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Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, has commended all industry members, stakeholders, and participants for their contributions to the successful staging of the National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025, held from Wednesday 9 April to Thursday 10 April at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence in Port Moresby.
Through a statement, Uvovo expressed heartfelt appreciation to the national leaders, corporate sponsors, tourism operators, community representatives, and development partners who came together to honour five decades of tourism in Papua New Guinea under the theme “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future: 50 Years of PNG Tourism.”
“This week’s events have been nothing short of extraordinary. We gathered not only to celebrate 50 years of tourism in our beautiful country, but to honour the visionaries, communities, and industry builders who laid the foundation for where we are today,” said Uvovo.
The event was also a tribute to three iconic figures who have shaped the course of tourism in the country — the late Sir Peter Barter, the late Mr. Max Benjamin, and Mr. Bob Bates. These individuals were honoured during the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards segment of the Gala Dinner.
TPA CEO, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, acknowledged their lasting legacy and the profound impact of their work.
“We honour the families of these great pioneers who dedicated their lives to building Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry from the ground up. Their vision, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire us.
And to Mr. Bob Bates — the last strong man still standing in PNG’s tourism legacy — we salute you. Your resilience and lifelong service are a beacon for the generations to come,” said Uvovo.
The CEO acknowledged the generous support of the event sponsors, highlighting the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries as Platinum Sponsor.
“Your investment and belief in the future of PNG tourism empowered us to host this event and recognise the legends of our industry with the honour they deserve,” he said.
He also extended gratitude to the Gold Sponsors,’ OK Tedi Mining Limited and ExxonMobil PNG, and the Bronze Sponsors, the Department of National Planning & Monitoring and China CSCEC Steel (PNG) for their partnership and continued support in strengthening tourism in Papua New Guinea.
Over the two-day conference, more than 300 participants engaged in sector updates, strategic panel discussions, and keynote presentations from leading tourism and business figures. Day One focused on post-COVID recovery, sustainability, SME development, and access to finance, with compelling input from speakers such as Alan Manning, Moses Wai, Andrew Abel, Dominic Sikakau, Lloyd Piari, and Cheyne Benjamin.
Day Two shifted toward the future, featuring sessions on investment, infrastructure, connectivity, and destination marketing. Presenters included John Tuaim, Fantasha Lockington, Simon-Marc Brendling, Gibson Holemba, Dominic Kaumu, Walter Yangomina, Charlie Wanma, David Rawlings, Noor Ahmad Hamid, Hannah Pearson, and Dr. Marcus Lee.
“To everyone who participated, from SMEs and landowners to youth representatives and investors, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this industry. Your stories and energy are shaping a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and authentically Papua New Guinean,” said Uvovo.
He noted that the outcomes of the conference provide a strong platform for future international milestones including Expo Osaka 2025 and the PNG-China Tourism Year 2026, as well as renewed commitment to improving industry standards, financing access, and digital marketing strategies.
Uvovo also extended special thanks to the TPA organising team, the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), and all the behind-the-scenes staff whose hard work ensured a professional and meaningful event experience.
“As we close this week of celebration and reflection, I thank you all for believing in the power of tourism to connect people, preserve culture, and transform lives. Let us move forward with pride, unity, and a shared purpose to take PNG tourism into the next 50 years,” said Uvovo.
📸Photo Caption: (L-R) Tourism Promotion Authority CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, and Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) Managing Director, Mr. Augustine S. Mano.
The National Tourism Conference & Expo, is set to take place on Wednesday 9th to Thursday 10th April, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel Port Moresby, aligning with the Nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) urges tourism industry members, stakeholders, and business leaders to register for the much-anticipated National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025 (NTCE).
Under the theme “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future,” the conference aims to bring together key industry players, government agencies, and international tourism experts to discuss strategies to advance Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector.
The event will be hosted by TPA in partnership Papua New Guinea Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) and sponsored by Mineral Resource Development Company (MRDC) as the event’s platinum sponsor.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo calls on all industry members to register and participate in the 2025 National Tourism Conference & Expo.
“We are calling on all industry players, from accommodation providers and tour operators to government agencies and corporate investors, to be part of this timely event.
This is more than just a conference, this is a catalyst to transform Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector for the future,” said Uvovo.
The Tourism Conference & Expo will feature panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Over 35 expert speakers will share insights across eight conference sessions, while 300 participants and 43 exhibitors are expected to attend.
Interested participants can register through the TPA website. General admission fees are K1,000 per person, with discounted rates of K500 for PNGTIA, Surf, and Dive Association members.
For businesses looking to increase visibility, sponsorship opportunities are available under Gold, set at K100,000, Silver, at K75,000, and Bronze, at K50,000. Sponsors will receive premium branding exposure, VIP seating at the gala dinner, and media recognition.
Limited exhibition booth spaces are also available for corporates, at K1,500 or K700 for members of PNGTIA, offering businesses a chance to engage directly with potential clients and partners.
With the event drawing closer, TPA has set the deadline for registration: Saturday 29th March 2025. TPA urges all tourism industry stakeholders to secure their seats, exhibit their services, or take advantage of sponsorship packages before spaces run out.◼️
For more details, visit www.papuanewguinea.travel/ntc-2025/ or contact TPA’s event coordination team at ntc@papuanewguinea.travel
Please help us share our news:
The Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), announced the National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025.
The event will convene leading experts, industry stakeholders, and key decision-makers to explore critical issues, discuss emerging trends, and plan a sustainable course for the future of tourism in the country.
A significant highlight of the announcement was the presentation of the Platinum Sponsorship from Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries. MRDC, a major investor in tourism and hospitality and instrumental in bringing the international Hilton brand to Papua New Guinea, has demonstrated its commitment to the sector’s growth through the contribution.
Hon. Belden Norman Namah, Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, states the strategic importance of the conference within the broader context of Papua New Guinea’s development. “This National Tourism Conference is a key component of the PNG Tourism Sector Development Plan, which recognises tourism as a vital renewable resource,” said Minister Namah. “This conference will serve as a catalyst, awakening the immense potential of the tourism industry and encouraging Papua New Guineans to recognise the ‘pot of gold’ that exists within this sector.”
Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of the TPA, remarked on the significance of the conference for industry stakeholders, “The PNG Tourism Industry Association, represent over 60 members, including hoteliers, transport providers, tour operators, artisans, and trekking companies. The conference serves as a vital conduit for facilitating knowledge exchange and driving the development of actionable strategies to promote sustainable growth. Additionally, the conference will feature an exposition open to the public, allowing people to explore and understand more about the diverse packages offered.”
Mr. Augustine Mano, Managing Director of MRDC, explained MRDC recognises the immense, long-term potential of the tourism sector to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s economic diversification and sustainable development. Mr Mano explained, “Our investment in this conference, along with our broader commitment to tourism and hospitality through initiatives like the Hilton brand and infrastructure development in the communities we serve, reflects our vision for a future beyond extractive industries.”
“Tourism can complement extractive resources, as it offers a lasting benefit for our people. That’s why our investments, in aviation, finance, healthcare, real estate, power generation, all contribute to building a foundation that supports and promotes tourism. This conference will be instrumental in shaping that sustainable future and helping our communities thrive in the tourism industry.” Mr Mano said.
The National Tourism Conference will address a wide range of critical topics, including sustainable tourism development, destination marketing, cultural preservation, infrastructure development, and community engagement. It will provide a valuable forum for participants to network, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives to enhance Papua New Guinea’s tourism offerings.
Further details about the conference, including dates, venue, and registration information, will be released soon.
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