At the 2026 Enga Cultural Show, PNGTPA highlighted collaboration, cultural preservation and community safety as foundations for sustainable tourism growth.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cultural events that preserve Papua New Guinea’s rich heritage while creating opportunities for tourism, investment and economic development.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2026 Enga Cultural Show on Friday, 7 August, at Aipus Oval in Wabag, PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo called for stronger collaboration among communities, government agencies, cultural institutions and tourism stakeholders to protect and promote the province’s cultural heritage.

Mr Uvovo acknowledged the Enga Provincial Government, event organisers, cultural groups, community leaders and participants for their continued commitment to keeping the annual cultural celebration alive.

“We are working closely with the National Cultural Commission and our people and communities to ensure that our culture continues to be respected, protected and promoted,” Mr Uvovo said.

He emphasised that PNGTPA was working alongside the National Cultural Commission, provincial authorities, communities and tourism industry stakeholders to promote Papua New Guinea’s cultures, landscapes, people and visitor experiences to wider domestic and international audiences.

“Culture is one of Papua New Guinea’s greatest tourism assets. It provides an important opportunity to showcase our traditional dances, customs, knowledge, identity and ways of life to visitors from across the country and overseas,” he said.

Mr Uvovo also stressed that peace, stability and law and order were essential to unlocking Enga’s tourism potential.

“Enga has the culture, the people and the beautiful environment to become a major tourism destination. But for tourism to grow, we must have peace, stability and law and order,” he said.

He encouraged community members and leaders to work together to create a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, tourism operators and investors.

A stable and secure environment, he noted, would help attract investment and generate employment, business and income opportunities for local communities.

The 2026 Enga Cultural Show brought together cultural groups and communities for two days of traditional performances and displays, celebrating Enga’s distinctive identity while showcasing the province’s tourism potential.

PNGTPA remains committed to strengthening the connection between culture, tourism, investment and economic development. Through continued collaboration, the Authority aims to support communities in preserving their heritage while creating sustainable opportunities for the people of Enga and Papua New Guinea.◼️