More than 60 tourism service providers, including air service providers, car rental companies, and clothing retail outlets, received their certificates after completing the China Ready workshop on Thursday 25 April at the APEC  Haus, Port Moresby.

This initiative is in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, NCDC Government and the Chinese Government aimed to make Papua New Guinea a premier destination ready to cater to the needs of Chinese tourists. PNG is the 51st country to adopt this globally recognized program, following 50 others nations across six continents, representing 25% of global destinations.

The China Ready Program, established in 2002, is the largest of its kind, ensuring destinations and service providers meet Chinese hospitality standards. Operated by CBISN and exclusively issued by the China Outbound Tourism Research Academy (COTA), the program is endorsed by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Peter Kerua, Trans Niugini Tours’ Port Moresby Operations Manager, joined many participants from the workshop expressing his enthusiasm about the potential of the Chinese market for PNG.

“I am thrilled to learn about this exciting market. China is the fastest-growing economy in the world, and I see many benefits in terms of tourism for PNG to start attracting Chinese travellers to come and experience our amazing country,” said Kerua.

Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, Minister for Arts & Culture, highlighted the potential of tourism in the country.

“Tourism is an emerging economy in Papua New Guinea, presenting significant opportunities for growth and development. The China Ready program can enable us to make PNG China Ready.

Having the workshop is a guide to us on understanding the Chinese Market and identifying what we can offer to China. This is the first step towards building a robust relationship with this key market,” said Leonard.

Left to right: PNGTPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, China Travel Online CEO, Dr Marcus Lee and Minister for Tourism Arts & Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard during the precursor press conference to the China Ready workshop at the PNGTPA office on Wednesday 24 April.

Dr. Marcus Lee, CEO of China Travel Online and facilitator for the China Ready workshop, provided insights into the program’s objectives.

“Our primary objective is to enable Papua New Guinea to tap into the vast potential of the Chinese Market. We’ve completed our audit, and the essence of the China Ready concept is to guide destinations and stakeholders on welcoming Chinese tourists. More importantly, it’s about delivering services and products that meet Chinese standards,” said Lee.

Lee encouraged the government to work closely with PNGTPA to make PNG China Ready.

“After the China Ready workshop, I urge all stakeholders, including the government and PNGTPA, to implement the Insights gained to make Port Moresby and PNG truly China Ready,” said Lee.

The workshop aimed to equip tourism industry players with the latest market updates, insights into the post-COVID-19 Chinese traveller, and effective strategies tailored for the evolving Chinese market. With direct flights connecting China to PNG and the recent visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister, Hon Wang Yi, strengthening bilateral ties, there’s an evident opportunity for PNG to boost its tourism sector.

PNGTPA’s CEO, Mr Eric Mossman Uvovo described the initiative as a historical milestone for the country’s tourism.

“This marks a historical moment where we position ourselves to welcome one of the biggest economies in the world in terms of tourism. The workshop was a pivotal moment for stakeholders and all of us to be ready for the outbound Chinese Market,” said Uvovo.

Left to right: China Travel Online CEO, Dr Marcus Lee, Counsellor Deputy Head of Mission Chinese Embassy, Chen Jiliang, Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, NCDC Governor, Hon. Powes Parkop, PNGTPA Deputy Board Chairman, Andrew Abel and PNGTPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo during the China Ready workshop at the APEC Haus.

For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel 

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.

NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop with Staff Representatives from Hertz

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 

Share to:

Papua New Guinea Logo