Tourism Promotion Authority

PNG among world’s top destinations: National Geographic

In a statement, the Tourism Promotion Authority proudly said: “The highly anticipated annual list was unveiled in the December 2016/January 2017 issue of the magazine and has gone on sale on newsstands globally since November 29, and is also online at NatGeoTravel.com/BestTrips2017.”

TPA chief Executive officer Jerry Agus said National Geographic is the world’s top traveler’s magazine and for PNG to get its endorsement as one of the world’s best ‘must see’ destinations in 2017 was simply awesome.

TPA told to beef up tourism promotion

He said TPA must profile every province, tourism site and destination to promote the country leading up to the 2018 APEC Leaders’ Summit.

Kulang explained that we must have this ready for the international community even before the APEC Meeting and leading up to that.

Kulang said

“We were supposed to prepare the nation in terms of marketing when the eyes of the rest of the Pacific Islands and the world were on us but unfortunately that didn’t happen.

“TPA did not do one thing in terms of marketing and that needs to improve leading up to APEC,” Kulang said.

Regional hubs to be created to boost tourism

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Tobias Kulang said most of the tourism destinations and sites are located in the provinces.

Kulang said these hubs will enable the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) to pay close attention to developing these tourism destinations and sites.

Kulang added that they require the partnership of the provincial governments and district development authorities to partner with them through these regional hubs.

TPA CEO post still to be filled

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Justin Tkatchenko told Loop PNG that, the position had already been advertised and PSC will make recommendation of three potential candidates to the National Executive Council to make an appointment.

He declined to comment when a candidate for the top post to promote the country’s tourism industry will be appointed but said the candidate will be someone who must be qualified and can deliver.

“It’s a very important position and we need a committed and dedicated individual.

“I need someone to work seven days like me.

Kokoda incident is a setback for tourism says TPA boss

But an optimistic Vincent says the independent assessment given by tour operators, Charlie Lynn and Frank Taylor gives a balanced picture of the two tourists account of their ordeal reported in a London newspaper.

Both operators represent 80 precent of the Australian market.     

“In the last 12-18 months, TPA has engaged women models to promote and market Kokoda to (potential) women trackers. 

 “We have done it through our Sydney office, through PR perspective and the incident is a setback,” Vincent said.

Handover takeover of Tourism Ministry today

Following a cabinet reshuffle by the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on Monday, the current Minister for Sports Justin Tkatchenko now takes the reins of the untapped industry which has huge potential to be a major revenue earner for PNG.     

Planning Minister Charles Abel, who has been acting Tourism Minister, will be passing the baton to Tkatchenko.  

“I am very privileged to have been chosen by Prime Minister Hon Peter O'Neill to take tourism to a whole new level,’’ Tkatchenko posted on social media yesterday. 

Media urged to support tourism industry

Minister for Tourism Justin Tkatchenko says the media needs to balance its reporting to promote tourism abroad.

Tkatchenko says the media plays a very important role as well in promoting and developing the tourism industry.

He reminded the media that when there’s negativity published about PNG,  “it goes viral so when it comes to promoting tourism, the media is the key to the success or downfall of our tourism industry.

“We have to balance our reporting by promoting our provinces and natural beauty that will attract tourists to come in and enjoy our country.

Tkatchenko promises lift for tourism

Newly appointed Minister for Tourism Justin Tkatchenko aims to lift the standard of tourism in the country.

Tkatchenko, who is also the Minister for Sports and National Events, says he will make use of the K50 million budgeted this year for TPA to promote, market and develop tourism locally and abroad.

He says the first agenda is to develop current tourism developers and introduce private and public partnerships  for the benefit of everyone and the country.

Tkatchenko also plans to visit the local areas, villages and provinces where tourism is promoted.