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Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) and Air Niugini have signed a Collaborative Agreement to strengthen PNG’s tourism in an official ceremony on Tuesday 22 April, Port Moresby.
Air Niugini and TPA’s partnership is aimed to raise awareness and interests in PNG’s unique culture and natural beauty. This partnership also seeks to stimulate the growth of tourism in the country.
TPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo described this partnership as a necessary tool to promote the country as a tourist destination.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to elevate Papua New Guinea as a premier destination.
Through this collaboration, we aim to improve the quality and diversity of our tourism products and services, as well as our infrastructure and connectivity, to realize the country’s full potential,” said Uvovo.
Both Air Niugini and PNGTPA recognizes the importance of sustainable tourism in PNG, which creates positive impacts for local communities, the environment, and the country’s rich heritage. This initiative strengthens the potential of tourism development in driving the country’s economy and social progress, generating income and employment.
Market intelligence and customer feedback will be shared between Air Niugini and PNGTPA to create effective marketing strategies. Collaborative efforts will result in attractive brochures, flyers, videos, and other materials showcasing Papua New Guinea’s diverse destinations and experiences.
Air Niugini’s Acting CEO, Gary Seddon reiterated the importance of the partnership between TPA and Air Niugini.
“At Air Niugini, we recognize our pivotal role as one of the largest players in tourism, and we are fully committed to leveraging this position.
Through this partnership, we aim to address the core challenges and drive significant development gains in the tourism sector,” said Seddon.
Seddon also introduced Air Niugini’s plan to bring in more aircrafts to drive tourism throughout the country.
“With the introduction of our new fleet, both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, we are poised to connect tourists from around the world to the breathtaking seas and mountains of PNG. We are laying the groundwork now to reap the benefits in the future,” said Seddon.
Air Niugini will also offer special incentives to media representatives, travel agents, tour operators, and influencers promoting Papua New Guinea. The airline will also support PNGTPA in organizing trade shows, roadshows, familiarization trips, and other events to raise awareness among potential visitors and industry stakeholders.
Travelers booking flights to Papua New Guinea through Air Niugini’s platforms will also enjoy special fares, packages, and deals, along with relevant travel tips to enrich their journey. Additionally, Air Niugini aims to expand its network and connectivity to key source markets, ensuring flight schedules meet traveller demands.
To address concerns regarding law and order, the collaboration will support campaigns promoting a positive image of Papua New Guinea, building confidence and trust among potential visitors.
Port Moresby, April 17, 2024 – Honourable Governor of the National Capital District (NCD) joined Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) to make Port Moresby a prime destination for Chinese tourists through a pre-cocktail reception at the APEC Haus on Wednesday 17 April, Port Moresby.
This exclusive event serves as a precursor to the upcoming China Ready Workshop and provides an opportunity for industry stakeholders to come together and engage in discussions vital to the future of tourism in Port Moresby.
The China Ready initiative, spearheaded by the NCD Governor and PNGTPA since July 2023, aims to position Port Moresby as a premier destination for Chinese tourists. Through a comprehensive approach encompassing cultural enrichment, infrastructure enhancement, and targeted promotional campaigns, efforts are being made to elevate Port Moresby’s allure to Chinese travellers.
Collaborations with local and national tourism industries, along with a partnership with Guangdong Province, aim to establish Port Moresby as a pivotal hub for tourism and business, fostering sustainable growth and global connectivity.
The pre-cocktail reception aims to facilitate networking and dialogue among stakeholders from various sectors of the tourism industry. Attendees will have the chance to connect with key players and exchange insights on strategies to prepare Port Moresby for the rapidly growing Chinese tourism market.
NCDC Governor, Honourable Powes Parkop said that the event attended by various stakeholders shows commitment in forging relationships with Chinese travellers.
“Today’s pre-cocktail reception underscores our commitment to ensuring that Port Moresby is ready to welcome Chinese travellers with open arms. The China Ready Workshop represents a crucial step in our journey to prepare Port Moresby for the burgeoning Chinese tourism market. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering economic prosperity and forging enduring partnerships for the benefit of our city and our people,” said Parkop.
CEO of PNGTPA, Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo reiterated the importance of the upcoming China Ready Workshop.
“The workshop represents a pivotal moment in our efforts to capitalize on the immense potential of the Chinese tourism market. Through informative sessions and interactive discussions, stakeholders will gain valuable insights into how we can collectively prepare and promote Port Moresby as a top-tier destination,” said Uvovo.
The China Ready Workshop, scheduled for April 25th, will delve into key topics such as market updates, post-COVID19 traveller insights, and effective strategies for attracting Chinese tourists and businesses to Port Moresby. Certified participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and an ID number for 12 months of continuing education.
Together, let us pave the way for an amazing future for tourism in Port Moresby.
See: China Ready NCD Tourism Program
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) successfully concluded a four-day showcase of Papua New Guinea’s cruise destinations and tourism opportunities at the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami, Florida, in the United States.
Executive manager of PNGTPA’s Policy & Planning Division, Ingrid Kuman, attended the Seatrade Cruise Global event, and expressed the incredible value of promoting Papua New Guinea at such a prestigious event.
“Over the years, Papua New Guinea’s presence at this prestigious travel trade event has helped pave the way for significant developments in the country’s cruise tourism industry, especially through high-level networking with cruise professionals from all over the world,’ said Ms. Kuman.
The PNGTPA’s decade-long commitment to investing in cruise tourism has seen a momentous increase in cruise liner and expeditionary ships visiting the country between 2014 and 2024.
In 2023, over a hundred tourist ships visited Papua New Guinea. The most recent being the MS Nautica that arrived in Port Moresby in early April 2024. PNG’s 2023 Visitor Arrivals Report recorded a total of 31,321 visitors who arrived by cruise vessel into Papua New Guinea in the previous year.
Ms. Kuman said, “Cruise tourism in Papua New Guinea will continue to be nurtured by the PNGTPA, and our partner agencies and stakeholders.
While here at the Seatrade Cruise Global, my team and I are proudly exhibiting our country’s cruise destinations to the world, and meeting with a diverse range of cruise professionals who are keen on helping us grow our cruise tourism.”
Papua New Guinea’s exhibition booth displayed stunning imagery, videos and information brochures about the cruise destinations in Milne Bay, East New Britain, East Sepik, Morobe, Port Moresby and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The Seatrade Cruise Global was a success and provided a massive opportunity for Papua New Guinea to pique the cruising interest of more than 11,000 attendees, as well as the 2,700 plus Cruise Line Executives at the event.
The PNGTPA is a member of the prestigious Australian Cruise Association, one the largest and most well-connected cruise tourism organisations in Oceania, in which fellow members include Tourism Fiji and New Zealand Travel.
For further information, please email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
Sydney, Australia – 8 April 2024: Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia have embarked on a collaborative endeavour to honour war memorials and enhance tourism prospects.
This initiative follows a Memorandum of Agreement signed last year 2023 between the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), National Capital District Commission (NCDC), and Canada Bay City Council in Sydney.
A significant discussion has been initiated among the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, NCDC, and Canada Bay City Council in Sydney to jointly develop war memorial sites in Port Moresby.
This collaborative effort aims to honour war legacies and promote War Pilgrimage as a prominent tourist attraction, akin to the renowned Kokoda Trail trekking experience.
The initiative is spearheaded by Canada Bay City Council, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, NCDC, and Network Kokoda Australia.
Driven by a vision to preserve the lessons of World War II, Canada Bay City Council has invested substantially in projects such as the Kokoda Trail Memorial Walkway.
This collaboration aims to strengthen bonds between nations, including the United States and Japan, while emphasizing the historical significance of the Kokoda Campaign to both Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Through this partnership, historic sites in NCD, including Paga Hill, Wardstrip, and Sabama, will undergo development, eventually extending into Central and Oro Provinces with support from provincial governments and Network Kokoda Australia.
Under the agreement, both nations will jointly develop war memorial sites in Port Moresby, reflecting their shared commitment to preserving the legacies of the Second World War and promoting the War Pilgrimage as a prominent tourist attraction, akin to the renowned Kokoda Trail trekking experience.
This trip seeks to establish a work plan for 2024-2025 to develop war memorial sites and promote war pilgrimages in NCD, Central, and Oro Provinces, with the ultimate goal of creating a tourist product stretching from Paga Hill to Buna.
A stakeholders’ meeting, scheduled during this trip, will bring together participants across Australia to garner support for the initiative. Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, MP, and NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, MP, LLB, LLM, will address the stakeholders and finalize the work plan for implementation. Plans also include the establishment of Network Kokoda PNG and pushing for the transfer of the Kokoda Track Authority to PNGTPA.
“The collaboration between PNG and Australia to develop war memorials and promote tourism is a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations and the shared commitment to honouring our war heroes. This initiative will not only preserve historical legacies but also create opportunities for economic growth, education, and cultural exchange,” said NCD Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, MP, LLB, LLM.
The visit to Sydney marks a pivotal step in solidifying the partnership between PNG and Australia. Through joint efforts, both nations aim to create a lasting legacy that honours the sacrifices of past generations while paving the way for a brighter future through tourism, education, and cultural exchange.
This collaborative endeavour underscores the importance of international cooperation in preserving historical narratives and fostering mutual understanding.
The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has partnered with the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNG TIA) to boost membership for 2023.
In joint efforts to build back the tourism industry better after the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, PNGTPA has provided a 50,000 Kina subsidy to the association for 2023 membership fees. Under the subsidy, past and current members pay 30% while PNGTPA pays 70% of the total membership fees.
Other interested members of the Tourism & Hospitality Industry are encouraged to also register. Since the promotion of membership drive, registered members for 2023 have risen to 35 registered members. This is a good indication shown by the industry members about their commitment to build back better post COVID-19. We expect more tourism industry operators to register before end of April with the aim of having about 100 members registered. All visitors wishing to book a tour, accommodation or host an event, can check our social media page and website for a full listing of registered members. Members of the public, visitors, tourists are encouraged to book tours services, accommodation and other related services with PNGTIA registered members.
Mr. Eric Uvovo, CEO of PNGTPA acknowledges our Tourism Industry members as key partners, “Tour Operators, Guest Houses, Hotels, Restaurants, Transport Services, Airlines, Attractions, Museums, Festivals and others offer specific services to leisure travellers, tourists, visitors, the public as well as Business Travelers who have the option of extending their trip to experience the destination of their choice. Through such a recognised and registered membership with PNGTIA, TPA will be able to promote each business as well as invite participation at upcoming, events, trade shows, training, conferences and participate also in the subsidized travel packages.”
Mr Alois Mateos, President of TIA thanked PNGTPA saying, “The PNG TPA is the national tourism office responsible for tourism development, marketing and promoting PNG as a desirable tourist destination. This gesture by TPA is very much appreciated by the industry members and we thank those who have utilised this subsidy to renew their membership. Under the subsidy, Associate Members pay 120 Kina while Corporate Members pay 240 Kina only. We encourage those members who have not yet renewed their membership to utilise this subsidy and join the association before the end of April 2023 to benefit from shared PNGTPA and TIA programs”.
The PNGTIA is a peak body for the tourism industry in PNG. It is a platform for tourism sector operators to come together and form one collective voice. It is the only professional, non-profit peak body that brings together all actors in the tourism value chain.
For more details regarding the subsidy program or related membership queries, contact the PNG Tourism Industry Association on Ph: 320 0211, extn 260 or email: manager@pngtia.org or tourismindustryassociation.png@gmail.com.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority hosted its first Implementation Steering Committee Meeting for the recently launched Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026 on the 29th June 2022, at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby.
The Chief Executive Officer Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, chaired the inaugural meeting in the presence of 16 organisation representatives to deliberate on the purpose, functions and reporting mechanisms of the TSDP-ISC.
The Implementation Steering Committee (ISC) is the highest working committee that is designed to coordinate all tourism related agendas pursued under the various sub working committees that exist within the sector for national prioritization and development in Papua New Guinea.
The CEO provided his welcome remarks and invited organisations to become members of the ISC to help contribute to the implementation of the TSDP and to grow the industry in the next five years amidst the global pandemic.
Some of the work that will need to be done under the ISC include;
Mr. Uvovo further stated that through collaboration at the TSDP-ISC level, this will enable PNGTPA as the lead sector agency to steer the development of the national tourism industry products and services to a level that is globally and regionally competitive.
The ISC plans to meet quarterly and envisions more organisations to join in the membership to provide sound advice and judgement for all tourism related matters that are escalated at the high level.
All provincial governments have been urged by the CEO to take ownership of the new tourism plan by participating in the ISC in order to ensure that the national plan cascades down to the provincial level through the setup of provincial ISCs as well. The Provincial-ISCs will be utilised to inform the national TSDP ISC as a reporting mechanism for all tourism initiatives and issues encountered in the provinces.
The CEO also stated that stakeholder partnerships with the private sector will also be prioritised to ensure that plan achieves its full potential.
PNGTPA has extended invitation to all other government agencies and private sector stakeholders who would like to be a part of the committee to express their interests to the PNGTPA Division of Policy and Planning for consideration and partnership.
Image: Official launching of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026. Official guest of honor Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP.
For further information, email: policy@papuanewguinea.travel
THE Papua New Guinea Investment Forum on Ecotourism and Connectivity successfully concluded on Friday, 14th January 2022, at the Expo2020 Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This was the third investment forum hosted by the Papua New Guinea Expo Team focused on promoting investment opportunities in PNG’s Eco-tourism and ICT sectors. The Forum ran parallel with Expo2020’s thematic week of ‘Travel and Connectivity’.
The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu, officially opened the PNG Investment Forum, thanking the UAE Government for the tremendous support given to Papua New Guinea in ensuring its inclusive participation at the World Expo in Dubai.
Minister Masiu commended the theme of the Expo2020 Dubai, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, and lauded the global event for championing ideas and innovations to facilitate sustainable trade and investment opportunities, including cultural exchanges that Papua New Guinea considers important to its economic development.
In his speech, Minister Masiu highlighted the need for developing Papua New Guinea’s tourism and ICT infrastructure,
“Papua New Guinea needs integrated tourism, visitor connectivity and infrastructure system. Investors and experts are needed to help plan and deliver a connectivity system in a sustainable way for Papua New Guinea.”
Hon. Masiu emphasised, “Partnerships are also needed for mutual gains, and such plans should be carried out in consideration of the environment, and in line with the country’s sub-theme at the Expo2020, ‘Connecting Minds and Creating Opportunities in Sustainable Development.” The PNG Investment Forum on Ecotourism and Connectivity was also officiated by the UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce, H.E. Humaid Ben Salem.
In his speech, H.E. Salem spoke of the PNG Roundtable Discussion on Education, Science and Green Economy, which he attended last month – also hosted by the PNG Expo team. He spoke of the diverse ecotourism experiences that the UAE shared with PNG, and affirmed technological innovations and infrastructure were key to economic development, and that partnerships were possible through continued communication and cooperation.
The CEO of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Mr. Eric Uvovo, concluded the keynote addresses of the Forum with an overview of the unique tourism potential that Papua New Guinea had to offer, and the immense opportunity for investment.
Mr. Uvovo stated that PNG TPA will be working with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority and Department of Foreign Affairs to make it easier for UAE citizens to travel to PNG, especially looking into travel visas and developing tour packages for the Arab tourism market.
There were a variety of presentations delivered at the Forum from Papua New Guinea tourism businesses and organisations – including Immigration Authority, Air Niugini, Trans Niugini Tours, Walindi Plantation Resort, the Enga Show Committee, Vanimo Surf Lodge, as well as the PNG Business Council. Participants also had the opportunity to discover the technological tools members of the UAE tourism industry were using to promote their products, especially from Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, and the Louvre Museum of Abu Dhabi.
The third PNG Investment Forum had over 30 participants in attendance, many joined in virtually, connecting from Papua New Guinea, Australia, the United States, Europe and within the United Arab Emirates. The PNG Expo Team is now preparing for the 4th PNG Investment Forum, which will coincide with the Expo2020 thematic week addressing the global challenge of Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods.
For more information visit the PNG World Expo 2020 website for updates.
Pictured: (L-R) H.E. Mr. Joshua Kalinoe, Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to Belgium; H.E. Humaid Ben Salem, UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce; Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology; H.E Amna Saber Aldhanhani Vice Chairman of the Board of Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority; Mr. Sajith Kumar, PK, CEO, IBMC International and Resident Advisor to the Embassy of PNG, Brussels, on Trade and Investment.
Pictured: H.E. Humaid Ben Salem, UAE Secretary-General and Chairman of the UAE Chamber of Commerce; and Hon. Timothy Masiu, Minister for Information and Communications Technology
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) in partnership with the National Statistical Office (NSO) successfully completed and released the first Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) report for Papua New Guinea.
Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) is the standard United Nations (UN), approved method of measuring the direct contribution of tourism consumption to a national economy. TPA, with the technical support from NSO and external TSA experts has successfully completed the project on time.
Tourism will now be measured in the official economic statistics as the first TSA identifies tourism’s direct contribution to the GDP and compare with other economic sectors in the country.
The successful implementation of the first TSA comes after TPA and NSO officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) earlier in 2021 to share data and develop the first TSA for Papua New Guinea.
This first TSA was developed with the available data and it will provide a good baseline to produce the next TSA, going forward.
Click to download PNG’s First Tourism Satellite Account Report
Find out: What is a Tourism Satellite Account
For further information, please email the Marketing Research and Statistics Unit of the Tourism Promotion Authority: research.statistics@papuanewguinea.travel
Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Jerry Agus wants the Papua New Guinea media to tell the best stories about our beautiful country to the world.
He said this when hosting a media get-together in Port Moresby, Friday 31st May 2019.
Veteran journalist Frank Kolma said the onus was upon every journalist “to stand for our country and to promote our country”.
“Tourism is an industry that is completely different from other industries within the country,” Agus said.
“The success of the industry in the country does not depend on how good the CEO is, how good the management is, or how good the tourism industry is.
“Tourism is an industry that cuts across different sectors.
“Tourism depends on good roads and bridges out there, good airports and airstrips out there, jetties and wharves we have, flight connectivity, taxi drivers, waiters and waitresses working in every hotel, customer services provided by flight attendants on aircraft.
“If you look at it, the tourism experience depends on the whole range of people.
“If one person doesn’t do his part, then the entire experience is spoiled.”
Agus said that was why the TPA tried to engage with all key stakeholders to embrace the importance of tourism.
“If everyone can work together, then we can see that tourism in the country grows,” he said.
“If everyone thinks that tourism growth depends entirely on Tourism Promotion Authority, it will never work.
“In order to deliver on our mandate to market and promote tourism, as a desired tourism destination overseas, we try our best to engage with so many people.”
Agus said this was where the media came in.
“As we all know, media plays a very important part in terms of influencing a lot of decisions out there,” he said.
“Media can spoil people, even colour a criminal as a good person, it can influence lot of things.
“Tourism is very important, but because of selling papers or attracting more viewers, you forget the tourism part of it.
“This country called Papua New Guinea is a country that you and I belong to.
“We will never be Australians, we will never be New Zealanders, we will never be Americans, no matter how hard we try.
“Papua New Guinea is our country, so we have got to have that at the back of our minds.
“Negative stories like rape, murder, tribal fighting attract people to the media.
“We must not forget that now, in this digital world we are living in, the news that you put up will go viral and lot of people overseas will read your stories.
“If we get a lot of negative stories out, it will affect the image of this country.
“At the moment, one of the impediments to tourists coming to Papua New Guinea is the negative image perception.
“Some people think that upon arrival at Jackson (International Airport), you will be killed.
“That’s the perception out there.”
Agus urged the media to “improve the image of this country”.
“Papua New Guinea is not ‘very dangerous’,” he said.
“There are a lot of dangerous countries out there where tourists go and visit.
“We don’t have terrorists, we don’t have car bombings, but people think that this country is ‘very dangerous’.
“It’s not.
“Whatever you report, remember that what you report may have negative implications.
“This is our country, we were born here and we will die here, so we all have to work together to promote our country.”
Agus urged reporters that when traveling, especially to a province out of Port Moresby, “you should write about the beauty of that particular province”.
“You could stay in a very good guest house, or you might go to an island with white, sandy beaches,” he said.
“You could write about that.”
Kolma said: “We all have a duty to stand for our country first and to defend it, in every profession that we have.
“We need to all promote our country, in whatever way we can.”
Writer: Malum Nalu
For further information, email PNGTPA media coordinator Mr. Colin Taimbari: colin.taimbari@papuanewguinea.
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), the statutory body wholly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea who are responsible for the promotion of PNG as a desirable travel destination, have announced the appointment of Example to represent the country within the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Example, a Sydney-based communications agency that specializes in hospitality, travel and lifestyle, will be handling all public relations, trade relations and marketing for the PNG Tourism Authority, with a focus on driving increased visitation from Australia and New Zealand.
Working closely with the travel trade and consumer media, Example will create story-telling moments and experiences in order to educate travelers of Papua New Guinea’s diverse culture and showcase PNG as a must-visit destination.
The announcement follows a competitive tender process and sees Andrew Cavallaro, Example’s Head of Marketing, reinstated as AU/NZ lead for the tourism board, following his previous tenure in the role between 2014 – 2016.
“Australia is PNG’s most important source market for visitors. We are excited to grow our Australian and New Zealand arrivals and work with Example to spread the word of the beautiful islands and mountainous regions PNG has to offer, as well as the incredible cultural and adventure travel experiences throughout the country”, says Kennedy Wenge, PNGTPA’s Board Chairman.
Mr Wenge said the PNG TPA Board was excited about Example marketing and promoting Papua New Guinea Tourism in Australia and New Zealand.
“Andrew passionately leads the charge promoting Papua New Guinea and we’re looking forward to having him back at the helm, working alongside Example’s impressive PR and marketing team”, added Mr Wenge.
“We are thrilled to have been appointed, and I am excited to be promoting PNG once again to Australians and New Zealanders”, says Andrew Cavallaro, Example’s Head of Marketing.
“Papua New Guinea is an incredibly diverse country, but one that is lesser known to Aussies and Kiwis. We’re looking forward to shining a spotlight on our closest neighbour and showing everyone how special PNG is.”
Example commences work with PNGTPA on 1 June 2019, with further exciting announcements to be made shortly.
Staff writer: Colin Taimbari
For further information, email PNGTPA director marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi: marketing@papuanewguinea.
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