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More than 60 local entrepreneurs from the Naewab District of Morobe Province have graduated from a two-week business training on Friday 18 October 2024 to empower them with skills and knowledge to grow their tourism business in the district.
The entrepreneurs completed their training program under the “Start Your Own Business” (SYB) initiative.
The training was facilitated by the Small & Medium Enterprise Corporation (SMEC) in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), as part of an effort to boost local tourism businesses across the country.
The participants are entrepreneurs from the Local Level Governments (LLGs) of Labuta, Nabak, and Wain Erap. They were awarded certificates for their dedication to enhancing their entrepreneurial skills.
The training aimed to build both tourism-related knowledge and practical business skills, laying the foundation for future tourism ventures that will support economic growth and cultural preservation in Naewab.
The key objective of the SYB program is to equip potential and existing tourism business owners with essential skills and knowledge. The curriculum covered business planning, record-keeping, basic accounting, marketing, and product management, all aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism development in the region.
The training aligns with the TPA’s Tourism Sector Development Plan (TSDP) 2022-2026, which emphasizes the growth of tourism-related Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Papua New Guinea. TPA has set a target of reaching 1,000 tourism MSMEs by 2026 through annual training sessions, aiming to expand the SME sector to 500,000 by 2030.
The training is expected to lead to the creation of new, sustainable tourism businesses, with many participants already showcasing ideas that could become successful ventures. To ensure the longevity and success of these businesses, TPA will continue to support participants by providing grants and guiding them through its newly established business incubation centre.
Additional management training, including specialized skills in marketing and product development, will also be offered to further assist these new business owners in navigating the complexities of running a tourism enterprise.
Beyond business development, the program is also committed to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Naewab District. Tourism ventures born from this initiative will not only contribute to the local economy but also help sustain traditional practices, arts, and crafts that are integral to the district’s cultural identity.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended the participants and highlighted the importance of the participants to explore business ideas that utilize realistic resources available in their local communities.
“The focus of this training is not just on theoretical knowledge but on empowering participants with practical skills they can apply immediately. We want to see these entrepreneurs create sustainable tourism businesses that will contribute to the economic development of their communities.
By aligning these efforts with our Tourism Sector Development Plan, we are ensuring that this initiative directly supports our national goals. We plan to conduct four training sessions every year to give more entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed in the tourism industry,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also added that TPA plans to offer follow-up training to further enhance the participant’s skills.
“There will be future trainings conducted under the “Improve Your Business” (IYB) module, which will help existing businesses refine specific skills and further their development. Through these ongoing efforts, TPA and SMEC are both dedicated to promoting a strong and sustainable tourism industry that will benefit both entrepreneurs and their communities for years to come,” said Uvovo.
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Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) and the Nawaeb District Development Authority (NDDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday 18 October aimed to promote sustainable tourism development in the Nawaeb District, Morobe Province.
The MOU outlines a framework for collaboration, financial support, capacity building, and the strengthening of local tourism institutions in the district.
The MOU establishes a structured partnership between PNGTPA and NDDA, focusing on tourism development at the district level. It will provide a clear division of roles and responsibilities, while promoting sustainable practices in line with national policies such as Vision 2050, the Development Strategic Plan (DSP) 2010-2030, and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).
The MOU is also aligned with the NEC Decision No. 94/2010, which emphasizes the need to integrate provincial and national tourism initiatives. This collaboration will ensure that Nawaeb District’s tourism plans are not only localized but also contribute to national tourism goals.
The MOU highlights the importance of protecting the cultural heritage of Nawaeb. This includes supporting local festivals, promoting arts and crafts, and creating cultural exchanges for local artists. In addition, the agreement aims to develop tourism products that are environmentally sustainable, promoting conservation efforts and helping communities adapt to climate change.
Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Kennewton Kennedy, speaking during the official signing of the MOU in Naewab District, reminded the people of their district’s tourism potential.
“The district is blessed with unique cultural and natural assets. This partnership with PNGTPA will allow us to promote these treasures to the world while ensuring that our people benefit from the economic opportunities tourism brings. We are particularly excited about the capacity-building initiatives that will empower the communities,” said Kennedy.
The MOU also outlines a comprehensive business framework, addressing key areas such as infrastructure development, marketing, and product innovation. The focus on developing tourism infrastructure is expected to drive economic growth in the district by creating jobs and supporting local industries such as agriculture, transport, and hospitality.
To ensure inclusivity, the agreement emphasizes policies that promote gender equality and equal opportunities, particularly for vulnerable groups. The district will also work on developing a self-sustaining tourism bureau, ensuring that tourism initiatives can continue to thrive independently.
Under the terms of the MOU, PNGTPA and NDDA will focus on protecting Nawaeb’s cultural identity through joint programs and information sharing. There will also be a strong emphasis on supporting performing arts, exhibitions, and festivals, which are key to attracting visitors and preserving the district’s unique cultural heritage.
The MOU will be reviewed every five years to assess its progress against the District Development Plan and the Tourism Sector Development Plan (TSDP) 2022-2026. Both PNGTPA and NDDA will produce annual reports, presenting milestones and financial audits to ensure accountability and transparency.
Performance metrics will include the number of tourism projects initiated, the level of local business participation, and the overall impact on the district’s economy. A Joint Milestones Matrix (JMM) will be used to track progress, and third-party participation will be encouraged if aligned with the objectives of the MOU.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the importance of the MOU between TPA and Nawaeb District.
“Tourism is a key driver for local economies, and through this MOU, we are laying the foundation for a sustainable tourism industry in Nawaeb. Our commitment is to work hand-in-hand with the district to unlock its full potential, while ensuring the protection of its rich cultural heritage.
By investing in tourism, we are not only creating economic opportunities but also protecting and promoting our district’s culture and environment for future generations,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo also added that the MOU with PNGTPA and NDDA, they are confident that Nawaeb District will soon become a key player in Papua New Guinea’s tourism landscape. The partnership aims to transform the district into a model for sustainable tourism development, benefiting not only the local communities but also contributing to the national economy.
📸Above Banner Image: (L-R): Director Corporate Affairs of SME Corp, Mr. Rodney Sumale, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) Acting CEO & the Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Kennewton Kennedy, Member of Nawaeb District, Hon. Theo Pelgen, TPA’s Executive Manager for Research and Business Development, Douglas Keari (third from right), Chairman & CEO of the NDDA, Mr. Buds Botike (second from right) and TPA’s Senior Provincial Liaison Officer, Stanley Relson (far right) following the singing of the MOU between TPA and NDDA in Nawaeb District, Morobe Province.
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