The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) marked Father’s Day in a special celebration at the TPA office on Friday 30 August, Port Moresby.

The event, which honored the themes of strength, love, and sacrifice, brought together more than thirty male employees, including the organization’s CEO and their female team members in a heartwarming tribute to fathers everywhere.

The celebration was a time of reflection and appreciation, as the TPA team gathered to recognize the vital role fathers play in both their personal and professional lives. The event highlighted the qualities that are often associated with fatherhood, paying homage to the dedication and commitment shown by fathers in their families and communities.

The day concluded with special remarks from the CEO, Executive Managers, and other staff members. Each speaker took a moment to commemorate the day, offering heartfelt tributes to all fathers—both those present and those who have passed.

Png Tourism Staff Fathers Day 30thaug2024 2
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo with TPA’s male employees cutting their Father’s Day cake during their Father’s Day celebration.

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasized the importance of celebrating fatherhood and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of all fathers.

“Our fathers are the pillars of strength in our lives, and today we honour their love, sacrifice, and support. As we celebrate Father’s Day, we also reflect on the values that drive us forward as an organization—values of dedication, resilience, and care, which are so often exemplified by those great men that have shaped our lives,” said Uvovo.

Uvovo also highlighted the importance of celebrating such events.

“By celebrating Father’s Day in this way, TPA not only recognized the contributions of its male employees but also reinforced the importance of family and community in our organization,” said Uvovo.

 

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Press Statement

Tourism Ambassador Justin Olam Commences Promotional Engagement with PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

On behalf of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority board, management and staff, I am pleased to officially announce Papua New Guinea’s tourism brand ambassador, Justin Olam. 

Justin recently travelled to PNG and started working with our PNG TPA team on our planned activities and campaigns for this year.

Given the short time with us, he was able to visit some Port Moresby attractions and also travel to Kokopo, East New Britain.

Justin Olam is a remarkable Papua New Guinean athlete who is well-known and respected throughout Papua New Guinea, Australia and the Pacific, as a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays as the Centre for the Melbourne Storm in the Australian National Rugby League.

Tourism in Papua New Guinea has endured a lot of set-backs in recent years – especially with the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic, climate change, and the rise in social law-and-order issues.   Our international and domestic image as a travel destination has hit an all-time low.

In 2022, our Visitor Arrivals Report recorded 69,376 international visitors. Our highest number of annual arrivals was in 2019, when we had 210,980 visitors.

As the national tourism office representing our tourism sector, we continue to show our resilience and commitment despite the economic and social stumbling blocks we continuously face.

The PNGTPA remains true to its mandated role as a non-revenue earning government body, which is to market, promote and develop tourism in Papua New Guinea.

Guided by our Tourism Sector Development Plan (TSDP 2022 – 2026), we are dedicated to developing sustainable marketing campaigns that enhance the image of our destination, as well as encourage travel and tourism in our great nation.

The PNGTPA’s engagement of Justin Olam as our country’s official tourism brand ambassador is one of many crucial steps my organisation is taking to actively promote and market our unique destination, Papua New Guinea – the land of ‘A Million Different Journeys’.

Justin Olam will be engaged as our tourism brand ambassador for a period of 12-months.  In the coming days and months, we will be developing content for our tourism ambassador campaign across the country.

Our marketing campaign messages involving Justin Olam will take the form of TV and online video and print media.   There are two main objectives to our tourism brand ambassador campaign:

  • Welcome and Destination Brand Messages: targeting both our domestic and international travellers, particularly our Australian market;
  • Social Impact Messages: targeting the general public in Papua New Guinea.

The tourism brand ambassador campaign will be launched next month in August 2023.

We welcome everyone’s support for our tourism brand ambassador Justin Olam, especially our tourism campaign – because we believe that ‘Tourism is Everyone’s Business’. 

Yours in Tourism,
Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo
Chief Executive Officer
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

For further information please email acting director marketing, Ms. Alice Kuaningi alice.kuaningi@papuanewguinea.travel | phone: +675 320-0211 

Tourism Promotion Authority Announces Appointment of New Board Members 

ON Wednesday 31st August, 2022, new board members were welcomed at a swearing in ceremony at the Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) office, Down Town, Port Moresby.  

Magistrate Sandy Tiakin facilitated the legal oaths and affirmations of the ceremony, wherein the new members swore to uphold their awarded roles and duties, while upholding the mission and values of the PNGTPA.

Joining the PNGTPA Board are key industry heads: Mr. Andrew Abel, Mrs Keryn Hargreaves, Mr. Michael Cassell, Mr. Willie Gagma, Captain Andui Koralyo, Mr. John Pung and Mr. Dominic Ira.

The new board members represent Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector, including the airlines, tour operators, attractions, hotelier industry, as well as government and financial institutions.

Also present at the new board members swearing-in were PNGTPA’s CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo and senior management: Director Corporate Affairs Ms. Abuti Kevin, Director Policy & Planning Ms. Ingrid Kuman and Director Marketing Research & Promotions Ms. Alice Kuaningi.  

For further information, contact the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Office of the CEO: cleopatra.aramanat@papuanewguinea.travel   

Papua New Guinea Tourism Board Members 2

Image (L-R): Michael Cassell, Hon. Kennedy Wenge, Willie Gagma, Hon. Isi Leonard, Magistrate Sandy Tiakin, Eric Mossman Uvovo, Keryn Hargreaves, John Pung, Captain Andui Koralyo and Abuti Kevin. 

Tourism Update: Papua New Guinea Tourism Since the Borders Officially Opening 

Papua New Guinea officially opened its borders to international visitors on the 1st July 2022, and visitor arrivals from January to August 2022 show that the country has received 37,537 visitors – 2,182 of these visitors were here on holiday. 

Obtaining a tourist visa remains a challenge for bona fide tourists as the 60-day tourist visa on arrival is no longer available.  The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) will be working closely with the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority to reinstate the tourist visa-on-arrival facility to encourage international travellers to visit Papua New Guinea.  Meanwhile, tour operators and agents must continue to comply with PNGICA requirements and apply online for their client’s tourist visas using the Immigration Authority’s website portal

All COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted by the Government since 5th October 2022, the most recent being the vaccine test entry requirement for travelers, and the wearing of masks inside airports.

PNGTPA is aware that COVID-19 has become endemic – meaning the world is learning to live with the disease.  Therefore, through the Safe Traveller PNG awareness program, the PNGTPA continues to advocate for the health and safety of the members of PNG’s tourism industry and visitors in the country.  Industry members volunteer to participate in the program by undergoing training, and are then certified and promoted through the PNGTPA website as a Safe Traveller PNG business that is equipped to provide a safe and healthy environment for their guests and clients. 

Since the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions across the country, tourism in the country is slowly being revitalized, especially with the return of iconic national events like the Hagen Show, Frangipani Festival, Goroka Show and the recent Morobe Show in Lae.  These events have not only brought back international travellers to the country, but refocused a great deal of marketing and promotions towards PNG’s domestic market.

For Morobe Tourism in particular, especially the recent 59th Morobe Show, hundreds and thousands of people attended the two-day event hosted at the Lae Showgrounds.  Papua New Guinean show-goers came from the Highlands region, as well as from the Madang and Northern Provinces to attend, what is now becoming the nation’s biggest show with a strong focus on agritourism.   Morobe Show is one of the most well-run, self-sustaining events in Papua New Guinea, hosted by the Morobe Agricultural Society – a successful case study for all events and festivals in Papua New Guinea. 

Despite the Morobe Show’s success, there are many challenges ahead for tourism in the Morobe Province.  Developments of attractions and products in Lae and the wider and remote Morobe Province are key areas the PNGTPA wish to assist the province with.  However, the issue of a functioning provincial tourism office is vital in the bridging this assistance at a national level for tourism development in Morobe. The PNGTPA will be revisiting an MOU signed in 2018 by the Morobe Provincial Government and the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture.  

In March this year, PNGTPA visited the districts of Nawae and Finschaffen to meet tourism product owners and service providers.  The team also carried out marketing awareness and delivered guest lectures to the students of the Poly Technical College in Lae. 

PNGTPA continues to market and promote Morobe as a travel destination in Papua New Guinea through its website: www.papuanewguinea.travel, particularly events like the Morobe Show, accommodation providers in Lae, as well as local tour operators like LaeAbout Tours and Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions

Morobe Attractions will be a significant part of PNGTPA’s online marketing and promotions next year, working with the Morobe Provincial Government will be a vital and necessary step in showcasing the best of one of PNG’s most vibrant industrial hubs. 

Papua New Guinea Morobe Show Rodeo Event 2

Image: Competitors at the Morobe Show rodeo style event. Lae city, Morobe Province. 

For further information email PNGTPA director marketing Ms. Alice Kuaningi: marketing@papuanewguinea.travel

PROUDLY PROMOTING PAPUA NEW GUINEA TOURISM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM 

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is one of the proud sponsors of the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) and the PNG LNG Kumuls team, contesting at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup in England.

Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, PNGTPA chief executive officer, announced the sponsorship as creating a new pathway in Sports Tourism, which explores a different angle of destination marketing and awareness through local and international sporting events.

The sponsored partnership with the PNGRFL offers PNGTPA an incredible opportunity to carry out promotion and awareness of Papua New Guinea as a travel destination at one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events in the United Kingdom (UK) – the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC).

The UK is also an important travel source market for tourism in Papua New Guinea (PNG).  The PNGTPA is utilising the opportunity at the RLWC to promote PNG as a travel destination worthy of its ‘A Million Different Journeys’ brand, all the while raising awareness that our country’s borders are now open, and that we are warmly welcoming travellers back into the country.  

Two PNGTPA marketing officers and a cultural tourism ambassador join the PNG LNG Kumuls during the team’s community engagements and pregame entertainments throughout the five-week long tournament in England.    

Simon Pih, PNGTPA marketing officer Australia & New Zealand / RLWC lead; Pamela Hoepel-Aupae, PNGTPA marketing officer North America and Europe; and Cedrick John, cultural ambassador have completed several media engagements. The team were interviewed by the Warrington Worldwide media crew, The Guardian newspaper and local radio station where they spoke passionately about the country.   

The PNGTPA team were similarly involved in public engagements at touristic sights and localities in England namely, Warrington, St. Helen, London, Liverpool, Manchester and Doncaster.

Warrington Market and the Two Brothers Café also invited the PNGTPA and PNG LNG Kumuls team for PNG Coffee Tasting and livestream on Saturday 22nd October, 2022. The Two Brother Coffee Shop will be selling PNG coffee throughout the RLWC and are happy to distribute destination marketing collaterals such as visitor maps, tourism product brochures, pamphlets and banners brought over by the PNGTPA team.

These and other events are opportunities presented to the PNGTPA by PNGRFL to participate together with PNG LNG Kumuls as side events.  As part of its mandate, the PNGTPA proudly promotes all Papua New Guinea products and services, this includes Accommodation, Tours, Travel & Leisure activities, Arts & Crafts, Food & Textile, Sports & MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events).

The highlight of the PNGTPA and PNG LNG Kumuls community engagements was the school visits to Bradshaw Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School in Warrington.

The PNGTPA officers were given an opportunity to briefly share about travel and tourism in Papua New Guinea, while the cultural ambassador briefly demonstrated the colorful Huli Mali dance of Hela Province

The School Principals and teaching staff were thrilled about the extra surprise by the Huli Wigman, commenting that this will have a lasting impact on an individual child’s life. The school visit presented the PNGTPA with a different angle to introduce the destination to a younger generation of future travellers.

The PNGTPA and PNG LNG Kumuls team will be visiting major cities and towns for more destination marketing engagements at public squares, photo opportunities and most importantly engaging with the public, while sharing wonderful stories and travel information about destination Papua New Guinea, the land of ‘A Million Different Journeys’.

Images: Cultural tourism ambassador Cedrick John in London and Warrington engaging with the local communities, alongside team members of the PNG LNG Kumuls and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority. 

For more information about this partnership please contact Ms. Alice Kuaningi – Director Marketing Research & Statistics on email alice.kuaning@papuanewguinea.travel 

STRANDED GOROKA SHOW TOURISTS URGED TO REACH OUT TO THE TOURISM PROMOTION AUTHORITY

In light of the current situation in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority would like to advise our valued international tourists in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, whom have attended the 2022 Goroka Show, to seek further information from our office should the need arise.

PNGTPA will assist, as and where need be to provide accurate information and advice to ensure your transit to Port Moresby and onto your next destination is expedited. An emergency hotline has been established, please contact any of the following PNGTPA numbers:

  • Digicel – 73859706 or 70667004
  • Bemobile – 75582172 or 75582168
  • Telikom  – 320 0211

When prompted, dial any of the following extensions – 202 or 204.

OR Email: info@papuanewguinea.travel 

We are devastated by the situation that has unfolded in this peaceful province of PNG and stand ready to support our international tourists.

PNGTPA extends our deepest sympathies to all whom have been affected by the tragedies that have occurred and pray for peace in the beautiful Eastern Highlands Province.

Authorised by:
Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 
Tourism Promotion Authority

Hon. Walter Schnaubelt new Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture

The official handover-takeover ceremony of Papua New Guinea’s new tourism minister was held last week at the Tourism Promotion Authority, Tuesday 6th October, 2020.

 In-coming Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Walter Schnaubelt, thanked out-going Minister Hon. Emil Tammur, for leading the ministry for almost four years through the agencies: Tourism Promotion Authority, National Museum and Art Gallery, and the National Cultural Commission. 

Minister Schnaubelt said he would continue the good work done by his predecessor Minister Tammur. He said he was excited to work with everyone under the Ministry including the tourism sector.  

During his speech, outgoing Minister Tammur highlighted his many achievements, especially establishing the Board of Trustees for the National Museum and Art Gallery; the successful hosting and delivery of APEC PNG 2018 under the tourism sector; as well as the permanent appointment of an Executive Director for the National Cultural Commission.

Member for Namatanai Walter Schnaubelt was commissioned the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture – replacing Member for Kokopo Emil Tammur, during a mini cabinet reshuffle on Thursday 1st October 2020.

For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel 

Newly appointed Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Walter Schnaubelt and outgoing Minister Emil Tammur.

PNG Tourism Promotion Authority launches Economic Study on the Impact of Cruise Tourism

PNG’s active engagement in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has been sector lead in recent years with the vision to address sector priority areas on the regional level. PNGTPA, through its involvement in the APEC Tourism Working Group was able to garner support from the other 20 APEC member economies to drive the development of the APEC Economic Study on the Impact of Cruise Tourism: Fostering MSME Growth and Creating Sustainable Communities.

Prior to the onset of covid-19, global cruise tourism was one of the strongest tourism sectors, registering a growth rate of 5.4% since 2009 with 30 million people expected to cruise globally in 2019.

PNGTPA developed the PNG Cruise Strategy in 2009 that laid out the foundation of what would become an evolution of the PNG cruise sector. PNG had always enjoyed the arrival of small expedition cruises, itineraries included island or up-river visit’s with shore excursions.

In 2014, PNG saw the inaugural visit of the Carnival Australia, P&O Cruise Line, Pacific Dawn dock in Alotau, Milne Bay and then sail into Rabaul. The entry of large capacity passengers’ ships is attributed to the strong cross-sectoral engagement between government agencies PNG Ports, NMSA, PNG ICSA, NAQIA, PNG Customs and PNGTPA.

Since then, PNG cruise numbers have increased significantly from 4,000 in 2007 to 19,123 cruise arrivals in 2016. In 2019 PNG recorded its highest cruise arrivals with 51,417, cruise visitors experienced Milne Bay, East New Britain, East Sepik, Morobe, West New Britain, AROB, Oro Province and NCD.

Alotau, the first port of call for PNG, was featured in this study. A wide range of stakeholders from both public and private sector contributed towards the findings of this study through the consultation workshop hosted in Alotau, March 2019. Given that each cruise destination has different facilities and economic attributes that determine the tourism size, scale and overall economic benefits, this study provides an assessment of the destination type, value proposition and frequency, nature and quantum of passenger and crew expenditure.

Milne Bay Province is the most visited provinces in the country, outside of Port Moresby. In 2018 the province registered a total of 34, 961 international visitors, 33,616 of which were cruise visitors. The economic impact study shows that 60% of MSME’s actively engaged in tourism generate most of their revenue from cruise tourism activities whilst 68% of respondents noted that employment opportunities increased significantly to service cruise tourism in the province. Crime, influence of foreign culture, congestion were a number of negative impacts discussed in the study.

To download the study please visit https://www.apec.org/Publications/2020/08/APEC-Economic-Study-on-the-Impact-of-Cruise-Tourism or contact the Policy and Planning Division on email: policy@papuanewguinea.travel

APEC Economic Study on the Impact of Cruise Tourism in PNG
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