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Over 400 tourists from the United States arrived in Port Moresby to embark on a half-day tour on Good Friday 26 March.
Arriving early in the morning, the tourists were aboard the MS Nautica, an expeditionary vessel owned by Oceania Cruises.
The tourists embarked on a journey through Port Moresby, visiting unique sites that showcased the diverse beauty of the city.
From the greenery of Port Moresby Nature Park to the House of Parliament, the journey also included stops at the National Museum, the World War 2 memorial, and the Tubusereia Village. For the adventurous tourists, a hike through the rugged trails of Varirata National Park offered breathtaking views of the areas around Port Moresby.
The MS Nautica, which had previously visited Samoa, Fiji, and Australia, has a reputation for specializing in bringing tourists to some of the most exotic destinations in the world.
Oceania Cruises’ Destinations Manager, Antonia Goffredi, said that Papua New Guinea holds a special attraction for travellers seeking an adventure.
“PNG is a very exotic destination for tourists. It’s one of those unique places where tourists want to visit. Despite the negative perceptions sometimes portrayed in the media, when you actually come here, you’re enchanted by the beauty of the country,” said Goffredi.
Goffredi emphasized the overwhelming interest among passengers aboard the MS Nautica to explore PNG.
“More than 80% of the passengers onboard wanted to see Papua New Guinea, and I believe more tourists will come once they experience the country firsthand,” said Goffredi.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, highlighted the significant contribution of cruise tourism to the country’s economy.
“Cruise tourism is an essential part of Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a substantial increase in the number of visitors arriving via cruise ships.
With strategic marketing efforts, we aim to further boost tourism numbers and position PNG as one of the most beloved tourist destinations in the world,” said Uvovo.
The visit from MS Nautica marks its inaugural visit to Port Moresby. Another planned visit to the country is scheduled for November to Alotau.
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
More than 70 Czech tourists embarked on a full-day Port Moresby tour on Saturday 23 March marking one of the largest tour groups to traverse through the city.
Arriving on a private Boeing 737 on Friday 22 March, the group comprising of ESO Travel’s staff and tourists embarked on a full-day exploration around the city, visiting the National Museum, the house of parliament and the Port Moresby Nature Park.
The visit of this large group was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Trans Niugini Tours and ESO Travel, a leading Czech travel agency renowned for its specialization in exotic destinations.
Tomas Ruzicka, Marketing Director at ESO Travel, expressed his enthusiasm for PNG as a prime tourist destination.
“PNG is such a culturally diverse location, and this is the major attraction for our customers. It’s the authenticity of this destination that makes it one of our most exotic destinations in the world.
“The last time we brought tourists here, there were only around 20 people, now there’s more than 70, I think it will continue to increase as PNG becomes one of our most loved exotic destinations, “said Ruzicka.
Ruzicka emphasized the importance of government support in building the tourism sector in PNG’s economy.
“For the future of tourism in PNG, I think the government has to prioritize tourism as one of the key contributors in the country’s economy,” said Ruzicka.
Trans Niugini Tours’ Quality Assurance Manager & Operations Coordinator, Rachel Lare, said that she was pleased to be a part of the tour in Port Moresby.
“ESO Travel has been sending tourists to Papua New Guinea annually. However, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, their operations were temporarily halted. This year’s visit, organized as a private charter, marked a significant return for both ESO Travel and tourism in PNG,” said Lare.
Lare also said that she is hopeful to continue working with ESO Travel and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority to promote PNG.
“2024 is our return to tourism and I am happy to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every tourist leaves Papua New Guinea with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for our country’s natural beauty and vibrant culture,” said Lare.
Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of the Tourism Promotion Authority, said that the visit of the group not only shows the growing interest in PNG as a unique destination, but also highlights the immense potential for development within the country’s tourism sector.
“The visit of the Czech tourist group is a testament to the allure of Papua New Guinea’s cultural and natural wonders. As more travelers discover the beauty and cultural richness of PNG. the future of tourism in Papua New Guinea appears increasingly promising,” said Uvovo.
Uvovo emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private stakeholders in driving the growth of the tourism industry.
“Tour operators such as Trans Niugini Tours and ESO Travel has played a pivotal role in bringing about an influx of visitors to Papua New Guinea. These collaboration between our local operators and international travel agencies strengthens the country’s position as a global tourist destination,” said Uvovo.
The PNG leg of the tour group’s itinerary is a part of their 26-day global hopping adventure, with Philippines and Hong Kong as their next destinations.
For further information, email: info@papuanewguinea.travel
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