TPA Commends Staff for Earning ILO Trainers’ Certification

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) congratulated two of its staff for successfully graduating with their Training of Trainers (ToT) Certificate on Friday 27 June 2025 at the Kokoda Trail Motel, Port Moresby.

TPA’s Executive Manager for Research & Business Development, Douglas Keari and TPA’s Culture Officer, Jessie Pundu, join a certified network of SIYB Trainers responsible for delivering capability-building and business advisory services nationwide.

The training under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program took an intensive two-week training program facilitated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

The SIYB program is a globally recognized entrepreneurial training initiative designed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to build the capacity of trainers who will provide business development training and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.

Keari highlighted on the positive aspects of the training.

“This certification is a personal milestone and it’s an opportunity to directly contribute to the growth of our tourism MSMEs. The training has equipped us with tools and that are practical and rooted in the realities of what our small business operators across PNG face,” said Keari.

Pundu said that he was excited and committed to demonstrating some of his newly acquired skills from the training to the industry members in tourism.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained will help me support grassroots tourism operators, especially in the cultural and community-based tourism space. I’m eager to start putting it all into action,” said Pundu.

Keari and Pundu will join a growing team of certified trainers within the organization. The duo will work alongside TPA’s Senior Partnership & Liaison Officer, Clare Atava Kolma, and Senior Business Development Officer, Dunstan Uluchoe, who both completed their ILO Trainers’ Certification in 2023.

The SIYB program covered a wide scope of responsibilities, including the promotion of entrepreneurship, training delivery, quality assurance, technical support, and ongoing mentorship of MSMEs. Trainers are expected to follow strict ILO and SMEC guidelines to ensure the consistency and quality of training delivery.

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended both employees for their commitment to the training.

“This achievement reflects TPA’s commitment to investing in our human resources to better serve the tourism sector. I am proud of Douglas and Jessie for embracing this challenge. Their certification not only enhances our internal capabilities but also strengthens our outreach to communities and MSMEs that form the backbone of our tourism industry.”