Tourism

The local cultural event have held great performances showcasing Gulf’s unique masks through traditional performances over the years. 
At the festival in recognizing the cultural event, Minister for Art, Culture and Tourism, Isi Leonard on behalf of the National Cultural Commission declared the festival as a national event in the annual cultural calendar. 

This was marked by a presentation of certificate to the custodians of the festival with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Gulf Provincial Government and the NCC be made at a later date.

General Manager of South Sea Horizons Australasia, Alan Manning, applauded the students’ enthusiasm, saying tourism is an undervalued resource in the province that can play a vital role in employment and economic growth, particularly in the Gazelle District.

“It is truly encouraging to witness students choosing to study tourism, as they hold the key to comprehending the industry and enhancing its future.”

Manning emphasised the exceptional opportunity that lies ahead in creating a thriving tourism industry within Gazelle district.

Before COVID-19, cruise tourism employed 1.8 million people around the world and generated over $154 billion (K547 billion) to the global economy.

“I believe sustainable cruise tourism growth is an economic opportunity for our people and a moral obligation that our administration must fulfil,” Governor Marum said.

Governor Marum applauded the Fisheries and Mineral Resources Minister and Gazelle MP, Jelta Wong’s, vision, saying he recognises the economic opportunities and moral obligations that lie ahead.

“This is the way forward,” said Marum.

“The power of tourism can create opportunities and drive economic growth in the Gazelle district and complement other industries like agriculture. We are open to all markets and welcome visitors from India, Australia, China, Europe, the Middle East and the United States of America.

During the launch of his peoples first ever Samarai-Murua Music, Song and Dance festival, Member for Samarai Murua and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Isi Henry Leonard spoke on the recent increase in cruise ships visiting Papua New Guinea after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in Alotau and how it has brought in more tourists.

Minister Leonard sees this as an opportunity to promote culture by engaging with provinces and going rural to showcase genuine cultural experiences.

The organizations’ executives held a meeting on Monday March 27. Ideas, challenges and opportunities were shared between the two companies to encourage a more collaborative approach toward tourism development.

Air Niugini’ s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon, recognized the efforts across the industry, to restart tourism after years of uncertainty and restrictions.

These businesses not only offer a unique tourism experience but also improve the livelihoods of communities along the track.

Lynn, who is about to lead his 101st expedition across the Kokoda Trail, said: “The decline in management started after Australian Government officials shifted responsibility for the management of the Kokoda Trail from PNG Tourism to the PNG Conservation Environment Protection Authority (CEPA).

“Since then, the Trail has been managed as a socio-environment resource rather than as a tourism enterprise,” said the Kokoda tour operator.

“When it was managed by PNG Tourism, trekker numbers increased dramatically by 1,440 percent from 365 per year in 2002 to 5,621 in 2008.

The opening of the Leemanda Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) coincided with the presentation of financial assistance to a local community cultural and tourism project.

Minister Leonard acknowledged the magnificent scenery of the environment where the newly built church was built and in a kind gesture appreciated the work of the local community to promote tourism in this area.

“I pay tribute to the work of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in the province, the work of the gospel commission is everybody's business as Papua New Guinea is a Christian country,” he stated.