The premier tourism event of the year for the tourism industry, the Lukim PNG Nau Expo, will be held in the tourism hub of Kokopo this year, uniting the entire tourism industry.
The PNG Tourism Industry Association Inc, in partnership with the PNG Tourism Authority, will for the first time host the event out of Port Moresby.
The 6th tourism expo will kick off with the tourism week training and awareness workshop from 20-21 September, before the three-day expo from Sept 23-25 at the exotic Rapopo Plantation Resort.
PNG Tourism Industry Association Executive Manager, Christine Peipul, says the events will be an opportunity for operators in the tourism industry from the New Guinea Islands region to dominate the event.
"We are expecting 30 tourism operators at the expo,” Peipul stated.
“We are also hoping that by bringing the event to the New Guinea Islands, we anticipate greater participation from tourism businesses and the wide private and public sectors in the region.
“The Kalibobo Spirit will also be docked in Kokopo from Sept 18-25," she added.
Peipul said Solomon Islands tourism will also attend the event for the third year.
The tourism week training will see workshops facilitated by regional and local representatives on tourism data, analysis, trends, accreditation, standards, business compliance and other useful information.
The event brings together all tourism operators in one location, showcasing a wide range of tourism products, invites international agents to enhance and establish business relationships and also educates the domestic trade and audiences on tourism products and services.
Since 2013, there has been an increase in exhibitor participation, with 29 operators to 35 in 2017.