Tourism industry

Industry Plans Awareness Rollout

He said the industry has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 affecting international travels and demand for our products.

Even back home, many lost their jobs from hotel and guesthouse workers, tour operators and those working at the cultural centers. 

“When COVID-19 struck PNG, it was the tourism industry that was devastated. The tourism industry is the major employer for the youth and many of them have lost their jobs,” Minister Leonard said.        

Vaccination To Help Tourism Industry

At the official opening of the first ever national contemporary arts exhibition in Port Moresby last Friday at the APEC Haus, Minister Leonard stressed that mass vaccination of the country’s population would change the tide and give confidence to foreign tourists to visit Papua New Guinea.

He said culture, creative industry in PNG is an untapped industry, and to him it is like a sleeping giant that if given the recognition it deserves, it would contribute to the national purse and assist in nation building.

Impacts of COVID-19 on Tourism Industry

The survey was aimed at assessing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the industry.

Overall, the tourism industry contributes over K0.5 billion to the nation’s economy every year.

The survey found it will report far short of that this year.

A total of 44 respondents including hotels, tour operators, guest house owners, industry associations, airlines, product owners, and parks participated in the survey, which revealed massive losses they suffered in key areas of their businesses.

Pacific must be prepared for long battle with coronavirus-Op piece PIPSO's Stephen Lyon

A radio interview with NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on New Zealand’s Newstalk ZB (0740 09/02/20) it seems to indicate the New Zealand Government has not learned from the measles epidemic in Samoa nor have they accepted the criticisms of their own Ministry of Health. And that head in the sand attitude has been continued with this far more deadly new disease.

Sustainable tourism needed to move industry forward

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. 

Workshop to identify better tourism marketing strategies

 A tourism marketing workshop is underway in Port Moresby today, highlighting the issue with the theme "Reviewing marketing activities for tourism growth in PNG”.

The workshop aims to gather views from various stakeholders in the industry to assist with a comprehensive tourism planning process.

Tourism Minister Tobias Kulang said marketing must start locally and the marketing goals must be integrated and aligned with development and management. This is to ensure the appropriate messaging and outcomes are delivered.

Cooks PM axes departure cards

Mr Puna says anyone leaving the Cook Islands will now only have to check in and follow the normal security checks before departure.

However, arrival cards will still need to be completed.

Meanwhile, Mr Puna arrives in New Zealand today for a week of events marking the country's 50th anniversary of self government.

It follows gala events on Rarotonga last week.

Niue on track for 10,000 tourists in 2015

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Niue, Ross Ardern, says there has been a push by the governments of both New Zealand and Niue to increase tourism in order decrease reliance on remittances and aid money.

He says it appears to be paying off, with the country of 1,500 people on track to reach its goal of 10,000 visitors this year, a significant increase from 4,000 in 2009.

Ardern says this increase has brought a significant cash injection to Niue's economy.