PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

This is part of PNGTPA’s vision to continue to develop its human resource as they are key assets in the organisation.

The lead tourism agency recently invested in one of the training programs facilitated by the Institute of Banking and Business Management (IBBM).

The first batch of PNGTPA staff attended the training on March 14^th-18^th while the second batch will conclude their training on Friday, March 25^th.

The National Cultural Commission (NCC) when holding the final audition recently in Port Moresby. The competition was set up to choose only one winner, however due to certain criteria set, a tie was announced that ended in selecting two troupes, Bilas Group and the UPNG Creative Arts Group.

The troupes will be among many that will take part in a weeklong strand of events in Dubai that will give our chosen candidates the opportunity to highlight PNG’s culture and tradition in song and dance.

This is to promote its cultural product on the world market to attract more tourists to visit the site. 

Since 2014, 155 international tourists had visited the site.

This was revealed by Jacinta Tai, coordinator of culture from the Division of Commerce,Tourism and Culture – WHPA recently when accompanying 6 tourists from France to the site. 

The cultural centre was formed in 2015 however, due to its unique cultural performances and scenic sites, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority has decided to market the centre to the world.

Dadae said tourism has an enormous economic potential for the country but is unexplored. 

“Our country’s economic potential lies in tourism in areas that are untapped or yet to be explored.

“PNG is an attractive destination in terms of cultural diversity, with more than 800 languages and cultures that we can showcase to the world, and natural beauty, our country is very beautiful with diverse flora and fauna, high mountains, magnificent waterfalls and stunning beaches, to name a few,” Dadae said.

Eco-tourism business owner Vincent Kumura described this sector in the tourism industry as a sleeping giant that is now a fast growing industry.

Kumura said large scale tourism organizations or businesses must not dominate every single aspect of the tourism market.

He said this will kill equal participation by locals, discourage specialisation, slow economic growth and increase poverty.

To further develop the industry, Kumura says all stakeholders must work together.

Eco-tourism business owner Vincent Kumura said sustainable tourism practices are very necessary in the tourism industry.

Kumura stressed the importance of sustainable tourism practices when speaking to students at the recent 9th Liklik Diwai Tourism Expo hosted by Divine Word University in Madang.

Kumura is the managing director for Snow Pass eco-lodge located at Bundi in Madang Province.

He said tourism must be managed sustainably from the product development, strategic management, integrated marketing to the customer service delivery stages. 

Port Moresby Nature Park and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority have announced the inclusion of this new event, which will complement the Tourism Week celebrations.

The event, to be hosted at the Park, will be completely unique in its approach to other cultural celebrations. It will provide visitor participation in activities such as basket weaving, bilum making, traditional food processing and preparation, the art of carving, and playing of traditional games.

“I will make sure we will go through the record of discussions amongst the delegates from the APEC member economies that have a lot of experiences in the tourism sector, and we adopt some of their comments and discussions to improve our tourism market and destination.”

Kulang was speaking at the opening of the 49th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation-APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting yesterday in Kokopo, East New Britain.

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tobias Kulang, during the naming ceremony of Air Niugini’s Fokker 70 “Alotau”, says tourism is not just some leisure activity; it is a critical aspect that builds the economy.

“Tourism is sustaining a lot of economies in the region but for PNG, tourism contributes only 2 percent to the country’s GDP when in comparison, I believe we have a lot of potential,” Kulang says.

TPA CEO, Jerry Angus highlights the close similarities between the two industries, saying they can work along.

He says like tourism, fashion is based on culture, ultimately wants to sell, has a niche market and gives a sense of self-identity.

Speaking at the first day of workshop organised by PNG Fashion Week yesterday, the CEO pledged TPA’s support behind PNGFW’s initiative.