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Treat yourself this Friday 12th February and experience a memorable Chinese New Year celebration at a variety of places in Papua New Guinea.
Don your lucky red colors, dine on the best delicious Chinese cuisine and toast to a successful 2021 celebrating the year of the Ox.
For those in Port Moresby, you can watch the amazing acrobatic performances of the lion dance troupe perform at the Vision City, Lamana, Hilton Port Moresby and more locations around the city.
By New Ireland Provincial Government Media Unit
Imagine being asked to watch turtles’ hatch. Definitely an offer no one would refuse. In order to witness it you would have to travel to a picturesque island resort about 25 minutes by speed boat off Kavieng town in the New Ireland Province.
The island is called Lissenung translated to “place of rest” in the local Tigak language. It certainly carries that vibe through its natural beauty combined with the contemporary and stylishly laid out bungalows that line the Island.
It would probably take you less than an hour to walk around the whole Island, which mind you is surrounded by a beautiful reef and turquoise waters.
On arrival you will be warmly greeted by resort owners Dietmar and Ange Amon who, although originate from Austria and Australia, have come to call New Ireland home. Both with diving backgrounds and experience in the Tourism sector, it was this common interest that inevitably brought the couple together; 15 years on they have been inseparable.
Environmental conservationists at heart they walk the talk with everything they do, advocating for the natural environment to be left alone with minimal human impact. This is one of the main reasons why they are naturally drawn to the rescuing of the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.
“It all began when a turtle expert from New Zealand visited us and started telling us bout how turtle numbers were going down because they were being hunted by the locals for food. And when we actually witnessed locals collecting the turtle eggs from one of the Islands called Raul, that’s when we knew we had to intervene. We asked them for some, brought them to Lissenung and allowed them to hatch in a secure location,” recalled Ange.
“Everything we know about turtles has been self-taught through our own research, time and resources.”
On Saturday, January 16, guests from the nearby Nusa resort along with Lissenung’s guests were given a rare opportunity to witness the hatching of 89 baby turtles.
The air was filled with excitement as everyone including wide-eyed little children anticipated the arrival of the turtles. The turtle eggs had been places in a raised sand box at the back of their office some 59 days ago.
Ange placed her hands over the circled area and gently lifted the sand and moments later one tiny turtle appeared, then another and another as she kept digging deeper into the sand pit. There was no shortage of “oohs, aahs” and “see how cute they are” as the little Hawksbill turtles emerged, scurrying out ready to take on life. Then a moment of silence was commanded by Ange” “OK everyone, stop talking! We need to count them.”
There were 89, the magic number. After Dietmer recorded information on their biodata the turtles were placed in an open esky ready to be released into the ocean. But not until sun down.
The evenings are chosen to release the turtles into the ocean to ensure safe passage, away from sea birds that might swoop down and gobble the turtles.
The wait to watch the turtles being released into the water was worth it. Everyone lined up on either side forming a passage way.
“Switch your flash lights off please,” called out Dietmar. Ange stood in the water with a flash light creating a guide for the turtles to follow while Dietmar tipped the esky over. Their fate was now in the hands of nature, as God had always intended it to be.
Since the couple started rescuing turtle eggs in 2013, they have released close to 15,000 turtles into the ocean. They continue to create awareness any chance they get on the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles.
The highly migratory turtles are protected by a number of international agreements but that protection is useless if awareness is not created at the village level.
The couple would like to see more engagement by fisheries and other maritime authorities to protect the turtles from extinction.
For visitors wishing to witness the hatching of turtles you can contact Ange and Dietmar of Lissenung Island Resort on info@lissenung.com
Above: Click on the image to visit the Lissenung Turtle Conservation Facebook Page to watch the video of the successful hatching.
For further information message the New Ireland Tourism Authority Facebook page or the Lissenung Island Turtle Conservation Facebook Page.
The Pangalu Hot Springs Tourism Infrastructure Project in West New Britain commenced in early January this year without interruption.
Pangalu Hot Springs in Talasea District, is a well-known natural attraction in West New Britain Province. Fascinating geothermal formations found at Pangalu include hot springs, geysers and fumaroles that lead out to one of West New Britain’s best attractions, the beautiful Kimbe Bay.
The project is a result of the 2018 memorandum of understanding signed between the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the West New Britain Provincial Government to develop tourism in the province.
“TPA is committed to working closely with the provincial government of West New Britain, whom I commend for actively investing in tourism development.”
“The TPA provincial coordination and product development division has the crucial role of liaising and providing technical support to provincial governments. It’s been proven over the years that the success of tourism in a province is based on how active and committed its provincial government is towards the industry,” said TPA CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo.
The construction of amenities at the Pangalu Hot Springs site aims to offer visitors a more comfortable and secure experience to better explore and enjoy the natural wonders of Pangalu.
A perimeter fencing has been completed and the contractors are now working on the Pangalu Hot Springs information center, which will provide visitors a wealth of knowledge on the site and nearby attractions. Other infrastructure that will be built include: concrete footpaths, signage, rubbish bins, latrines and water tanks.
The TPA has supported the infrastructure development of Pangalu with K68,000.00 whilst the West New Britain provincial government, through its Culture and Tourism division has allocated K100,000.00 towards the completion of the project.
The second phase of the project will involve the development of an observation spot that will provide a spectacular view of the Kimbe Bay area. The lookout will also have barbeque stands and water catchment facilities.
Above: Construction workers at the Pangalu Hot Springs beginning work at the site.
Above: Constructing the foundation of the Pangalu Hot Springs Information Center.
For further information email the TPA Provincial Coordination and Product Development Division: ppd@papuanewguinea.travel
Hohorita Village in central Oro Kaiva area of the Northern Province came alive on Thursday 21st January 2021, as the people commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the Eruption of Mount Lamington.
The eruption of Mt Lamington on Sunday January 21st, 1951 remains the single largest natural disaster in Papua New Guinea’s history as the hot air and gas from the pyroclastic blast travelled more than 14 kilometers claiming over 4,000 plus local lives locals and another 400 expatriate lives including the local district commissioner at Higaturu then late Mr Cecil Cowley and his son.
Last Thursday at exactly 10:15am when Sumbiripa (as the local Oro Kaiva people call Mt Lamington) blew its top in 1951, the devout Anglican parishioners led by the local priest kneeled down on the lawn and faced Sumbiripa as the church bell rang out the Angelus. The old men and women wept openly as they recalled the horrors of that Black Sunday 70 years ago.
Tourism Promotion Authority in collaboration with the Sohe District Administration marked the anniversary by carrying out tourism awareness in the local villages leading up to the day of the anniversary. TPA Board Chairman Hon. Kennedy Wenge MP was a special guest of honor representing the Tourism Minister and the TPA.
Mr Wenge assured the local people that TPA would work with the provincial government to develop the event into a major tourism product especially for the expatriate families who lost their loved ones in the eruption.
Above: Memorial Mass attended by Tourism Promotion Authority and Hohorita villagers.
Above: (mid-Right) Tourism Promotion Authority board chairman – Hon. Kennedy Wenge, MP and (left) Mr. Colin Taimbari – TPA board secretary and media coordinator.
For further information email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority in its objective to develop the National Tourism Plan 2021-2025, hosted a three-day validation workshop from Wednesday 20th to Friday 22nd January 2021 at APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
The workshop brought together over 100 stakeholders from around the country, both private and public sector, mainly; tour operators, resource owners, provincial tourism officer’s, community groups, leading tourism and hospitality organizations in PNG and key government sectoral representatives.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard opened the occasion emphasizing his vision for tourism 2020 and beyond “As a key economic sector with significant potential for growth; managing and implementing policies and plans in the Tourism Industry requires a holistic approach due to the sector strong cross-sectoral nature.” The minister responsible also assured tourism industry stakeholders that under his tenure he will ensure legislative reforms are undertaken to bring the industry forward into the new era, despite the adverse effects Covid-19 has had on the global tourism.
The purpose of the validation workshop was to amend, align and integrate feedback collated through the regional stakeholder consultation workshops facilitated by TPA in 2019. This workshop was also to facilitate thematic discussions on alignment to the government’s vision and priorities on the development of tourism as a key economic sector.
The aim of this validation workshop was focused on achieving:
As the government endeavors to advance the tourism sector through the Medium-Term Development Plan III, the importance of driving an industry that is inclusive to all and can be sustained for the years to come is crucial.
Chief Executive Officer for the Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo stated that “Tourism has been identified as a key economic sector that has significant potential, however, requires a holistic approach due to its strong cross-sectoral nature”.
This event has refined the design of the new National Tourism Plan to enable it to be inclusive, realistic and achievable at all levels of society by critically understanding and capturing the voices of the entire supply chain within the tourism industry.
Substantive discussions shared by the tourism industry stakeholders have reiterated the importance of having improved standards in regulations, licensing and pricing, safety and security, tax incentives, community involvement, product development, education, training and awareness, digital inclusion, infrastructure, communication, strengthening partnerships and creating enabling environments for tourism to flourish in PNG in order to be globally competitive in offering PNG as a desired tourist destination.
The preparation of the new integrated National Tourism Plan 2021-2025 will undergo further liaison and consultation with relevant government agencies, industry and development partners in order to make manifest the aspirations of the tourism sector to revive itself amidst the global pandemic in the next five years with the aim to ‘Build Back Better’.
PNGTPA strongly believes that ‘Tourism is everyone’s business’ hence is encouraging all tourism stakeholders involved in the industry to participate in the surveys and interview exercises to contribute effectively towards this initiative that will benefit the people of PNG
For further information, email the Tourism Promotion Authority Policy and Planning Division: policy@papuanewguinea.travel
Above: Participants of the National Tourism Plan (2021-2025) Validation Workshops made up of Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry and stakeholders.
Above: Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of the Tourism Promotion Authority at the National Tourism Plan Validation Workshops.
It’s that time of the year again when the heart grows fonder and travel is more wonderful when you have that special someone to share the journey with you.
Fall in love again this Valentine’s Day in Papua New Guinea with a romantic itinerary spanning a weekend, or even a few hours.
Papua New Guinea is a destination that has it all for those timeless romantic elements – long walks on the beach, romantic candle-lit dinners, watching sunsets, secluded beach picnics, canoe rides across calm waters and more. This is a land offering a million different opportunities to let love rule this February and beyond in 2021.
Here are some travel inspiration ideas to help plan your romantic journey in Papua New Guinea:
ISLAND COASTAL GETAWAYS:
Papua New Guinea is located on the second largest island in the world and surrounded by hundreds of off-shore islands. This feature offers a variety of island stay options each with their own unique experiences. Visitors can choose from island resorts, guest houses, homestays to camping under the stars. Here are three places we recommend you visit with your loved one:
BACK TO NATURE:
The natural beauty of Papua New Guinea has captured many travelers – some have even compared Papua New Guinea to the Garden of Eden. Here are some places we recommend you take your ‘Adam’ or ‘Eve’:
PAMPER, WINE AND DINE:
You both deserve a little pampering, wining and dining. Physical care and gastronomy are the perfect combination for rekindling love this Valentine’s month. Consider these options when you are looking for a place to spend some quality time with the one you love:
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Take advantage of these holiday packages available from the following hotels in Papua New Guinea:
Hon. Isi Henry Leonard MP is the new Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture replacing Hon. Walter Schnaubelt MP in a recent cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister James Marape MP.
In a brief hand-over-take-over ceremony at the Tourism Promotion Authority office in Port Moresby, December 2020, Minister Leonard assured his predecessor that he would carry on some of the major activities left by the former Minister including completing the review and enactment of the TPA Act and adaptation of the National Tourism Plan.
Minister Leonard also echoed his desire to promote domestic tourism given the current global pandemic caused by the Corona Virus which has literally destroyed world travel and tourism.
He said the government would like to see greater tourism benefits going directly to the local people in rural communities of our beautiful country Papua New Guinea.
He also stressed the need for the three agencies under his Ministry namely Tourism Promotion Authority, National Cultural Commission and National Museum and Arts Gallery to work in collaboration to drive tourism growth and development in the country.
Former Minister Schnaubelt assured the Minister that he has set the foundation for corporation among the three agencies especially in the area of identifying and promoting cultural festivals as well as developing historical sites for tourism.
The event was witnessed by the three agency heads including TPA CEO Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo, NCC Executive Director Mr Steven Kilanda and NMAG Director Dr Andrew Moutu and TPA Board Chairman Hon. Kennedy Wenge MP.
Above: The new Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Leonard, MP, shaking hands with Hon. Kennedy Wenge, MP – Chairman of Culture and Tourism Parliamentary Committee, and outgoing Tourism Minister Hon. Walter Schnaubelt.
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
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
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Kind regards,
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
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