the technological tools members of the UAE tourism industry were using to promote their products, especially from Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, and the Louvre Museum of Abu Dhabi.
The third PNG Investment Forum had over 30 participants in attendance, many joined in virtually, connecting from Papua New Guinea, Australia, the United States, Europe and within the United Arab Emirates. The PNG Expo Team is now preparing for the 4th PNG Investment Forum, which will coincide with the Expo2020 thematic week addressing the global challenge of Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods.
For more information visit the PNG World Expo 2020 website for updates.
Pictured: (L-R) H.E. Mr. Joshua Kalinoe, Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to Belgium; H.E. Humaid Ben Salem, UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce; Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology; H.E Amna Saber Aldhanhani Vice Chairman of the Board of Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority; Mr. Sajith Kumar, PK, CEO, IBMC International and Resident Advisor to the Embassy of PNG, Brussels, on Trade and Investment.
Pictured: H.E. Humaid Ben Salem, UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce; and Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) in partnership with the National Statistical Office (NSO) successfully completed and released the first Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) report 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. TPA, with the technical support from NSO and external TSA experts has successfully completed the project on time.
Tourism will now be measured in the official economic statistics as the first TSA identifies tourism’s direct contribution to the GDP and compare with other economic sectors in the country.
The successful implementation of the first TSA comes after TPA and NSO officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier in 2021 to share data and develop the first TSA for Papua New Guinea.
This first TSA was developed with the available data and it will provide a good baseline to produce the next TSA, going forward.
Click to download PNG’s First Tourism Satellite Account Report
Find out: What is a Tourism Satellite Account
For further information, please email the Marketing Research and Statistics Unit of the Tourism Promotion Authority: research.statistics@papuanewguinea.travel
The Travel & Connectivity week is one of 10 thematic weeks run throughout the duration of the Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a participating country at the Expo, Papua New Guinea is proud to engage in the ‘Travel & Connectivity’ week – joining the rest of the world in sharing ideas and initiating discussions on how a balance can be achieved between the digital world and our physical reality.
The Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is a participating government agency at the Expo 2020 global event. As a result, The PNGTPA extends a warm invitation to the Papua New Guinea tourism industry to be a part of the Travel and Connectivity Week.
Download the program: Travel and Connectivity Week – Papua New Guinea Special Events
Date: Tuesday 11th January, 2022
Time: 3 pm to 5 pm PGT
Connect via: Expo 2020 Virtual Expo website
Date: Wednesday 12th January, 2022
Time: 1 pm to 3 pm PGT
Invitation to only members of the PNG Tourism Industry. Please email: alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.
Date: Thursday 13th January, 2022
Time: 7 pm to 8 pm PGT
Connect via: PNG World Expo 2020 Facebook page. ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ to receive updates.
Date: Thursday 13th January, 2022
Time: 7 pm to 8 pm PGT
Connect via: PNG World Expo 2020 Facebook page. ‘Like’ and ‘Follow’ to receive updates.
Date: Friday 14th January, 2022
Time: 4 pm to 11 pm PGT
Click WebEx link to register.
Click: Expo 2020 Travel and Connectivity Week
Sign up or log in to the VIRTUAL EXPO site to access the live stream / recordings: www.virtualexpodubai.com
For further information, email: alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.
Staff of the PNG Tourism Promotion authority joined hundreds of observers at the 40th National Remembrance Day commemorations at the Ela Beach Remembrance Park, Port Moresby – Friday 23rd July 2021.
The Remembrance Day Service paid tribute to our nation’s armed forces, especially those that served in the civil and great wars, as well as peace keeping missions.
War veterans and their families joined the marching parades led by the RPNGC, PNGDF, PNGCS and closely followed by the Scouts and Girl Guides Associations of PNG – a moving show of respect and gratitude to fellow service men and women who had passed on.
Ambassadors, Heads of State, Heads of Government Departments and Agencies, as well as the Public, came to pay their respects – laying wreaths at the memorial.
Papua New Guinea’s armed service history, especially in the World Wars is always remembered with great pride. From this chaotic and tragic time, Papua New Guinean heroes emerged – members of the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the unforgettable ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ who assisted Australian soldiers during the Battle of Kokoda.
There is an incredible amount of history in Papua New Guinea – a million different stories worth discovering.
Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture, Hon. Isi Leonard laying wreaths at the memorial
Image Credit: Liebert Kirakar, PNGTPA
Parade Marching to the Remembrance Park, Ela Beach, Port Moresby
Image Credit: Liebert Kirakar, PNGTPA
Download the program for the 40th National Remembrance Day Service, Ela Beach Remembrance Park.
Find our more about National Remembrance Day in Papua New Guinea
For more information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
The Tourism Promotion Authority is pleased to be one of the core government agencies supporting the World Expo 2020 PNG Secretariat, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).
The signing of the memorandum of understanding on the 9th of July 2021, officially marks the Tourism Promotion Authority’s willingness as a core agency to support the efforts of the Government of Papua New Guinea in presenting the investment opportunities of the country at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The MOU will be signed by the following core agencies: the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Trade (DFAIT), the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), and the Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT).
“Tourism Promotion Authority sees its participation at the Expo as a valuable opportunity to showcase the investment prospects available in Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry,” said CEO Mr. Eric Uvovo.
“Our presence at the world expo is an opportunity to market and promote PNG’s diverse and unique tourism products”.
Through the MOU, TPA will be supporting the World Expo 2020 Secretariat and the other core agencies with resources in the form of expertise and equipment.
One of the key projects under the MOU is the Virtual Reality 360 (VR 360) Video Production, which TPA will be assisting in developing for the World Expo in Dubai.
TPA undertook the VR 360 project in 2019 as part of its digital marketing activities to acquire equipment, devices and skills to acquire equipment, devices and skills to develop videos through this innovative medium to market Papua New Guinea as a travel destination. The project was a success in 2019 achieving over half-a-million online views through TPA’s combined social media platforms. TPA hopes to provide the same success for Papua New Guinea at the World Expo.
The VR 360 video project under the MOU, aims to showcase the range of project sites and ventures supported by the different agencies representing Papua New Guinea at the World Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Tourism Promotion Authority will also be vigorously promoting investment opportunities for PNG’s tourism industry through its publication the: Tourism Investment Portfolio Directory.
“I urge the nation’s tourism industry to reach out to my team at the Tourism Promotion Authority to be part of our promotion and showcasing of Papua New Guinea at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, especially listing their businesses and projects in the Tourism Investment Portfolio Directory,” said Mr. Uvovo, CEO of the Tourism Promotion Authority.
The World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, was postponed due to the global pandemic. The Expo will run from October 2021 to March 2022. See: www.expo2020dubai.com
For further information, contact the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Visit the PNG World Expo 2020 website.
Above: (L-R) IPA Legal Representative, His Excellency Ambassador Joshua Kalinoe, TPA CEO Eric Uvovo, DICT Legal Representative Oala Moi, DICT Secretary Steven Matanaiho, DFAIT Acting Secretary Elias Woheng, IPA Managing Director Clarence Hoot, TPA Director Marketing Alice Kuaningi.
SINCE the declaration of the global health pandemic in March 2020 and the emergence of the Novel Coronavirus within the PNG borders, the heightened public health measures and border restrictions have had a severe effect on an economic sector that relies heavily on cross-border activities – the Tourism sector.
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, in its endeavor to guide the industry to build back stronger, has developed the initiative for the tourism industry. The Safe Traveler PNG initiative will provide industry operators and service providers simplified guidelines of health and safety protocols and best practices on how to implement these safety protocols into the different types of businesses, regardless of whether an individual tour guide or an established tour company with facilities, these guidelines will cater to all.
On Friday 16th July, PNGTPA hosted an information session for over 30 NCD tourism stakeholder’s, including accommodation owner’s, tour operators, event organizers, hire vehicle services, food and beverage services, hospitality services etc. The information session was delivered to the tourism industry stakeholders of Port Moresby to raise awareness on the certification process of the Safe Traveler initiative and provide an opportunity for information sharing by relevant authorities on the frontline of mitigating the risks of Covid-19 and clearing misconceptions surrounding vaccination.
SAFE TRAVELER PNG IS A CERTIFICATION PROCESS OPEN TO ALL SUPPLIERS AND PROVIDERS IN THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY OF PNG – IF YOU ARE:
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo thanked the SOE Controller’s Office and the Department of Health for their support and endorsement of these guidelines, “following the endorsement of these guidelines by our PNGTPA Board, it was vital endorsement be sought also from the SOE Controller’s Office and Department of Health as these guidelines were basically a sectoral approach towards the implementation of Niupela Pasin”.
Registration and participation in this program is FREE and VOLUNTARY. Click to register here.
By participating in this program, you agree to comply with health and safety standards applicable to the service you provide and will be listed as a SAFE TRAVELER OPERATOR or SERVICE PROVIDER in PNG on the PNGTPA official website and collaterals.
Let’s do our part to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in PNG.
For further information visit: www.papuanewguinea.travel/safe-traveler or email safetraveler@papuanewguinea.travel
Discover PNG team at the Safe Traveler Initiative information session in Port Moresby.
Complete our General Public Safe Traveler Survey and go into the draw to WIN PRIZES!
Safe Traveler Survey
Help us understand your travel preferences better in Papua New Guinea under the ‘Niupela Pasin’ COVID-19 Pandemic Measures.
VISIT THE PARADISE CAFÉ
GOROKA’s recently opened Paradise Café is a must visit for those traveling to the Eastern Highlands capital.
Neatly located on the ground floor of the newly built Fresh Produce Development Authority building complex in the heart of Goroka town, Paradise Café adds value and offers variety to an ever-changing coffee and eatery culture in this amazing part of the highlands of Papua New Guinea by pouring out the best locally brewed ground coffee.
Also within the café is a gift shop offering high quality designer clothing from the Pacific including colourfully printed shirts and dresses for both adults and children alike at very reasonable prizes.
Hand crafted ceramic pieces including vases, tea pots, plates and cups hand painted with their own unique cultural designs also gives the customer a diversity of choices in gift ideas for friends or relatives.
Paradise Café is operated by Ms Keryn Hargreaves who is widely known globally as the ‘Goroka Show Lady’ as she is the Chair Lady of the popular Goroka Show.
“With Paradise Café we just wanted to offer something different for our national and international tourists when they visit Goroka,” said Ms Hargreaves.
Paradise Café is a hop across the street from the iconic Bird of Paradise Hotel so very convenient for tourists and visitors staying at the Bird.
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Image: ‘Goroka Show Lady’ owner of Paradise Café in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province
Since the declaration of the global health pandemic in March 2020 and the emergence of the Novel Coronavirus within our Papua New Guinea borders, the heightened public health measures and border restrictions have had a severe effect on an economic sector that relies heavily on cross-border activities – the Tourism sector.
The Tourism sector is cross-cutting in nature, described as a multifaceted, evolving industry, many have been affected; hoteliers, accommodation owners, tour operators, artisans, tour guides, museums, provincial tourism offices, host communities have all lost a significantly.
According to the COVID-19 business survey conducted by PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) in April 2020, it was estimated that PGK67.9 million kina was lost in booking cancellation’s, pre-paid trade services and general revenue; over 1,209 staff had been laid off, and; more than 90% of tour bookings had been canceled. The numerous lock-downs have abruptly halted business operations and the consequences have become detrimental.
The PNGTPA, in its endeavor to guide the industry to build back stronger has developed the Safe Traveler PNG initiative for the tourism industry. The Safe Traveler PNG initiative will provide industry operators and service providers simplified guidelines of health and safety protocols and best practices on how to implement these safety protocols into the different types of businesses, regardless of whether an individual tour guide or an established tour company with facilities, these guidelines will cater to all.
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo thanked the SOE Controller’s Office and the Department of Health for their support and endorsement of these guidelines, “Following the endorsement of these guidelines by our PNGTPA Board, it was vital endorsement be sought also from the SOE Controller and Department of Health as these guidelines were basically a sectoral approach towards the implementation of Niupela Pasin”.
The Safe Traveler Campaign will roll out in four phases:
“Our industry has been hit hard by this pandemic; industry operators are on the brink of closing operations. Domestic tourism is the way forward for the next 2-5 years to recover and stabilize this industry. The Safe Traveler initiative will ensure operators around the country implement health and safety protocols and are certified as “Safe” operators, giving the traveler assurance that they are well taken care of and that pathways are identified should a COVID-19 threat arise during their stay,” said Mr. Uvovo.
Tourism industry operators, association member’s, accommodation owners and service providers are encouraged to reach out to PNGTPA should they have any queries in regards to this program. This program will be voluntary and will be available to all at no cost.
Questions or queries can be forwarded to email: policy@papuanewguinea.travel or phone: Digicel: 7385 9706, Bmobile: 7558 2168, Landline: 3200211
Above: Safe Traveler awareness workshop with Sandaun Province tourism industry, facilitated by TPA Director Policy and Planning Ingrid Kuman
Above: TPA Policy and Planning Officer Mary Kanawi conducting Safe Traveler awareness in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Above: Provincial Coordination and Product Development Officer Clare Kolma conducting Safe Traveler awareness in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The Tourism Promotion Authority 2020 Visitor Arrival Report revealed a massive 82% decrease in visitors to Papua New Guinea. A total of 39,000 international visitors were recorded in 2020, this was 170,000 less than the 2019 arrival figures. The 2020 figures are the lowest ever recorded for over two decades. The cause of this massive decline in Papua New Guinea’s visitor arrivals is a direct result of the COVID-19 global pandemic and its adverse impact on travel.
In April 2020, the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) released an interim COVID-19 Tourism Business Impact Survey. The findings of the report showed
According to the 2020 Visitor Arrivals Report, Australia remains Papua New Guinea’s largest source market. In 2019, a total of 103,440 Australians came to PNG, while in 2020 the figures decreased by 86% with only 14,871 Australian visitors.
Visitors from the Philippines formed the second largest number of international travelers to PNG in 2020, while visitors from China followed in third. Visitor numbers for the Philippines and China dropped by 71% and 84% respectively.
The report also reveals visitors’ purpose for coming to Papua New Guinea, these are: employment, business, holiday, visiting friends and family, education, MICE*, sports and others.
In 2020, Employment was the main purpose of visiting the country encompassing 54% of total visitors, while genuine tourists were a mere 8% of total arrivals.
Holiday visitors to Papua New Guinea in 2020 totaled 3,399 – an 87.5% decrease from 2019 which recorded 25,199 genuine tourists.
All tourists arriving in PNG in 2020 were by air. No cruise visitors were recorded due to the government’s ban on cruise ships entering the nation’s sea ports.
The International Visitor Exit Survey conducted by the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) revealed tourists had spent an estimated 156 million Kina in 2020, this was 560 million Kina less than what was captured in the 2019 survey, which revealed a 715 million Kina expenditure.
Data from the 2020 International Visitor Exit Survey was obtained by the TPA at the Jackson’s International Airport through volunteered information provided by tourists departing Papua New Guinea.
In December 2020, the TPA initiated formal discussions on developing a Tourism Satellite Account (TSA). The TSA will enable the organization to directly measure tourism activity in Papua New Guinea’s economy. Still in the early stages of development, the TSA will likely come into effect in 2022.
The UNWTO reports that the proportion of border-closed destinations has dropped from 82% in late April 2020 to 18% in November 2020. However, outbound travel and international tourism expenditure is still very weak globally.
With the availability of vaccines, increasing travel safety measures and quarantine requirements for travelers, there is hope for Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry.
International visitor arrival numbers are predicted to undergo a slow recovery spanning two to three years – at an average growth rate of 2% annually. By 2025, Papua New Guinea will regain its pre-COVID-19 pandemic figures of 200,000 visitors, and thus generating 1.6 billion Kina towards the national economy.
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