PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Joins Organizing Steering Committee for 2023 World Indigenous Forum

Port Moresby, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (3 March 2023) – Papua New Guinea’s preparations for the 2023 World Indigenous Business Forum – to be staged in October at the APEC Haus, began with the announcement of over a dozen government agencies joining the organizing steering committee in early March. 

Hon. Richard Maru and Hon. Kessy Sawang, Minister and Vice-Minister respectively for the Ministry of Trade and Investment, made the upcoming forum’s preparatory announcement at a press conference at the Hilton Hotel.

Both Ministers acknowledged the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) for accepting their Ministry’s invitation to join the organizing steering committee. During the conference they emphasized TPA’s expected contribution to the World Indigenous Business Forum, which includes support for destination marketing and promotion, especially the production of videos highlighting Papua New Guinea as a unique travel and tourism destination, and also developing tour packages for visiting forum participants from around the world. 

Representing TPA on the organizing steering committee for the World Indigenous Business Forum, will be Ms. Alice Kuaningi, director of marketing, research and promotions.  Ms. Kuaningi and the TPA marketing division, have a great deal of experience with supporting world class events hosted in Papua New Guinea, especially the APEC 2018, FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, 2015 Pacific Games, 2014 Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture, and more.      

TPA chief executive officer Mr. Eric Uvovo expressed his overwhelming support towards the Ministry of Trade and Investment.

“The World Indigenous Business Forum is a wonderful occasion to showcase Papua New Guinea as an incredible travel destination.  Our tourism sector also has a large network of local tourism businesses who contribute to our economy, and we are looking forward to encouraging their presence at this very important forum”

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Trade and Investment, the Marape-Rosso Government and the National Executive Council for nominating the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority to be an integral part of the planning towards the World Indigenous Business Forum.  I am confident that my team will perform exceptionally to help the Government of Papua New Guinea deliver this world class event,” Mr. Uvovo said. 

The World Indigenous Business Forum is an annual event established by the Indigenous Leadership Development Institute of Canada.  The Forum has been staged throughout various parts of the world since 2011, and has amassed a global community of indigenous people who are focused on inspiring, mobilizing and supporting organizations and entrepreneurs in the sustainable development of indigenous businesses and communities across the globe. Visit the World Indigenous Business Forum website: www.wibf.ca