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Berlin, March 6, 2024 – The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) has made a triumphant return to the prestigious ITB Berlin after a five-year absence. Under the theme “Define the World of Travel Together,” PNGTPA reaffirms its commitment to showcasing the unique and diverse offerings of Papua New Guinea to the European market.
PNG TPA recognizes the significance of ITB Berlin as a vital platform for fostering international understanding, cultural exchange, and peace through travel. With over 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries, this year’s event promises to be a beacon of hope for the travel industry’s revival.
With the invaluable support of industry stalwarts such as Mr. Bob Bates of Trans Niugini Tours and Mr. Wako Napasu from Country Tours, PNGTPA stands ready to reintroduce Papua New Guinea as the destination of a million different journeys. The PNG delegation led by Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Joel Keimelo, Executive Manager, Marketing and Promotions Division, along with Ms. Pamela Aupae, Senior Marketing Officer, marks a significant moment for the country’s tourism industry.
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo, presenting a gift to Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Noor Ahmad Hamid.
The European market thrives on relationships, and PNGTPA has diligently nurtured these connections over the years. Despite challenges posed by negative media publicity, the demand to explore Papua New Guinea remains unwavering. The allure of our pristine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality continues to captivate European travellers.
As the Euro performs strongly, Europeans are increasingly curious about Papua New Guinea. Our country offers an authentic and unforgettable experience—one that transcends mere tourism. From vibrant tribal cultures to untouched rainforests, Papua New Guinea beckons those seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, Chief Executive Officer at PNGTPA, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to be back at ITB Berlin, reconnecting with old friends and forging new partnerships. Our commitment to promoting Papua New Guinea remains unshaken.”
Mr. Uvovo, expressed unwavering determination: “Despite the challenges, we are resolute in our mission to showcase Papua New Guinea’s untouched beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality. Our commitment to European markets remains unshaken.”
The recently launched PNGTPA website is a valuable resource for travellers seeking information about this captivating destination. Whether you’re an intrepid adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or simply curious about the wonders of Papua New Guinea, the TPA website offers a wealth of insights and practical details.
PNG TPA invites media representatives, partners, and visitors to explore the PNG pavilion at ITB Berlin. Let us embark on a journey of discovery, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism. Together, we can redefine the narrative and celebrate the resilience of our industry.
For more information, visit the official ITB Berlin website https://www.itb.com/en .
PORT MORESBY, 12th January 2024: The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) wishes to encourage tourists and travellers in Papua New Guinea, to reach out to the organisation if they have encountered disruptions and issues relating to the recent civil riots and looting, 10th January 2024, in Port Moresby, and other business centres around the country.
Affiliate members of the tourism industry are also advised to reach out to TPA if their clients have been gravely affected by the recent nationwide civil disturbances.
As of 11th January 2024, the Government of Papua New Guinea declared a 14-day State of Emergency. Tourists traveling within Papua New Guinea are to use precaution when traveling within major towns and cities, and to seek the advice of their tour operators, guides and hotel accommodation providers.
TPA also wishes to reassure those traveling to Papua New Guinea this year, that in light of the State of Emergency, the nation’s borders remain open, and the nation will continue to warmly welcome visitors into the country. The safety of PNG’s visitors remains a high priority. Commercial flights remain operational, particularly Air Niugini and PNG Air.
Tourists visiting Papua New Guinea who have planned trips to PNG are to ensure the following before their visit,
The TPA has set-up emergency mobile contacts for tourists and industry members to contact during the State of Emergency period: +675 7354-5757 / 7377-8556 / 7452-4479.
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority remains committed towards helping our visitors experience, in the land of a million different journeys, a safe and memorable one.
Approved for immediate release by:
Eric Mossman Uvovo
Chief Executive Officer
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
As a member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) joins in the annual celebration of World Tourism Day every 27 September. The PNGTPA will carry out various awareness activities in major country centres.
The 2022 theme for World Tourism Day is ‘Tourism and Green Investments‘. This year we celebrate the progress of tourism after the 2020 global pandemic, especially how Tourism as a sector adapted and flourished with innovative technology and policies.
Date: 27 September, 2023
Location: Global observance
Main Venue: Lae, Morobe Province.
Website: https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2023 / https://papuanewguinea.travel/world-tourism-day-2023
Contact: Mrs Clare Kolma, PNGTPA acting senior officer product development and provincial coordination: ppd@papuanewguinea.travel
In 2019 the World Tourism Day theme was: Tourism and Jobs – A Better Future for All. Here are some awareness videos produced by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority sharing interviews and stories from our Papua New Guinea tourism industry:
World Tourism Day 2023: Tourism & Green Investments
A Message from our CEO, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo:
Thank you for joining Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority as we celebrate ‘World Tourism Day’ 2023.
As most of you know, every year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with associate member countries decide on a host nation for the WTD celebrations. This year, the official host of the celebrations is Riyadh in beautiful and mysterious Saudi Arabia.
The theme for this year is ‘Tourism and Green Investments’.
A theme that aims to refocus the efforts of the global tourism community from corporate and industrial activities to activities more centred on people, the planet and collective prosperity.
As the country’s designated tourism authority, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) supports this theme and believes that a move to emphasize our people, our planet and our prosperity is exactly what PNG’s tourism industry needs as the country continues its post-Covid recovery to normalcy.
Even with the ongoing global crisis that is negatively impacting PNG through inflation, high energy prices, supply chain disruptions increasing debt and the recent bad publicity from increased crime, the country remains an attractive tourism destination. Since 2019, we are pleased to share that PNG has maintained a steady average of over 200,000 visitors seeking adventure, many of whom are return adventurers or niche market tourists.
With the global tourism industry focusing now on people, the planet and prosperity through green investment, PNGTPA will be heightening its efforts in this regard.
This is nothing new however for PNGTPA. Green investment has always been the foundation of our product development regime.
Over the past five to ten years, we have increased investments in niche tourism products and services, the promotion of cultural events and festivities and the re-development of marketing strategies to better open up access to PNG’s wealth of destinations.
Our focus has been and always will be to promote PNG’s people and their rich cultures, protect PNG’s environments through the use of bio-friendly technologies where possible and realise overall prosperity.
This year’s theme cements this resolve.
Earlier this year in March, PNGTPA launched its four year Corporate Plan 2023-2026 which sets a clear vision for the Authority and articulates priority investments like ‘Green Investments,’ consistent with the Tourism Promotion Authority Act and the Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026.
The realization of the corporate plan means that PNGTPA is already ahead of the curve in terms of having a plan in place to implement healthy tourism developmental aspirations like green investment.
That said, the Authority is now in the process of expanding its operations through a restructuring and resourcing phase which when completed, will allow it to explore more tourism product development opportunities and utilize more green and blue-inclined regimes.
While these developments will of course be gradual, we intend to bring about industry-transforming developments for people, the planet and prosperity through:
As stated above, there is indeed much to be done. But PNGTPA is determined to ensure PNG continues its upward climb in the eyes of the global community as a nation with a million different journeys and the destination for its next adventure.
To conclude, PNGTPA thinks the theme ‘tourism and green investments’ is a timely theme that reminds us to stay the course and improve upon currently running green investments for the people, planet and prosperity.
Happy World Tourism Day everybody!
PNGTPA participated in the 14th DWU Liklik Diwai Turism Expo on the 20th of September in Madang in what was a leadup event to WTD. While many other events will be held to observe WTD, the following are the main events PNGTPA will be participating in today:
We encourage anyone who is available at these respective locations to come and join us as we celebrate WTD.
For further information, email the Provincial Coordination and Product Development Division of the Tourism Promotion Authority, ppd@papuanewguinea.travel
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) successfully concluded the highly anticipated Pacific Digital Champions training program in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Friday 14th July, 2023 . This initiative is part SPTOs Digital Transformation Project (Phase 2), made possible through funding from the New Zealand government.
The Pacific Digital Champions training program aligns with the SPTO Digital Strategy and aims to empower individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape successfully. As the first pillar of the Digital Strategy framework, this program emphasizes capacity-building, training, education, and knowledge sharing.
Serving as the groundwork of the Digital Strategy, this program emphasizes capacity-building, training, education, and knowledge sharing. By investing in the long-term capability development of participants, SPTO aims to equip NTOs and workshop participants with the necessary tools to embrace digital technologies and significantly enhance their contributions to the tourism sector.
To facilitate the digital transformation training specifically for Papua New Guinea, digital trainer Russell Easther, an esteemed expert in digital marketing and training, presented the program to an audience of over two-dozen tourism industry members – joining physically and virtually at the prestigious Lamana Hotel, July 13-14th.
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority CEO, Mr. Eric Uvovo, extended his appreciation to the SPTO, “I would like to thank the SPTO for initiating the Pacific Digital Champions training program, and assisting the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority facilitate the workshop for members of our Papua New Guinea tourism industry. Increased digital transformation of the tourism industry through training is a key goal in Papua New Guinea’s Tourism Sector Development Plan (2022-2026). We are encouraged by the positive feedback from the industry members who attended the two-days digital marketing training, and I am confident this opportunity will help enhance their businesses.”
SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker commends the SPTO member National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) and their respective tourism industry members that recently completed the training in New Caledonia and Timor Leste. We appreciate the NTOs of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, American Samoa and their tourism industry, who will benefit from skills development and engaging interactions with our specialist trainers. Participants will gain valuable insights into creating compelling content for their websites and social media platforms and establishing keywords for their search engine optimisations.
“SPTO is committed to driving digital excellence in the Pacific tourism industry as part of our efforts to support our members post COVID, and the Pacific Digital Champions training program serves as a crucial step toward realizing this vision. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this initiative as we collectively embrace digital transformation and shape a prosperous future for Pacific tourism,” Mr Cocker stated.
About SPTO:
Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. Its 21 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna, and the People’s Republic of China. In addition to government members, the Pacific Tourism Organisation also enlists a private sector membership base. You can learn more about SPTO here
Queries may be directed to aniumataiwalu@spto.org
A Domestic Tourism Data Methodologies and Stakeholder Consultation workshop was conducted in Port Moresby on the 1st and 2nd of June 2023, by The Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA).
The workshop and consultations emphasized how domestic tourism can strengthen Papua New Guinea’s overall tourism sector, and how domestic travel data capture is crucial to developing informed tourism policies and measuring sector performance.
Facilitators of the workshop and consultation meeting were representatives of the Pacific PSDI: Professor John Cheer of the Western Sydney University in Australia, and Associate Professor Anne Hardy. Both have a wealth of experience as research professionals who have worked with tourism agencies across the Asia-Pacific region.
The PNGTPA was the host agency of the meetings facilitated by the Pacific PSDI, particularly officers of the Research and Statistics Unit under the Marketing Division.
“My team and I at the PNGTPA are seeking to develop a suitable and consistent methodology for measuring domestic tourism in PNG. This workshop is an important step for us in fostering insight on how to source, gather and visualize data for developing domestic tourism policies and marketing initiatives. I wish to thank The Pacific PSDI, as well as Professor John Cheer and Professor Anne Hardy for their time and support,” said Noah Mikmik, Research and Statistics Coordinator of the PNGTPA.
There were 30 participants at the workshop and consultations meeting – representing various tourism stakeholders in the country, including the National Statistics Office (NSO), National Research Institute (NRI), PNG Air, NCDC Tourism, the PNG Tourism Industry Association and more.
The PNGTPA’s Visitor Arrivals Report for Papua New Guinea has been a key source of data feeding into regional and international travel data reports for almost two-decades. The PNGTPA’s collection of Incoming Passenger Arrival Cards from the Citizenship and Immigration Authority office at the Jackson’s International Airport has been a crucial component in collating visitor arrivals data for the country.
Since the global pandemic, the PNGTPA’s marketing activities has modified its focus from the international market towards the domestic tourism market. The biggest challenge in this area is data collection, however the PNGTPA are committed to managing.
Image: Participants of the Domestic Tourism Data Methodologies Workshop in Port Moresby, Thursday 1st June, 2023.
For further information email Ms. Alice Kuaningi marketing@papuanewguinea.travel
Brisbane, AUSTRALIA (11 May 2023) – Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard is impressed about the initiatives taken by PNG Tourism and Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) to help promote Papua New Guinea as a tourist destination.
PNGTPA in a nutshell is pushing for sports tourism as one of its vehicles under the MICE segment of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. We have well developed sporting facilities and infrastructure such as Stadiums, Amenities, International Airport, Hotels, Restaurants etc., which are important facilities any destination would have. We are building back better and Sports Tourism is one important segment for PNGTPA to develop and promote.
Minister Leonard, accompanied by his first secretary Elijah Tapie were able to witness and be part of the various meetings held by PNGTPA and several high-profile rugby league executives including Norm Black, the Founding Managing Director of Trip-A-Deal and Australian National Rugby League CFO Shaun McMartin and NRL Vaughan Vitale (Government Partnership).
Minister Leonard after attending several meetings was impressed in the way Sports Tourism can take a new direction amidst PNGTPAs new Marketing Strategy. “I took the office during the COVID-19 period and it was a short but very challenging period at that time. When I returned, the Marape-Rosso Government had that confidence in me to continue on my role as the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture. We want to be innovative to see the growth of Tourism in PNG. Just by sitting through all these various meetings, I am encouraged and to be honest, I am happy to see how TPA is conducting its meetings. Such networking will enable and develop important partnerships with stakeholders abroad, especially in Australia where Australia is a major source market for PNG Tourism,” Minister Leonard said.
The sports tourism activities included meetings with various relevant partners in bringing an NRL premiership round to PNG in 2024 or 2025 and also making the official announcement of PNG’s rugby league icon and Melbourne Storms center Justin Olam as TPA’s brand ambassador.
“I believe Sports Tourism is a way forward and by looking at it, it is a great concept. My Ministry under the Marape-Rosso government will support this and ensure we fulfil the planned activities in order to unite both Australia and PNG through sports tourism,” The tourism minister said.
Image: Minister Leonard discussing importance of Sports Tourism during a meeting with Australian Rugby League senior executives.
For more information, email: alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.travel
Brisbane, AUSTRALIA (11 May 2023) – Papua New Guinea rugby league icon and Australian NRL Melbourne Storms star centre Justin Olam is officially the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’ s tourism brand ambassador.
The formal announcement was made in the presence of Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard and other notable dignitaries that were in Brisbane on Friday to witness the official signing of the engagement.
Other representatives present were Olam’s manager David Rawlings, first secretary to the minister Elijah Tapie, PNGTPA’s Chief Executive officer Eric Uvovo, marketing director Alice Kuaningi and staff Simon Dari Pih.
Minister Leonard who witnessed the signing of the contract between Olam and PNGTPA said, “Olam will certainly be a great ambassador for TPA and the country given his status as one of the top rugby league players in the World.”
“I am humbled and excited as well by this bold step taken by PNGTPA and our rugby league icon Justin Olam to help showcase what PNG will offer in tourism using rugby league as its vehicle,” Minister Leonard said.
“Rugby League as we know is the national sport for the country and to use Olam as PNGTPA’s tourism brand ambassador to help us promote Papua New Guinea as a beautiful country is encouraging. My ministry under the Marape-Rosso Government is in full support of the direction taken by PNGTPA,” the tourism minister said.
Meanwhile Olam after signing his contract said he is humbled by the gesture and direction taken also by PNGTPA. He is keen to be part of this programme and looks forward to working with TPA.
“I am very honoured to be the Tourism Ambassador for the PNGTPA and Destination Papua New Guinea. I am appreciative and so encouraged that Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard and his delegates are here in Brisbane to witness my official engagement,” Olam said.
“Papua New Guinea is my home and I want to help support initiatives which allow the rest of the world to see just how beautiful our country, PNG is”
“Our diverse and rich cultures, our pristine waters and environment and our wonderful people make for an ideal tourist destination which I look forward to sharing what PNG has to offer,” Olam said.
He further added that he will have an eight-week break and looks forward to travel to PNG so he can work with team PNGTPA to start immediately on promoting this amazing destination. He has some great ideas too and so excited that he can now be able to engage more in promoting PNG. He has an online following of over 300,000 plus followers and aims to promote and showcase places he will be visiting in PNG, to inspire his followers and fans. The resharing of posts and positive messages will be a multiplier effect.
He said, “Rugby league in PNG is fanatical and I can use my platform and relationships in the NRL to support Tourism and encourage visitors from Australia and the Pacific Regions.”
Olam said, “There are a lot of positive initiatives happening for the benefit of PNG like the discussions for the 18th NRL team and how that can benefit and be supported through the tourism sector and the PNGRL working together.”
Image: Minister for Tourism Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Leonard, Australian NRL player Justin Olam and CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Eric Uvovo.
For further information, email alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.travel
A planned meeting between PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and the relevant concerned authorities and partners in bringing an Australian National Rugby Leagure (NRL) Premiership round to Papua New Guinea in the year 2024/2025 went successful on the weekend during the magic round in Brisbane.
This is in light of PNGTPA’s drive to develop Sports Tourism in PNG through its MICE program. Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions; an area which they believe can showcase PNG to the world. and generate greater awareness about PNG as a desirable tourism destination.
“There are massive benefits from Sports Tourism given the bigger picture of how sports can come into play especially with rugby league, where it is widely followed right across our country,” Eric Uvovo, the Chief Executive officer of PNGTPA said.
To start off this great journey to ensure an NRL match is played in PNG, a group of PNG delegates led by Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, TPA’s Executive Officer Eric Uvovo and two of his staff from the Marketing Division, Director Marketing, Alice Kuaningi and Marketing Officer, Simon Pih met with the NRL and relevant partners during the Magic round in Brisbane. The meetings were to discuss a way forward in bringing an NRL premiership round to PNG in 2024/2025.
The journey and dialogue started off last year when TPA came on board sponsoring PNGRFL for its world Cup campaign and also getting in touch with PNG rugby league icon and current Melbourne Storms star Justin Olam to be TPA’s Tourism Brand Ambassador.
TPA also met Mr. Norm Black, the Founder, Managing Director of Trip-A-Deal, NRLs Mr. Shaun McMartin CFO, NRL Vaughan Vitale (Government partnership) and others was a step in the right direction putting together what needs to be done in order that the aim and goal of hosting a NRL Match in PNG look certain.
The meeting was organised and facilitated by David Rawlings, the current Manager for Justin Olam.
PNGTPA CEO Uvovo thanked Rawlings for his time and effort in ensuring the meeting with the respective rugby league people were meaningful.
“We thank David for organising these important meetings looking forward to our continued dialogue to ensure we achieve the outcome of our plans,” said Uvovo.
Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard who also attended the meetings, gave his undertaking that he will support PNGTPA with this initiative. He further stated that he will brief his colleague Minister for Sports and other relevant PNG agencies to work with PNGTPA in implementing this brilliant concept of Sports Tourism starting off with an NRL match.
Image: L-R: David Rawling (Justin Olam’s Manager), Simon Pih (TPA rep), Trip-A-Deal Founder Managing Director Norm Black, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon Isi Henry Leonard, TPA CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo and TPA’s Marketing DIrector Alice Kuaningi during one of their meeting with Norm Black. PIcture by KEVIN TEME in Brisbane
For more information, email PNGTPA director marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi, marketing@papuanewguinea.travel
The Tourism Promotion Authority is a proud sponsor of the Easter events at the Port Moresby Nature Park, taking place, 8th – 16th of April 2023.
The PNGTPA supported the Port Moresby Nature Park with a sponsorship of 7,000 Kina, which will go towards the Easter Egg Hunt event from the 8th to 16th of April; as well as the Family Fun Day event happening on the 10th of April.
“The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority is proud to sponsor the Port Moresby Nature Park in its Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day events. We commend the Park for continuing to offer residents and visitors in Port Moresby a safe environment to enjoy their leisure time, while learning about the importance of nature conservation in Papua New Guinea,” said Ms. Abuti Kevin, PNGTPA director corporate affairs.
Ms. Kevin further added, “The Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day at the Port Moresby Nature Park is a wonderful opportunity for families to get together for the Easter celebrations. We encourage everyone to register early for the Park’s Easter events and enjoy the fun activities, the delicious food, as well as the relaxing natural atmosphere.”
PNGTPA director corporate affairs, Ms. Abuti Kevin, officially presented the check sponsorship to the Port Moresby Nature Park marketing manager Mr. Harry Egimbari at the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority board room yesterday afternoon.
Above image: (L-R) Mr. Douglas Keari, PNG TPA senior internet marketing officer; Ms. Abuti Kevin, PNG TPA director corporate affairs; Mr. Harry Egimbari, Port Moresby Nature Park marketing manager; Ms. Pamela Hoepel-Aupae, PNGTPA North America and Europe marketing officer.
For further information, email pauline.riman@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
Thank you for submitting your business form. We will have our team look over the details and then contact you once we have added your details to our website.