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Former Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution in America, Dr. Brent Glass, made a special visit to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) on Tuesday, 17 September and discussed the importance of promoting historical literacy and public memory in Papua New Guinea.
Dr Glass was accompanied by the American Embassy’s Acting Public Affairs Officer, Claudia Borevina, and Public Engagement Assistant, Mathias Posu.
Dr. Glass, a prominent figure in the global museum and history community, has over 35 years of experience in government service. He announced his retirement as Director of the National Museum of American History, but still remains a senior advisor to the Smithsonian.
During his visit, Dr. Glass highlighted the significance of PNG’s war history as a powerful attraction for international tourists.
“Papua New Guinea’s war history is compelling and holds global interest, particularly in the context of World War II. Developing historical sites that are accessible to tourists will not only preserve this history but also create opportunities for international travelers to engage deeply with it.
PNG has the potential to become a key destination for historical tourism,” said Dr Glass.
Dr. Glass emphasized the need for the PNG government and TPA to consider their historical aspect as a major attraction for international tourists.
“Now, after more than 35 years in government service, I am excited to explore opportunities to promote history education, historical literacy, and public memory on a global scale and PNG is one of those destinations,” said Dr Glass.
During his tenure, Dr. Glass oversaw significant transformations at the Smithsonian, including the creation of new exhibitions, the acquisition of key collections, and the development of online education initiatives. Under his leadership, the National Museum of American History became a national treasure, enjoying record attendance and widespread public engagement.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo welcomed Dr. Glass and the team from the American Embassy and expressed his gratitude for their valuable insights and support in promoting historical awareness in PNG.
“We are deeply thankful to Dr. Glass for sharing his expertise with us. His knowledge of promoting history and public memory is invaluable as we continue to develop our own tourism sector.
Papua New Guinea’s war history is unique, particularly the Kokoda Track and other significant WWII sites, which are major selling points for us on the global stage. Our museums and war memorials hold a rich history that tourists from around the world are eager to discover, said Uvovo.
Uvovo also emphasized the importance of making these sites accessible to a wider audience.
“With the help of experts like Dr. Glass, we can further enhance our museums and war memorials to provide an even greater historical experience. We look forward to building on these connections and continuing to promote Papua New Guinea as a destination rich in history and culture.”
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More than 24,000 cruise ship tourists visited Papua New Guinea’s shores so far this year causing a surge in the country’s marine tourism.
According to a report released by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), using data provided by Inchcape Shipping, a total of 24,407 visitors have arrived in PNG so far this year on 12 different international cruise ship liners.
The cruise industry is playing a significant role in boosting the country’s tourism numbers, with several more vessels scheduled to arrive before the end of 2024.
Between October and December, four more cruise ships are expected to bring an estimated 6,548 additional visitors to Papua New Guinea, further contributing to the nation’s growing tourism sector.
The most frequent visitor to PNG’s shores has been the Pacific Encounter, a popular ship owned and operated by the Carnival Cruise Line. In contrast, the French-operated Le Soleal, owned by Compagnie du Ponant, has brought the fewest number of visitors but has remained a key player in the luxury cruise market.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the unique appeal of Papua New Guinea, which continues to attract visitors not only through its ports but also via international air services.
“Papua New Guinea offers a truly unique experience, from our rich cultural heritage to stunning natural landscapes.
Our country’s appeal spans across various types of travellers, whether arriving by sea or air. Each visitor has the chance to embark on their own million different journey of discovery, and that’s what makes PNG such a remarkable destination,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also highlighted TPA’s ongoing efforts to build lasting relationships with the international cruise industry.
“Over the years, we have worked closely with various cruise lines to forge strong partnerships that have been beneficial to our marine tourism sector. As the cruise ship season progresses, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to explore the nation’s million different journeys,’ making Papua New Guinea a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world,” said Uvovo.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority released a report showing an estimated US$ 23 million (PGK 89 million) injected into the country’s economy by tourists in 2024, marking a promising outlook for the nation’s tourism sector.
The new data released by the TPA showed significant growth in visitor numbers and spending in August 2024 demonstrating Papua New Guinea’s appeal to the world.
According to the TPA, the total number of visitors arriving by air in August 2024 reached 9,222, highlighting the country’s ongoing appeal to international travelers. A noteworthy 2% increase in visitor arrivals from Australia compared to August last year underlines the importance of the Australian market, which remains Papua New Guinea’s largest source of visitors with the country still accounting for 39% of all arrivals, while China had the lowest representation at just 0.1%.
Business travel also showed positive growth, with a 2% increase in business travellers this August compared to the same period last year. The employment sector saw a substantial rise, with 36% of visitors coming for work purposes, which demonstrated the country’s appeal as an emerging destination for employment opportunities.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the significance of Papua New Guinea as a unique destination.
“The steady growth we are seeing in visitor numbers, particularly from our key markets like Australia, shows that our country is not only a hub for tourism but also an attractive destination to work and play.
The fact that over a third of visitors are coming for work shows the global appeal of Papua New Guinea, with each visitor contributing to our economy. PNG will remain committed to providing ‘a million different journeys’ for tourists and business travellers alike,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also said that the organization will continue to provide enriching experience to all visitors coming into the country.
“Our focus at TPA remains on delivering a memorable experience for every visitor, whether they are here for work or leisure. With exciting new initiatives and partnerships in the pipeline, we are confident that our tourism industry will continue to thrive,” said Uvovo.◼️
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More than 30 staff members from the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) celebrated the country’s 49th Independence Day dressed in their national colors on Friday 13 September in Port Moresby.
The celebration featured a variety of activities which included fun team-building games, a “Best Dressed” competition, and a coconut scrapping contest. The event culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the organization’s dedication to promoting Papua New Guinea’s to the world.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended the staff for their resilience and dedication despite the challenges the country has faced in recent times.
“As we celebrate 49 years of independence, I want to take this opportunity to commend each and every one of you for your unwavering commitment to our goals, even in these uncertain times.
The work we do here at the Tourism Promotion Authority is crucial in promoting our great country to the world. Let us look ahead with optimism and continue to perform our tasks with the excellence that Papua New Guinea deserves,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also highlighted the importance in celebrating the country’s independence anniversary.
“As an Authority, we continue to champion Papua New Guinea on the global stage, ensuring the world experiences the beauty and rich traditions our country has to offer.
As we look to the future, this celebration reminds us of the strength that comes from unity, and the pride we all share in showcasing the very best of Papua New Guinea, offering visitors a million different journey,” said Uvovo.◼️
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The Best Ever Food Review Show arrived in Papua New Guinea to explore the country’s rich and diverse cuisine on Friday 30th August, Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea will be featured on the global culinary stage with the popular YouTube show making its first trip to the land of a million different journeys, promising an exciting adventure through both modern and traditional foods.
Hosted by celebrity Sonny Side, also known as Will Sonbuchner, the show with its over 10 million subscribers is renowned for its vibrant and immersive food explorations around the world.
For its Papua New Guinea special, the show will kick off in the capital city, Port Moresby, completing their Southern Region lag. After Port Moresby the film crew will be in the Highlands Region, specifically Hela Province in Tari. Here, the crew will experience the unique flavors and cooking methods of the Highlands, likely sampling traditional dishes prepared in earth ovens – known locally as, “mumus”.
The journey will then take them to the Momase Region, where they will explore the remote village of Palambei in East Sepik Province, along the Sepik River. This area is known for its vibrant cultural practices and its staple food, sago.
The final leg of their culinary adventure will be in the New Guinea Islands Region, with a visit to Rabaul in East New Britain Province.
The opportunity to feature PNG on such a prominent platform was first presented to the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) by PNG Experience, a leading tour company known for its expertly curated tours across the country. TPA’s role ensured that Sonny and his team received strong support from the local tourism industry, through special discounts making it feasible for the BEFRS crew to film in various parts of the country.
TPA has acknowledged the vital contributions of key industry players, including Air Niugini, Hilton Hotel – Port Moresby, and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). These partners provided essential support in the form of discounted flights, accommodations, and local resources, making it possible for the show to capture the essence of Papua New Guinea’s hospitality and culture.
TPA’s Senior Marketing Officer, Simon Pih, expressed his excitement at Sonny’s arrival in the country. “We are thrilled to welcome Sonny Side and his team to Papua New Guinea. Their decision to explore our country’s diverse cuisine through our rich culinary heritage will be an unforgettable journey for them. We believe that through their online platform, the world will get a glimpse of the unique flavors and cultural experiences that make Papua New Guinea truly special and will also ultimately promote our country’s tourism potential to the world,” said Pih. ◼️
📸: (Above banner image) Sonny Side and the Best Ever Food Review Show crew filming and sampling local food at the Koki Market, Port Moresby.
📸: (above image) Sonny Side and the Best Ever Food Review Show crew filming at the famous Kula Lamb Flaps Market, Port Moresby.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) presented Project Management certificates to six participants at the Institute of Banking and Business Management’s (IBBM) campus on Friday 23rd August, Port Moresby.
Among the proud recipients of the certificates were TPA’s sponsored participants, Leo Ameua, Acting Advisor for Commerce Industry & Tourism with the Central Provincial Government Administration, and Muriel Gerari, Acting Tourism Coordinator for the National Capital District Commission (NCDC).
Both participants expressed their gratitude to TPA for providing this valuable opportunity to enhance their professional skills.
Ameua highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing his capacity with his work.
“Through this workshop, I learned how to analyze and collect data effectively, which is crucial for making informed decisions in our projects. Additionally, I’ve gained insights into managing my team more efficiently, ensuring that we can carry out our projects with greater precision and success,” said Ameua.
Gerari echoed Ameua’s sentiments, thanking TPA for its support.
“This training is vital for our work in tourism, particularly in understanding how to manage resources, including finances, more efficiently. These skills are essential to ensuring that our projects are completed to the highest standards,” said Gerari.
The one-week workshop commenced on Monday 19th and concluded on Friday 23rd August at the IBBM Training Centre.
Led by IBBM’s Manager of Special Projects, Ignatius Timothy, who commended the participants for their dedication.
“It’s commendable that all these participants took time off from their busy schedules to build their project management skills. Their hard work and commitment will undoubtedly benefit their respective regions, their work and the broader tourism sector,” Timothy said.
He also extended his appreciation to TPA and other supporting organizations for their commitment to capacity building for their respective industries.
The training was designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to develop project plans that align with timelines, budgets, and resource requirements. The participants also gained proficiency in using essential project management tools, such as Gantt charts and project management software, enhancing their ability to deliver successful projects.
The TPA’s sponsorship is part of a broader strategy to certify all 22 provincial tourism officers in project management. This effort is aimed at strengthening provincial offices to effectively coordinate and implement tourism projects, thereby achieving the Tourism Sector Development Plan’s (TSDP) Governance subsector objectives at the provincial level.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, congratulated the participants on their achievement and wished them success in their careers.
“I am always pleased to see our tourism industry members excel through the skills and knowledge they acquire from such training programs. TPA is eager to continue developing the industry by investing in the professional growth of our tourism officers,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also highlighted the importance of the training aimed at strengthening the tourism industry in the country.
“The goal of the Governance subsector is to provide leadership, synergy, and coordination to strengthen the tourism sector. By equipping Provincial Tourism Bureaus with the necessary skills, TPA ensures that these offices are well-prepared to coordinate and implement the TSDP effectively within their provinces, driving the growth and sustainability of Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry,” said Uvovo. ◼️
📸(banner image) L-R: Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s Senior Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Daphne Galore, Institute of Banking and Business Management’s (IBBM) Manager Special Projects, Ignatius Timothy, TPA’s Executive Manager for Policy & Planning, Ingrid Kuman, Acting Advisor for Tourism with the Central Provincial Administration and TPA’s sponsored participant for the training, Leo Ameua, Acting Advisor for Commerce Industry & Tourism for the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and another TPA sponsored participant, Muriel Gerari with TPA’s Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Faith Kaupa following the certificate presentation at the IBBM Training Centre, Port Moresby.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) promoted tourism at the 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show on the weekend of August 17th – 18th at Queen’s Park in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province.
TPA representatives set up an information booth at the showground, where they interacted with a large number of showgoers, particularly the youth. The booth became a hub of activity as curious visitors sought information about tourism opportunities within Papua New Guinea. Many expressed interests in creating their own tourism products in their communities, a growing awareness and enthusiasm for the industry.
The presence of TPA at the cultural festival was warmly received by the Mt Hagen town mayor, Councilor Jacob Michael, who paid a visit to the stall.
“I am very pleased to see the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority actively participating in this year’s show. Their engagement with the community, especially the younger generation, is crucial in strengthening a deeper understanding of the importance of tourism,” said Michael.
He went on to emphasize the vital role tourism plays in preserving the cultural heritage of the people, not just in Mt Hagen, but across the country.
“Tourism is an essential tool in safeguarding our traditions and cultural practices. Events like the Mt Hagen Cultural Show are a testament to the rich diversity of our country, and I am glad to see TPA promoting this aspect of our people,” said Michael.
TPA’s Senior Marketing Officer, Simon Pih expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the level of interest generated from the event.
“The numbers from this year’s festival were exceptional, and the enthusiasm shown by the people indicates a promising future for tourism in Mt Hagen and the broader Western Highlands Province. The interest in developing community-based tourism products is particularly encouraging.”
The 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show featured more than 50 different cultural dance groups from various regions, including provinces from the Western, Southern Highlands, and Eastern Highlands, as well as participants from Bougainville, Madang, and Morobe Province. The colourful and dynamic performances highlighted the diverse cultural uniqueness that the show brings each year, drawing large numbers of tourists and local people.
TPA’s participation in the Mt Hagen Cultural Show demonstrates the organization’s commitment to promoting tourism across the nation and supporting initiatives that preserve and celebrate Papua New Guinea’s unique cultural heritage. ◼️
For further information, please email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
📸 (above banner image) L-R: Town Mayor for Mt Hagen, Councillor Jacob Michael and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) Senior Marketing Officer, Simon Pih at TPA’s Information booth during the 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show at Queen’s Park, Mt Hagen.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) officially launched the Enga Cultural Festival on Friday 9th August in Wabag, Enga Province.
The festival, renowned for celebrating the rich culture of Enga Province, marked a significant milestone this year with its 30th Anniversary.
Honourable Sir Peter Ipatas, Governor of Enga Province, expressed his gratitude for TPA’s continued support.
“I’d like to thank TPA for its continued support throughout the years, making this annual cultural festival one of the best in the country,” said Sir Ipatas.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the importance of the festival in reflecting the cultural richness of the Enga people.
“The people of Enga have been through a lot in the past few years, and it is always beautiful to see the vibrant culture of the Enga people come alive through this annual event,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
“Shows such as this remind us of our proud culture, and it’s always an honour to see so many young faces proudly dressed in their traditional attire and showing their culture,” said Uvovo.
From Friday 9th to Saturday 10th August, the Enga Cultural Festival showcased a weekend of more than 30 different unique traditional performances, vibrant displays of traditional rituals, traditional craft & artifacts, floral displays and community spirit, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s most celebrated cultural events.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) engaged over 500 high school students at the 2024 IEA College of TAFE Education Fair, showcasing opportunities and sparking interest in the tourism industry.
The event took place at the IEA College of TAFE, from Thursday 1st to Friday 2nd August in Port Moresby, featuring a variety of engaging activities designed to enhance student interaction and provide valuable insights into different industries.
The fair saw attendance from several schools, with participation from Tokarara Secondary School, Sunrise Baptist School, Caritas Technical Secondary School, POMIS (170), Badihagwa Secondary, Dela Salle Catholic Secondary School, La Salle Technical School, Malolo International School, Zion Zeal, St. Josephs International, Butuka Academy, and Kila Secondary.
Throughout the two-day event, students had the opportunity to participate in numerous games and draws which included Spin the Wheel, The Hoop Game and Footy Toss.
Students earned the chance to play these games by completing a questionnaire, which encouraged them to visit various booths and ask questions to gather information.
Students eagerly engaged with the TPA team, earning exclusive TPA merchandise by answering quiz questions about travel and tourism in Papua New Guinea.
Major draw prizes included three laptops sponsored by Theodist PNG Limited, with one laptop awarded each day. The Mega Draw, held on the second day, featured a laptop from Theodist and additional merchandise from supporting business houses like Digicel, PNG Ports Corporation, and Hastings Deering.
TPA’s HR Officer for Personnel, Adrin Manavutah, expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the event.
“A heartfelt gratitude for the invitation and the opportunity to participate in the event. We thoroughly enjoyed marketing our company to the students. Thank you!
While many students asked questions from the provided slips, we were particularly impressed by those who asked additional questions out of curiosity. Our team enjoyed the interactions and engagements with the students, making these two days some of the best we’ve had in the field,” said Manavutah.
IEA College of TAFE’s Online Training Coordinator, Michaeline Stevens, conveyed her appreciation to TPA for their participation.
“Thank you for your invaluable support at our 2024 Education Fair. The event, which drew 550 students over two days, was a resounding success, and we recognize that this achievement would not have been possible without your presence and participation.
We deeply appreciate not only your contribution to this event but also the many years of continuous support that PNG Tourism Promotion Authority has graciously extended to our college,” said Stevens.
📸 Above banner image (L-R), PNG Tourism Promotion Authority staff – John Vaii, Marley Heai, Kadara Wanu, Adrin Manavutah, Craig Kaviagu and Anton Selve.
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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) released insights into tourism trends for Papua New Guinea through the International Visitor Survey (IVS) conducted over six months, from June to November 2023, through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI). This initiative is pivotal in collating and analyzing data that reflect current trends, challenges, and opportunities within the tourism sector.
The ongoing research conducted by SPTO provides information for stakeholders to grasp the intricacies of tourism patterns, thereby enabling informed decision-making that can bolster economic growth and sustainability across Pacific nations. The IVS survey for PNG gathered essential insights from visitors during this period. Using recent visitor email addresses provided by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), the SPTO PTDI team invited recent visitors to Papua New Guinea to participate in the IVS to capture their valuable feedback on visitor satisfaction, expenditure, and perceptions of recent travel experiences.
993 participants, representing 941 adults and 144 children, contributed their experiences and perspectives. These responses account for two percent of the total visitors to Papua New Guinea during this time. Between June and November 2023, PNG experienced approximately 60,277 international air arrivals. Based on IVS estimates, these visitors brought in an estimated $182 million USD.
In their responses to the surveys, respondents cited several influential factors in their decision to travel to Papua New Guinea, including:
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 46% of respondents were first-time visitors to Papua New Guinea, and the average annual household income among respondents was around USD 90,000. Feedback from respondents was overwhelmingly positive, with an average satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5. Additionally, 85% of respondents indicated they would recommend PNG as a travel destination, and 86% expressed their intention to return on a future visit. The timeline for the delivery of the Annual IVS report, covering data collected over twelve months from June 2023 to May 2024, is set for July 2024. A subsequent IVS report covering data collected over six months from January to June 2024 will be available by August 2024.
PNGTPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo shared that the data would be instrumental in guiding TPA as PNGTPA continued to work towards promoting the country’s rich culture and natural treasures on the global stage.
“By understanding visitor trends and economic impacts, we can tailor our marketing campaigns to attract more tourists, strengthen economic growth, and create more job opportunities for our people. These insights from the survey will help us navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring that PNG continues to grow as a leading destination in the Pacific. This initiative is crucial for understanding visitor trends, enabling us to refine our strategies and enhance our marketing efforts to position PNG as a premier tourism destination. The survey, conducted by the SPTO through the PTDI, provides invaluable insights into our visitors’ motivations, experiences, and economic contributions. We look forward to the continued collaboration with SPTO and other stakeholders to drive sustainable tourism development in our beautiful country,” Mr Uvovo said.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Chris Cocker mentioned that SPTO’s commitment to disseminating these findings is crucial for empowering the NTOs, local businesses, and governments.
“By providing access to comprehensive data analyses, stakeholders can develop targeted initiatives that enhance visitor satisfaction and promote longer stays. Ultimately, the PTDI serves as an essential tool for fostering collaboration among various entities involved in tourism management and plays an integral role in shaping a resilient and thriving tourism landscape across the diverse nations of the Pacific region,” Mr Cocker said.
The PTDI data collection covers ten Pacific nations and is funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The PTDI work supports these nations in understanding and adapting to the evolving landscape of tourism, ensuring sustainable growth and positive impacts for communities, businesses, and visitors. The PTDI’s research includes an International Visitor Survey (IVS), a Business Confidence Index (BCI), and a Community Attitudes Survey (CAS). These tools collectively generate essential data that guide evidence-based decision-making by government tourism agencies and businesses in the Pacific. As of October 1st, 2023, the PTDI has transitioned from the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI) at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO). ◼️
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