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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.
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
SINCE the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2018 between the Tourism Promotion Authority and the West New Britain Provincial Government, several developments have taken place aimed at strengthening tourism in the province.
West New Britain is a well-known tourism destination famous for its world-class scuba diving, game fishing and volcanic geo formations. These sites, products and attractions brought international recognition to the Province and the rest of Papua New Guinea by Walindi Plantation Resort and Liamo Reef Resort.
Overtime the West New Britain tourism industry realized the sustainability of the natural and cultural resources that were bringing in visitors, also needed the support and backing of the provincial government. The value of tourism in the province was just as important as the agricultural commodity of Oil Palm that was contributing to the wealth of the province.
Since the signing of the MOU with TPA, the West New Britain Provincial Government revived the Culture and Tourism Division – now a staff of seven locals led by Executive Manager Mr. Harold Rawei. The West New Britain Culture and Tourism office is located in Kimbe Town where the province’s museum is located – adjacent the Sasi Muthuvel Stadium which hosted the 2017 PNG Games. The West New Britain Provincial Museum is undergoing renovations and will open in early 2021.
The West New Britain Culture and Tourism Office have been in close consultation with the TPA Division of Provincial Coordination and Product Development for advisory support in terms of developing major tourism attractions. A key project site is the Pangalu Hot Springs located in the Talasea District, home to one of the largest geysers in the region, and a popular tourism attraction.
On the 25th of August 2020, construction work began at the Pangalu Hot Springs to create an accessible and comfortable environment for visitors. These include concrete footpaths, solar lights, a hauswin seating area and a toilet.
TPA will be working the West New Britain Culture and Tourism office on other tourism project sites located in Hoskins, Bialla and the greater Nakanai area.
For tourism updates in West New Britain follow the West New Britain Tourism Group Facebook page.
Above: Mr. Harold Rawei, executive manager of the West New Britain Culture and Tourism Division. Credit: Benjamin Narua
Above: The West New Britain Provincial Museum in Kimbe. Credit: Annette Esakia
Above: Artist’s impression of the completed Pangalu Hotsprings’ Tourism Site. Courtesy of West New Britain Provincial Government.
For further information about the tourism projects in West New Britain, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Read: Journey the Wondrous Wilds of West New Britain
THE Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) was a proud Gold Sponsor of the inaugural 2020 Kumul Petroleum Holdings Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show, which convened on the 13th of December in Wewak Town, East Sepik Province.
The event was successfully staged for three-days at the Sir Michael Somare Stadium, a fitting location for the new show, which celebrates two founding fathers of the East Sepik province – they are Papua New Guinea’s first prime minister, grand chief Sir Michael Somare, and long-serving Parliamentarian, Sir Peter Lus.
The TPA marketing team was on site at the stadium show grounds, running promotions and creating awareness about Tourism in Papua New Guinea and the East Sepik.
“East Sepik is a destination of astounding cultural and historical icons that continue to attract visitors from all across the world. TPA is happy to support the province in hosting its first cultural show, and I encourage the Sepik Show organizers to ensure the event is sustainable so more visitors can attend and discover the amazing products the province has to offer,” remarked Mr. Eric Mossman, TPA chief executive officer.
The show featured dozens of cultural performances representing the six ward districts of the East Sepik. ‘Singsing’ groups travelled as far away as the Chambri Lake in the west and the Karawari River in the south. Visitors at the show were treated to one of the finest and richest authentic displays of Sepik culture that will be remembered for a long while.
The agricultural showcase was also an eye-opener for visitors and locals alike. East Sepik farmers proudly shared their agricultural skills and showed-off their best produce featuring vanilla, cocoa, copra, rice, crocodile farming products and more.
Entertainment was never in short supply at the show. PNG artists like Anslom, Kronos and the Avisat band were on scene belting out popular hits and thrilling the crowds.
The Sepik Cultural and Agricultural Show ended on a a high note for the 2020 year. Organizers will be hosting the event next year around the same time in December. Follow the Sepik Show Facebook page for confirmed dates in 2021, as well as other updates and sponsorship details.
See: Accommodation in the East Sepik Province
For further information about the Sepik Culture and Agriculture Show, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
THE Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) is in the process of finalizing the much anticipated Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025), which was developed through extensive consultation with the tourism industry and the public between 2019 and 2020 across major centers in the country. (See: TMP Have Your Say Survey.)
The new Tourism Master Plan (TMP) will capture key areas and issues of sustainable economic development identified by the tourism industry, and provide detailed guidelines and processes for the TPA to implement in partnership with key stakeholders in the nation’s government and private sector. Tourism infrastructure development and support for local tourism businesses are two of many key areas highlighted in the TMP.
The development of the Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025) is led by the TPA Policy & Planning Division under the guidance of Ms. Ingrid Kuman, policy and planning director. Ms. Kuman and her team ensure that the industry recommendations and implementation processes developed in the new TMP are achievable within the governing mandate of the TPA under the Tourism Promotion Authority Act (1993).
“The Tourism Master Plan is an eagerly awaited document, and I am pleased with the thorough process my team has undertaken to ensure the framework is solid and the content represents the range and diversity of our tourism industry’s needs and overall vision,” said Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, TPA chief executive officer.
An intense series of internal workshops were carried out during November and December 2020, involving TPA senior management and select staff from each division in the organization.
Each division of the TPA organization will have key responsibilities in implementing the Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025), they include:
The Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025) is expected to be launched in early February 2020. It will be implemented over a four-year period and its performance will be carefully measured through annual assessment reporting.
See: Tourism Master Plan (2007-2017)
For further information about the Tourism Master Plan (2021-2025), email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has this month launched a new destination training website for travel trade. Designed to immerse agents in the history, culture, adventures and unique stories of Papua New Guinea, as well as provide lots of practical information, the new platform will help to increase destination knowledge and ultimately support the industry to better sell the Pacific paradise.
After seeking input from agents on what training and information was needed to support them in selling Papua New Guinea, PNGTPA developed the new training site featuring more itineraries, brochures, maps, accommodation and events listings.
To celebrate its launch, PNGTPA is offering agents the chance to win one of five $250 visa gift cards. To automatically enter and be in with a chance of winning, agents simply need to complete the five new training modules on the site by 15 December, 2020. The winners will be drawn and contacted directly via email on 16 December, 2020.
Whilst working through the five training modules, which take approximately 20 minutes and cover an introduction to the destination, history and culture, as well as insights into trekking, diving and surfing adventures, agents will quickly learn key details about Papua New Guinea and how to best sell the destination.
“We are really hopeful that agents will be sending clients to Papua New Guinea in the not too distant future and we want to ensure they’re well prepared for the opportunity as soon as the time comes,” said Holly Marshall, Trade & Marketing Manager, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority Australia and New Zealand. “As the primary source of information to help travel trade learn more about Papua New Guinea and how to sell it, the site is not only more modern and engaging in design but also provides a larger array of tools and resources that are actually needed by the industry.”
She continued, “Papua New Guinea has so much to offer the traveler, yet is still relatively untouched and unknown despite being right on Australia and New Zealand’s doorstep. We hope the new site encourages more agents to discover everything the destination has to offer.”
For more information visit www.png.destinationtraining.com.au/online-training .
For media enquiries, please contact:
Rachel Jones
PNGTPA PR Director, Australia & New Zealand
Phone – 0422 085 502 | Email: rachel@example.com.au
The People of Megabo in the upper Bena area of the Eastern Highlands Province have been challenged to wisely use what God has blessed them with to enrich their lives.
Tourism Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo told the Megabo community that God has blessed them with rich cultural and natural resources which they must also nurture and cherish for future generations.
Mr Uvovo was speaking at the official launching of the Megabo Cane Swallowing Festival and the Yasina Nature Park, Thursday 26th November 2020.
Cane Swallowing is a traditional initiation ceremony performed exclusively by men in this part of Eastern Highlands and it is a major attraction at the popular Goroka Show every year. The men hold both ends of a small cane and swallow up to 30 centimeters before pulling it out.
The Yasina Nature Park is part of the Bismarck Range bordering Ramu towards Madang Province. It has been surveyed and will shortly be declared as a protected conservation area hosting not only unique and diverse animal and plant species but also holds historical sites including relics from the Second World War.
Mr Uvovo said it was encouraging to note that the Megabo Community continues to maintain peace and harmony in their society through the intervention of the Seventh Day Adventist Church which has provided health and education services to complement other government services in this remote part of PNG since Independence.
He said TPA will support such unique cultural festivals from the national level but such initiatives have to be recognized and endorsed first by the district and provincial administrations.
Similar sentiments were expressed by National Cultural Commission representative Mr John Dua who said district and provincial shows are becoming reliant too much on national agencies for funding support while there is little or no support from the district and provincial levels.
Megabo community leader Bibi Giko said theirs was a peaceful community in the whole of Unggai-Bena District and they wanted to bring in tourism development through their unique culture and their rich natural biodiversity.
Above: Megabo traditional cane swallower from Unggai-Bena District, Eastern Highlands.
For further information about the Megabo Cane Swallowing Festival and the Yasina Nature Park email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Contact the National Cultural Commission for a listing of 2021 Cultural Festivals in Papua New Guinea, call: +675 323-5111
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