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Proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours, Bob Bates, honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Gala Dinner segment of the National Tourism Conference & Expo (NTCE2025) on Thursday 10 April, at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were proudly sponsored by the Platinum Sponsor of the National Tourism Conference & Expo, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries. Their partnership played a significant role in recognising industry legends who have shaped the tourism landscape of Papua New Guinea.
The award was jointly presented by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, and the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Namah, in recognition of Mr. Bates’ lifelong commitment to developing and promoting tourism in Papua New Guinea.
Mr. Bates joined two other proud recipients recognised for their legacy and contributions to the tourism industry. These included Andrew and Juanita Barter, who received the award on behalf of the late Sir Peter Barter, founder of Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd; and Cheyne and Cecilie Benjamin, the son and wife of the late Max Benjamin, proprietor of the iconic Walindi Plantation Resort in West New Britain Province.
With more than four decades of service to the tourism sector, Bob Bates has long been a cornerstone of adventure and eco-tourism in Papua New Guinea. He arrived in the country in the early 1970s and quickly established Trans Niugini Tours, which has since become one of PNG’s most respected inbound tour operators.
His company is known for its commitment to cultural authenticity, environmental conservation, and community-based tourism. From setting up eco-lodges in remote parts of the country, such as Rondon Ridge, Karawari Lodge, and Ambua Lodge, to organising carefully curated cultural tours and expeditions, Mr. Bates has helped place Papua New Guinea on the global tourism map.
Bob Bates offered his thanks to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Tourism, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), and the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA).
“I thank you all for this honour — although I must say, I’ve still got another 40 years in me, so it’s not quite a ‘lifetime’ yet!” said Bates.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, commended Mr. Bates for his remarkable contribution.
“Mr Bates is a name that resonates across the tourism industry not just in PNG but internationally. His deep respect for local culture, his investment in sustainable tourism, and his pioneering spirit have inspired generations. On behalf of TPA and the entire tourism family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and thanks for his dedication to Papua New Guinea.”
Photo Caption: L-R): Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Beldan Namah, proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours, Bob Bates and the Prime Minister of PNG, Hon. James Marape presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Bates during the presentation at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence.
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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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