Photo: Executive Team from Hilton Port Moresby Hotel and Residences leads media tour of the luxurious 'Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Residences

The luxurious five-star "Star Mountain Plaza Port Moresby Hilton Residences" are nearing completion and expected to be finished in mid-July 2023, located in the heart of Port Moresby City (Waigani). An executive team led by Hilton Port Moresby Hotel and Residences General Manager Mr. Ryan Mikkelson conducted a tour on the 21st of March 2023.

The Hilton Port Moresby Residences have 18 floors, including a recreational area, a hub work office space, a bar bistro eat and drink area, a gym, and various residential spaces that comprise studio rooms, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments, totaling 180 residences.

Area Vice President and Head of Australasia at Hilton Asia Pacific, Mr. Paul Hutton, commended Papua New Guinea's ability to rebound through the tough economic crisis experienced globally due to its resource-rich status despite the COVID pandemic. Hilton Management in Port Moresby is looking forward to hosting international and domestic meetings, including government, cultural, tourism, and the major oil and gas sector to generate income for the nation.

"We are looking forward to accommodating expatriates and interested families who would like to stay and experience the Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Residences," said Mr. Hutton.

The contractor for the "Star Mountain Plaza Hilton Residential Project" is Stratum Group, which was engaged in end-to-end scope, ranging from development management, design, procurement, and facilitating commercial feasibilities. They develop the brand proposition, secure hotel operators, demonstrate economic principles to attract investment and sponsorship.

The first stage of the Hilton hotel was completed in 2018 and is currently in operation, while the second stage, the Hilton Residences, will be opening mid-this year.

The Hilton Hotel and Residence is funded by Mineral Resources Development Corporation (MRDC) under its Landowner Company Star Mountain Plaza.

Once the Hilton Residence is open, it will create an extra 150 jobs for interested Papua New Guineans. Currently, it has 250 staff working in the hotel.

Photo credit: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

The Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has confirmed that over 100 cruise liners will be visiting PNG this year, bringing in an estimated US$40 million (about K137.10 million), according to an official. During the launch of the TPA Corporate Plan 2023-2026 in Port Moresby on Friday, CEO Eric Uvovo stated that the plan would guide TPA's strategic direction.

"With a promising forecast on the cruise tourism sector, we are expecting over 100 cruise ships into PNG this year, carrying over 90,000 cruise passengers into PNG and with a direct economic impact to the PNG economy through tax and levies of over US$40 million, we have a lot to offer in PNG," said Uvovo.

Uvovo outlined TPA's strategic priorities, which include "expanding global, regional and domestic reach; accelerating tourism investment through smart policies and plans; raising the levels of tourism service education and management; maximising value from tourism research and monitoring; strengthening tourism product development for sustainable tourism; maintaining excellence in corporate governance and performance; and providing effective services through human resource, ICT and financial management."

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard commented that PNG has a lot of tourism products to offer. Uvovo added that the corporate plan aligns with the national government's economic development objectives, as captured in the Medium-Term Development Plan and Vision 2050.

"Our strategic priorities seek to amplify our role as defined in the TPA Act (1993) and the Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026 as aligned with the national government’s economic development objectives as captured in the Medium-Term Development Plan and Vision 2050," said Uvovo.

"I am confident our Vision 2026 will be successful in strategically meeting and delivering all our aspirations for a prosperous tourism sector," Uvovo added. The Corporate Plan 2023-2026 is expected to serve as the roadmap to achieving this vision. With the anticipated increase in cruise liners visiting PNG, the tourism sector has a lot to offer and will provide a significant economic impact on the country.

Photo credit: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

Rodney Begley, the acting CEO of PNG Ports Corporation, has announced that Papua New Guinea will be receiving an exceptional number of cruise ships this year. Speaking at a business breakfast forum with the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Begley revealed that the country is expecting 100 cruise ships to visit, which is a significant number. The ships will primarily dock at three locations - Alotau, Conflict Island, and Rabaul.

Mr Begley explained that his team had been working tirelessly to ensure that the country is prepared for the influx of tourists, especially with regards to Covid-19 protocols. "Two to three months ago, we flew down a small delegation to Australia and they worked through all the Covid protocols," he said. "It's an ongoing process, generally, large cruise ships come to anchor and leave."

He also mentioned that PNG Ports does not invest directly in cruise ship terminals. However, they invest in facilities to ensure that the ships can dock safely at the ports. "It's exciting, 100 cruise ships, that's a lot of tourists spending money here in PNG," he said.

Mr Begley emphasised the importance of everyone's responsibility in ensuring that the tourists have a safe and enjoyable experience in Papua New Guinea. "It's everyone's responsibility, the people on the streets selling goods, the police providing a safe environment for our tourists to enter the country," he said.

Lastly, he mentioned that PNG Ports had been working closely with the tourism industry and the Department of Health to ensure that the cruise companies are complying with the health protocols to enter the country safely. "We have worked very closely with tourism, and we have worked with the Department of Health to ensure that they are working closely with the major cruise companies so that when passengers arrive, they are fully vaccinated and covered all the health protocols to enter the country safely," he said.

In conclusion, Papua New Guinea is expecting an unprecedented number of cruise ships this year. PNG Ports Corporation, together with the tourism industry and the Department of Health, is working tirelessly to ensure that the country is prepared for the influx of tourists and that they have a safe and enjoyable experience. As Mr Begley puts it, "It's everyone's responsibility."

Photo credit: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

National Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Jelta Wong, expressed his optimism regarding the future of tourism in Papua New Guinea (PNG). He believes that the country's tourism industry will experience significant changes within the next five years, particularly with the growth of the cruise ship sector. Wong noted that the cruise ship industry is the fastest-growing subsector of the tourism industry globally and a crucial export for over 80 percent of developing countries, particularly those in the Pacific region.

Wong stated, "The Australian cruise market is one of the world’s fastest-growing cruise markets, frequently cruising the South Pacific, namely Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Fiji. With this influx of mass tourism, smaller Pacific nations like Papua New Guinea experience some positive, high-value macroeconomic impacts."

However, the growth of the cruise industry also poses significant concerns, particularly regarding the socio-economic impacts of over-tourism, population pollution, and passenger environmental footprints. Wong emphasized that the direct impacts of cruise tourism on cultural-based tourism and cultural integrity are primary concerns for grassroots people, especially in the Gazelle District, where he serves as the Member of Parliament. He stated, "The direct impacts on cultural-based tourism and cultural integrity are a primary concern for our grassroots people, especially in the Gazelle District. PNG’s people have solid cultures, customs, and traditional beliefs, and these are what we need to protect when we engage in cultural tourism."

It is crucial to strike a balance between the growth of the tourism industry and preserving the country's cultural heritage and natural resources. Wong added, "PNG’s people have solid cultures, customs, and traditional beliefs, and these are what we need to protect when we engage in cultural tourism."

Despite the potential negative impacts of the cruise industry, Wong acknowledged that cruise tourists visit PNG seeking authentic cultural exchanges, virgin environmental adventures, and remote island experiences. Most tourists engage in some form of community-based tourism during their PNG adventures. Wong stated, "Cruise tourists travel to PNG seeking reciprocal authentic cultural exchanges, virgin environmental adventures and remote picture-perfect island experiences. Most tourists are engaging in some form of community-based tourism when on their PNG adventures."

It is essential to address the potential negative impacts of the cruise industry while promoting sustainable tourism that preserves PNG's cultural and environmental integrity. Wong's comments highlight the importance of striking a balance between economic growth and the preservation of PNG's cultural heritage and natural resources.

The Department of Commerce, Trade and Industry reached another milestone recently when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Tourism and Promotions Authority (TPA).

The MOU paves the way forward for both parties to continue bilateral partnership based on the understanding of tourism and promotions in Bougainville.

The MOU was signed by the PNG TPA and the ABG Department of Commerce, Trade and Industry on the understanding relating to a joint partnership for the protection and preservation of tangible and intangible culture, development and promotion of tourism, contemporary culture and the arts and sustainable tourism in the autonomous region of Bougainville.

ABG Vice President and Minister for Commerce Trade and Industry, Hon. Patrick Nisira (MHR) acknowledged the PNGTPA for its tremendous support so far since the first MoU was signed in 2016.

The support has cemented many agreements already signed and has proven that Bougainville is truly a tourism destination that is worth investing time and money on.

Mr. Nisira acknowledged the PNG TPA officers for their continuous negotiation with the Bougainville partners in pushing for significant income generating programmes to proceed in the region.

“Standing here today it gives me great pleasure to witness and participate in this significant event that will go down in history books of this nation to be. We are here today to mark this important event on the signing of the MOU between my ministry and the department of national government and PNG Tourism Promotions Authority (PNG TPA).”

This agreement adds value to our collective vision, ideas and consultations that the local tourism and cultural practitioners in both government and private sectors, he said.

“As a way forward the agreement presents a realistic and workable approach to tourism development and its sustainability in the region.”

“The MOU also sets out a framework for future development for tourism emphasizing on effective and determined and holistic approaches.”

He said that the agreement generally outlines the pros and cons of tourism development in Bougainville and the framework and strategy of reaching the targeted goals and vision earmarked to reaching the overarching goals of economic building and development.        

Deputy Chief Secretary for Operations Anthony Koiri approved and signed the MOU on behalf of the Bougainville Public Service Chief Secretary who is on sick leave at the moment.

The signing was witnessed by the staff of the PNG Tourism Promotions Authority (PNGTPA), Department of Commerce, Trade and Industry, senior officers and a small crowd at the Bel Isi park.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority hosted its first Implementation Steering Committee Meeting for the recently launched Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026 on the 29th June 2022, at the Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby.

The Chief Executive Officer Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, chaired the inaugural meeting in the presence of 16 organisation representatives to deliberate on the purpose, functions and reporting mechanisms of the TSDP-ISC.

The Implementation Steering Committee (ISC) is the highest working committee that is designed to coordinate all tourism related agendas pursued under the various sub working committees that exist within the sector for national prioritization and development in Papua New Guinea.

The CEO provided his welcome remarks and invited organisations to become members of the ISC to help contribute to the implementation of the TSDP and to grow the industry in the next five years amidst the global pandemic.

Some of the work that will need to be done under the ISC include;

• The development of a National Tourism Standards and Regulatory Framework
• The proper design of a pricing strategy for Tourism
• The review of the cost of travel in the country
• The active participation of land owners for tourism sites and attractions
• Tourism Taxation Incentives
• Access to finance for Tourism related purposes of development
• Youth empowerment through tourism initiatives
• International marketing re-strategizing for PNG Tourism
• PNGTPA Brand awareness in country and abroad
• Utilization of airline general sales agents overseas
• Strong partnership with PNG Kundu offices for destination and investment awareness
• Strong tourism investment incentives and so forth.

Mr. Uvovo further stated that through collaboration at the TSDP-ISC level, this will enable PNGTPA as the lead sector agency to steer the development of the national tourism industry products and services to a level that is globally and regionally competitive.

The ISC plans to meet quarterly and envisions more organisations to join in the membership to provide sound advice and judgement for all tourism related matters that are escalated at the high level.

All provincial governments have been urged by the CEO to take ownership of the new tourism plan by participating in the ISC in order to ensure that the national plan cascades down to the provincial level through the setup of provincial ISCs as well. The Provincial-ISCs will be utilised to inform the national TSDP ISC as a reporting mechanism for all tourism initiatives and issues encountered in the provinces.

The CEO also stated that stakeholder partnerships with the private sector will also be prioritised to ensure that plan achieves its full potential.

PNGTPA has extended invitation to all other government agencies and private sector stakeholders who would like to be a part of the committee to express their interests to the PNGTPA Division of Policy and Planning for consideration and partnership. 

Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard claims that the National Cultural Commission (NCC) cannot reasonably promote Papua New Guinea's tourism industry.

“We have to work in partnership with provincial governments at the national level to develop the industry,” he added.

Leonard stated that the government was, therefore, signing MOU with various provincial governments to partner in tourism-culture based promotions at the national level while speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the NCC and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government (ABG).

“We need partners and stakeholders to work in partnership to preserve, safeguard, protect, develop and promote our cultural heritage,” he said.

The MOU that was signed between the ABG and NCC, according to Leonard, would guarantee that Bougainville assumed ownership of the arts, cultures, cultural institutions, assets, buildings, places, cultural programmes, and events that were held in the area.

“Tourism is the second highest and growing industry with an annual net worth of K500 billion across the world, and that the country can benefit from a slice of that K500 billion,” he added.

According to Leonard, Bougainville is well-positioned along the routes taken by cruise ships and would be a popular tourist destination.

Additionally, he said that Bougainville's World War II remnants had elevated the independent zone and would be crucial to drawing tourists.

“That is a bonus to what you already have in-terms of your traditional culture to showcase,” he said.

“I believe the war relics, such as the site where Japanese army general Yamamoto was said to have crashed could be turned into a tourist site, likewise many other areas across Bougainville.”

Reference: The National (6 December 2022). “NCC, ABG ink tourism agreement”.

Photo: Isi Henry Leonard

Tourism, Art and Culture Minister, Isi Henry Leonard has urged that Papua New Guinea must promote domestic tourism as a pathway forward in order to preserve, safeguard and promote the country’s culture.

“I wanted to see a simple tourism industry that is more people oriented,” he said. The minister stated this to participating students at the 16th University of Papua New Guinea Tourism Seminar at the main campus of the university during the seminar.

This was one of the main and important agendas that the Minister has been in pursuance of since taking office as the Minister appointed and responsible for Tourism, Art and Culture in 2020. Minister Leonard said that it was important that PNG promote domestic tourism by reviving, harnessing and encouraging national cultural festivals nationwide.

He further reiterated that “We are here at this seminar also to promote and help support our students who are keen in participating immensely to the promotion of domestic tourism”.

He added that PNG is vulnerable to Law and Order issues including global pandemics such as Covid-19 and for PNG to remain optimistic in witnessing great participation from effective international tourism opportunities remains unfriendly.

Minister Leonard said, “We have to cultivate our own traditional cultures and promote domestic tourism as much as possible because the domestic tourism sector remains a sleeping giant”.

He further stated that the National Cultural Commission (NCC) is now being reshaped and with the commission’s newly launched Tourism Plan 2022-2026, the agenda of promoting domestic tourism remains a major priority of the industry. The provincial Governments must now partner with the NCC to revive and harness cultural festivals.

Minister Leonard also stressed that Enga and Milne Bay Provinces have already partnered with the commission and are doing well in organizing cultural festivals to promote domestic tourism.

The 16th University of Papua New Guinea Tourism Seminar was sponsored by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) and organized by 3rd year Tourism and Hospitality Management undergraduate and professional studies students.

He addressed the seminar that Papua New Guineans must be given the opportunity to participate and take ownership of their cultural heritage.

Photo: (L-R) Deputy Controller National Pandemic Response Dr. Daoni Esorom, Minister for Tourism Arts & Culture Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, PNGTPA CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo. Credit: PNGTPA

Tourism Promotion Authority has announced the re-opening of Cruise Tourism into the country. Chief executive officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said that the cruise tourism sector before COVID-19 contributed US$20 million (K70.4 million) to the economy.

Following the loosening of travel restrictions in PNG for commercial vessels, he said one of their main agenda items for the year was cruise tourism.

“Cruise tourism as we know it today can be traced back to the beginning of the 1960s coinciding with the decline of transoceanic ship travel and introduction of the first nonstop air travel between USA and Europe,” Mr. Uvovo said.

“This is according to its history, however, PNG cruise tourism is an essential part of our tourism program where visitors from all over the world can come and cruise around our beautiful islands and enjoy the breathtaking scenarios, including our blue seas, the lagoons, river ways, reef and many other beautiful sites we have across our islands.”

As of August 4, 2022, the controller published new measures, and those measures call for the ports to be opened, which will now enable commercial ships, commerce, and most crucially cruise ships to enter the nation, according to Deputy Controller National Pandemic Response Dr. Daoni Esorom.

He claimed that because most ports and borders were closed during the epidemic, residents had a difficult time. Now that the ports have reopened, he claimed that many people will profit from the companies that cruise ships offer when they arrive at ports.

Cruise tourism is a significant economic driver, thus Isi Henry Leonard, minister of tourism, arts, and culture, is glad that the ports are now reopening to welcome cruise ships back into the nation.

Reference: Kamus, Maxine. Post-Courier (6 October 2022). “TPA Announces Re-Opening Of Cruise Tourism Sector”.

Photo credit: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority is still encouraging travellers from all around the world to come to PNG.

This was made known at the beginning of this month at the week-long roadshow, The Treasures of the Pacific, a tourism-focused event held in many Australian cities, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Alice Kuaningi, the marketing director for TPA in PNG, and Simon Dari Pih, the marketing officer, participated in the roadshow, which began in Brisbane and finished in Sydney a fortnight ago.

Richard Skewes, the host event organiser, was pleased with how PNG was represented at the occasion and said that it was nice to see PNG participating in the road show with other Pacific Nations.

“This is the first time in two years to showcase in person all of the South Pacific Products and its treasurers and is possibly be the first time in a long time PNG actually came out with its representatives unlike others which is wonderful,” Mr Skewes said.

According to him, this is a yearly event that aims to enlighten and educate travel agents on travel and tourism in other nations.

“More importantly to tell the people around the world that the Pacific Island countries are now open to receive tourists and people alike that needed time and break away from all that is happening around them,” Ms said.

Travel brokers were told by Ms Kuaningi that PNG is a fascinating nation that may make a vacation trip unforgettable.

“It was short timing to show and tell the World about our beautiful country but they were all impressed,” Ms Kuaninigi said.

“Our primary objective is to come out here and inform our partners that our borders have opened up, we are now ready to receive tourists again.”

Mr Skewes said: “It is important to start conversing with the travel trade partners and convince them that PNG is ready to receive tourists after the long delay caused by COVID-19 travel restrictions.

“Our tourism operators, hotels and airlines depend on business and leisure travellers to keep their business operating.”

Reference: Teme, Kevin. Post-Courier (August 25, 2022). “PNG Attends South Pacific Roadshow”.

Photo credit: Post Courier 

Tourism Promotion Authority will invest a capital of K1 million into creating package tours to boost domestic tourism in the country.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for a Travel Subsidy Partnership between Air Niugini Limited and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has been signed.

TPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Uvovo stated that TPA is now looking at a mechanism to subsidise travel for package tours in order to promote domestic tourism in collaboration with the airline companies, particularly Air Niugini and PNG Air Limited.

According to him, K1 million must be committed initially in order to create package tours, and TPA is considering frontloading K500,000 to Air Niugini for the package tours.

“This is a partnership aimed at encouraging domestic tourism and bringing back tourism in Papua New Guinea post-COVID.

“We want to help stimulate the industry and going forward, this is one way we believe will go a long way in assisting the tourism industry in the country,” he said.

Paul Abbot, general manager of commercial operations for Air Niugini, claimed that nobody in the business, particularly those working in the airline, ground transportation, and hotel industries, benefited from the last two years.

“It is important to put together programs like this which will drive benefit back into the local community and tourism industry.

“Our objective is to make domestic tourism package products a lot more accessible to a lot people whether they are international coming inbound or more importantly domestic people looking at exploring the country,” he said.

The packages will have the fundamental package structure, according to Mr. Abbot.

He stated that the subsidy will be used to actually subsidise the packages so that the ground operators continue to receive their fair share of revenue in order to ensure that people on the ground are supported, whether it be through the use of hotels or rental cars. The subsidy will be deducted from the price of the package by K500 per person.

Reference: Kamus, Maxine. Post-Courier (22 July 2022). “TPA Invests K1 Million To Boost Domestic Tourism”.