Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Jimi District Development Authority (DDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday 11th October in Port Moresby to drive sustainable development and enhance tourism in the Jimi District of Jiwaka Province.
This partnership aims to strengthen the relationship between national, provincial, and district authorities, focusing on building capacity and providing material support for tourism-related projects. Both entities have committed to preserving Jimi District’s rich cultural heritage, while also improving infrastructure and promoting the area as one of the country’s key tourist destinations.
CEO of TPA, Eric Mossman Uvovo, praised the initiative.
“This MOU is important for TPA and Jimi DDA. It shows TPA’s commitment to protecting our people’s culture and promoting sustainable tourism by working with districts at the local level.
Jimi is a district with immense cultural and natural beauty, and we are excited to work together to build it into a tourism product. This partnership will contribute to the national tourism agenda and align with the government’s vision for 2050,” said Uvovo. The MOU is closely aligned with several national development plans, including Vision 2050, the Development Strategic Plan (DSP) 2010-2030, and the National Tourism Policy. It promotes the importance of provincial and district governments in protecting PNG’s cultural and natural heritage, a cornerstone for promoting sustainable tourism in the country.
Both parties have agreed to establish a Joint Milestones Matrix (JMM), which will outline annual targets and budget priorities, ensuring that progress is consistently reviewed and updated. PNGTPA will provide support and work closely with the district to ensure that all initiatives are community-focused and responsive to local needs.
The agreement also highlights the creation of a district-level data collection system, which will help monitor tourism trends, demographics, and cultural resources. By sharing this data, both TPA and the Jimi DDA aim to ensure that future tourism projects are based on accurate information and meet the needs of local communities.
Minister for Mining Member for Jimi Open Electorate & Chairman of Jimi District Development Authority, Hon. Wake Goi highlighted the importance of the MOU agreement for Jimi District.
“Through this landmark partnership, Jimi District will become a key tourism area in Papua New Guinea. Our collaboration with TPA is a start to a new chapter for the people of Jimi. This MOU is an approach that prioritizes environmental protection, and the active involvement of local communities in the decision-making process. I am committed to ensuring that this partnership leads to sustainable growth and more benefits for our district. I am excited for the opportunities this brings, not just for tourism, but for the development of my Jimi District and our future generations,” said Uvovo.◼️
📸 Above image: (L-R) Chairman of Jimi Marita Festival, Gabby Aipanga, Jimi District Administration’s (DDA) Finance Manager, Joseph Kala, Minister for Mining Member for Jimi Open Electorate & Chairman of Jimi District Development Authority, Hon. Wake Goi, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo and TPA’s Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Kennewton Kennedy during the official signing of the MOU between TPA and Jimi DDA.
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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) and in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), has published two significant reports from the International Visitor Survey (IVS).
These reports, covering the periods of June 2023 to May 2024 and January to June 2024, provide essential data on visitor preferences, spending patterns, and overall experiences of international tourists to Papua New Guinea (PNG). The insights will support both SPTO and PNGTPA in understanding visitor behavior and improving tourism offerings to meet evolving demands.
PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo praised the collaboration with SPTO and the PTDI team, emphasizing the importance of the reports for shaping PNG’s tourism future.
“These reports offer invaluable insights that will help us enhance the visitor experience and strengthen PNG’s position as a unique tourism destination. We are thankful for SPTO’s ongoing support in delivering these surveys,” Uvovo said.
Key Findings from the reports reveal that business travel is the leading reason for visiting PNG, while cultural attractions such as traditional dances, food preservation techniques, and historic architecture are also key draws. The hospitality and warmth of the local people further elevate the visitor experience.
From June 2023 to May 2024, international visitors contributed an estimated USD 296 million to the PNG economy, highlighting tourism’s role in driving economic growth and supporting local businesses. This represents a 21% increase from the previous period, reflecting a strong recovery in the sector.
However, for the January to June 2024 period, visitors contributed an estimated USD 150 million, a notable 40% increase from the previous reporting period, highlighting the growing appeal of PNG as a travel destination and the continued economic impact of tourism. Visitor satisfaction remained high across both reports, with most respondents rating their experience as either “good” or “excellent.” The positive feedback highlights PNG’s appeal, especially its rich culture and warm hospitality.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker highlighted the value of the PTDI, a research project funded by the New Zealand Government, specifically designed to collect and report on tourism information.
“SPTO’s role as the leading hub for Pacific Tourism Research allows us to drive initiatives like the PTDI, offering crucial insights into tourism trends and impacts. We are committed to providing our member countries, including PNG, with the data necessary for promoting sustainable tourism growth,” Mr Cocker shared.
Since transitioning to SPTO’s management in October 2023, the PTDI continues to be an essential resource for tourism data across the Pacific. 10 Pacific Island nations -Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and FSM-Yap, are in the PTDI project that is geared towards supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making. It includes the production of a bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report.◼️
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
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