Namah Launches Tourism Business Incubation Hub

Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Namah, officially launched the Tourism Information and Business Incubation Hub, on Friday 27th  September, to strengthen Papua New Guinean tourism businesses. 

The facility is an initiative of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), and is located at the Pacific MMI building in downtown Port Moresby and is aimed to stimulate growth, innovation, and sustainability within the nation’s tourism industry. 

TPA’s Tourism Business Incubation Hub is designed to provide vital support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tourism sector by offering business advisory services, networking opportunities, and financial support. 

The hub will also serve as a central point for tourism entrepreneurs to strengthen their operations, develop their products, and access much-needed funding through a Grant and Credit Scheme, which will be rolled out in partnership with the National Development Bank.

The introduction of the facility comes as a much-needed support to the sector following the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative is part of TPA’s broader Tourism Sector Development Plan (TSDP) (2022-2026) and aims to strengthen local tourism businesses and increase the number of tourism suppliers and producers.  

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasized the importance of the hub in helping local tourism businesses thrive.
“This hub is a cornerstone in strengthening PNG’s tourism industry, providing essential resources and support to MSMEs.
Our goal is to increase the productivity and sustainability of tourism businesses, encourage profitable and sustainable start-ups, and improve access to tourism information and services,” said Uvovo.  

Uvovo also said that the hub will promote proper business practices in the sector.
“Through business capacity development, product development support, and financial advisory services, we aim to create a stronger, more resilient tourism industry that will attract both domestic and international markets,” said Uvovo.  

In addition, the Information and Business Incubation Hub includes a Visitor Information Centre, which will serve as a key touchpoint for tourists.  This center will offer vital information about local tourism products, provide booking services, and sell local experiences to enhance the visitor experience who are already in the country.  

As part of the TSDP, TPA plans to establish more Tourism Hubs across all four regions of PNG—Southern, Highlands, Momase, and New Guinea Islands. These hubs will be supported by a comprehensive MSME Training Program designed to guide businesses from ideation to market readiness.  

Speaking at the event, Minister Namah highlighted the importance of the hub in strengthening the tourism industry in the country.
“Tourism is a pot of gold that can be harnessed by everyone, regardless of their education, social status, or gender. Unlike other sectors, tourism has the power to unite us as a people and a nation, while also being economically and environmentally sustainable,” said Hon Namah.
The Minister also said that the initiative aligns with the Marape-Rosso Government’s focus on developing domestic tourism and achieving economic recovery in the post-pandemic era.

“This hub will not only support tourism MSMEs but will also contribute to PNG’s national development by creating jobs, generating income, and increasing tourism’s contribution to our GDP,” said Hon. Namah.  

The PGK 15 million project will be funded through allocations for Business Hub development, MSME programs, and the establishment of Tourism Information Centers.

Minister Namah thanked the industry stakeholders, TPA and its partners for their continued support.
“Together, we are unlocking PNG’s tourism potential and empowering our people to lead the growth of this sector, which is vital to our future,” said Hon. Namah.◼️