The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is moving to revive a dormant ferry in Port Moresby Harbour as part of efforts to expand marine tourism, develop new tourism products and unlock greater economic value from the capital's coastline.
PNGTPA has partnered with Happy Soles Ltd. and Marine Contract Management to operate and manage the vessel, which has been out of service for some time.
The partnership was formally signed on Aug. 6, with the three organizations expected to work together to return the vessel to safe and professional operation.
For PNG's tourism industry, the initiative provides an opportunity to diversify the visitor experience beyond traditional land-based attractions while increasing private-sector participation in marine tourism.
PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said returning the vessel to service was an important step in making better use of tourism assets and developing new opportunities for the industry.
“This boat has been sitting idle for some time, and today marks the beginning of a new chapter. Our goal is to get it back on the water as quickly and safely as possible so it can support PNGTPA's work in promoting Papua New Guinea and creating more tourism opportunities,” Uvovo said.
New marine tourism products
The vessel will initially be used for tourism promotion activities, official engagements and sightseeing around Port Moresby. It is also expected to provide a platform for developing commercial marine tourism products.
Potential offerings include island cruises, private functions, family celebrations and sightseeing experiences, creating opportunities for local businesses to provide supporting services.
Happy Soles Managing Director Yiannis Nicolaou said the company plans to upgrade the vessel with more comfortable seating and modern features while developing experiences that complement existing marine services in Port Moresby.
“We want to give visitors something different by creating enjoyable experiences on the water,” Nicolaou said.
The planned upgrades and operation of the vessel could generate business opportunities in hospitality, catering, events, transportation, maintenance and other tourism-related services.
Marine Contract Management Managing Director Capt. Matthew Dieni said his company would focus on vessel maintenance, safety and professional operations.
“It is an honor to partner with PNGTPA on this important project. My team and I are committed to ensuring the boat is well maintained, safely operated and ready to deliver quality services,” Dieni said.
Expanding marine tourism infrastructure
The partnership forms part of PNGTPA's broader effort to strengthen the country's marine tourism infrastructure, including the development of jetties and waterfront facilities.
Uvovo said Port Moresby would provide a starting point, with the potential to replicate similar initiatives in other coastal provinces and destinations.
Papua New Guinea's extensive coastline, islands and marine environment provide significant potential for marine tourism, but developing that potential requires investment in infrastructure, transportation links, tourism facilities and professionally operated visitor experiences.
For the tourism sector, expanding marine-based products could increase visitor spending and encourage longer stays by giving tourists additional activities while in the country.
It could also create opportunities for local communities and small businesses to participate in the tourism supply chain as marine tourism products expand.
PNGTPA said it would continue working with industry partners to unlock the potential of the country's coastline and coastal attractions, with the broader objective of positioning Papua New Guinea as a destination offering authentic and memorable experiences.
The return of the Port Moresby ferry therefore represents more than the reactivation of an idle tourism asset. It provides a potential platform for developing a new segment of PNG's tourism economy, with longer-term opportunities to expand marine tourism services beyond the capital to other coastal destinations across the country.
