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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.
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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For further information email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
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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.
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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
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Spaces are limited per consultation, so only registered participants will be contacted.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
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