December 2003 Issue - 19^th December 2003

SURFING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

SURFING in Papua New Guinea is gaining international recognition, not only as a sport but more so as a tourism product.

Interests from around the world, particularly Australia and the United States in recent times, has seen overseas surfers travel to Nusa Beach Resort in Kavieng and Lido Village in Vanimo to experience PNG surf.

A United States Surfing Promotion Team has arrived in the country and will shot a film on surfing. They will film in Kavieng on December 13 and in Vanimo on January 5. Another Australian crew is already on the ground at Nusa shooting material for an 8-10minute full-on action promotional video for Air Niugini, Tourism Promotion Authority and the Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea (SAPNG).

Head of the US film crew Adam Pesce of Santa Barbara, California, said that surfing was becoming a global phenomenon, not necessarily as a sport but as a pastime for many individuals and families around the globe, with some 17 million people registered as members of surf associations worldwide.

We are basically here to learn about the development of surfing in Papua New Guinea and the efforts of Andy Abel and the Surfing Association of PNG to develop surfing in PNG,he said.

We are also fascinated by growth of surfing in the village level and what that means for community development.

Accompanying the team is Jess Ponting, a lecturer of sustainable tourism development at the Sydney University of Technology.

Said Mr Ponting: I am basically looking at surf tourism as a means to affecting community development in the rural areas.

Mr Abel said the arrival of the US team marks a significant milestone in the 16-year history of the SAPNG in capturing the history and evolution of modern sport surfing and surf tourism in PNG.

He said the film production coupled with the recently launched TPA surf brochure and website (www.surfingpapuanewguinea.org.pg) signifies a major step forward in the promotion and development of surf tourism in PNG.

“Through this collective effort between SAPNG, TPA, Air Niugini and the US Surfing Promotion Team, we hope to further expand surf tourism in the world by way of the inbound surf tourist numbers,he said.

Acting TPA chief executive officer Erigere Singin said surfing is now being classified and developed as a niche market in PNG by TPA and positive publicity and promotion by overseas media such as the US Surfing Promotion Team will do a lot of good for the industry in PNG.

Ms Singin reiterated TPA CEO Peter Vincent's push for development of Sports Tourism, whereby TPA would like to sponsor regional or international sporting competitions hosted by PNG beginning in 2004, with surfing high on the agenda as one such sport.

Visitor Arrivals - FIRST EIGHT MONTHS (JANUARY-AUGUST)2003

A total of 40,130 short-term international visitors entered Papua New Guinea between January and September of 2003.

This number was lower by 895 over the corresponding period in 2002 (2.2% down).

The main reasons for the visitors coming to the country were business, holiday, visit friends and families and other purposes.

The business segment accounted for 25,681 visitors, 64% of the total arrival figure. This segment recorded a slight decrease by 0.1% compared to the same period in 2002.

Holiday seekers numbered 10,954, accounting for 27.3% of total visitors. This is a decrease of 7.%.

The VFR visitor segment recorded 3,266 (8%) of the total visitors in 2003. This segment also recorded a decrease by 2.6%.

The highest visitor generating market during the period was Australia (52.7%), followed by the USA (9.3%), Japan (6.4%) and the Philippines (5.2%).

Compared to 2002, the source markets that recorded highest increase during the period were Germany (34.3%), followed by Oceania (25.4%), Other Asian markets (19.2%) and Australian market (6.9%).

There is a clear indication that travelers are turning away from Asia and other destinations where traveler safety is at risk.

Markets with decrease during the period were the USA market (27.8% down), Canadian market (40.4% down). The UK, Other European and Japanese markets also recorded decrease by 21 %, 11% and 8% respectively.

The major reasons for the decrease in the major market segment could be attributed to increases in fees and levies by the National Government. These include Visa fees from K60 to K100 and airport International departure tax from K30 to K60. A new domestic departure tax of K10 is also in force. The TPA has always maintained that the increases are actually impedements to tourism growth and should be scrapped. The decrease in visitor numbers was also as a result of the cancellation of major national events and festivals such as Hiri Moale, Independence Day celebrations and others. There hasnt been any interesting events in PNG this year where we should market overseas to boost the pleasure market segment, and as a result we had a negative impact in the segment and our major source markets.

Other reasons for these negative experiences in the different market segments during the period could have been attributed to numerous terror actions in the Asian region, USA region, the SARS outbreak, and the poor performance in the world economy that is affecting travel & tourism worldwide.

Year-to-date Arrivals 2003

THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA EXPERIENCE

Papua New Guinea is the Land of a Thousands Cultures merged in harmony with untouched natural wonders - it is truly the worlds last frontier. Lying barely south of the equator, Papua New Guinea is the biggest island in the Pacific and is 160 kilometers north of Australia. It is the last of a string of islands spilling down from South East Asia into the Pacific and shares a common land border with Indonesia. Shaped by mother-nature for centuries, it is a country of wild beauty, of breathe taking landscapes, and of fascinating flora and fauna. The mainland and most of its outer islands are lined with towering mountain peaks, lush fertile valleys, golden beaches, sparkling coral islands, extensive wetlands as well as some of the best diving and fishing spots in the world. The Papua New Guinea Experience is like nothing youve seen anywhere else in the Pacific or the world. Here, where time seems to have lapsed into eternity, every turn presents a new attraction for the passionate traveler or tourist. No two provinces are alike in the astounding complexity of this country's people, and there are well over 800 distinct languages spoken throughout Papua New Guinea. Those that have visited our rich and culturally diverse country are always mesmerized by the natural beauty and wonders of this tropical paradise. The 5,190,786 people that inhibit Papua New Guineas total land area of 470,000 square kilometers are mostly of Melanesian origin with traces of Polynesians and Micronesians in parts of the coastal provinces. They are always warm and friendly, always excited about welcoming their visitors and always eager to show them around their country. The countrys unique and diverse cultures as well as its natural beauty lure visitors to Papua New Guinea every year.

Papua New Guineas abundant war relics from World War One and Two provides treasure hunters an abundance of Japanese, American and Australian underwater wrecks, fabulous critters and undamaged reef systems supporting a huge diversity of fish life, large and small. Many wrecks are stashed away near colorful cascading coral reefs, providing the best diving spots of breath taking beauty anywhere in the world. It is also said that there are so many places and so little time for fishing you could honestly fish Papua New Guinea for the rest of your life. Special packages can also be organized for the avid birdwatcher, which includes watching the unique Birds of Paradise at play, mating or just showing off their unique dance in their natural habitat. Also in its natural habitat, is the world largest butterfly, Queen Alexanders Birdwing Butterfly, only found in Papua New Guinea.

Port Moresby is the capital city and the seat of government for this vibrant young democracy. As the gateway to PNG, it boasts a modern international airport, luxury hotels as well as deluxe and backpacker lodges. Situated in the southern region of PNG, major tourist attractions include the unique architectural design of the House of Parliament, National Botanical Garden with its wide array of distinctive orchids, the Moitaka Wildlife Sanctuary known for its hungry crocodiles, the Bomana War Cemetery where allied forces lie side by side in eternal peace and the Loloata Island Resort provides some of the best night diving experience. The Walindi Plantation Resort near Kimbe in West New Britain Province and the Tufi Dive Resort in Northern Province also provide top class diving experiences in Papua New Guinea. The Highlands region is wrapped in mist and mystery and accounts for one-third of the countrys population. The region provides some of the most fascinating costumes, body painting and headdresses seen anywhere. For instance, the internationally acclaimed Ambua Lodge with its majestic views overlooking the Tari Basin is home to the world famous Huli Wigman with their bright and elaborately painted faces. Some of the worlds best water cruises and safaris can be taken along PNGs longest river system - the mighty Sepik River. The MV Sepik Spirit is a floating lodge for the adventurer desires all the comforts of civilization while traversing the mysterious middle reaches of the mighty Sepik River.

The luxurious cruise ship MV MTS Discoverer also takes tourists up the mighty Sepik as well as the waters of the Bismarck Sea to the New Guinea Islands and down to the Islands of Love in Milne Bay. Idyllic Madang town situated on the beach front along the northern coastline is the tourism capital of Papua New Guinea. Referred to as The Jewel of the Bismarck Sea, it also offers wildlife tours and promotes some of the finest eco-tourism lodges in the world. Further across Bismarck Sea, lies the island of New Britain, and Rabaul town, a strategic naval base for the Japanese where submarine tunnels built during the war are a major attraction. Rabauls twin volcanoes still spews dust over the town it destroyed in 1994. Milne Bay to the south-eastern most tip of Papua New Guinea is a booming coastal town, where tourists can enjoy a leisurely stay or wonder off to the outlying Trobriand Islands for the famous yam festivals and tapioca dances. Bordering Milne Bay to the north is Popondetta town, where the famous World War 2 Kokoda Trek links Port Moresby over the Owen Stanley Ranges. Thousands travel from around the world to conquer this Everest. The scene of bitter fighting during the war, the 96km trail passes through some of the most rugged terrain lined with eye-catching flora and fauna, and crystal clear streams that rush down steep gorges into the valleys far below. Finally, back in the Highlands region, the Eastern Highlands Province is home to the popular Asaro Mudman and the now popular coffee trade fair, which promotes some of the worlds best organic coffee and is also home to the popular Eastern Highlands Cultural Show. In fact, Papua New Guineas rich and diverse cultures can be witnessed at major cultural shows held around the country throughout the year.

There are just so many places to see and things to do in Papua New Guinea it would be advisable to spend plenty of time when you visit our country.

Papua New Guineas national airline Air Niugini provides direct international flights to Australia, Singapore, Japan and the Solomon Islands with connections to the rest of the world. There are well established road, shipping and communication networks in most of the country, linking visitors with modern hotels, shops and sporting facilities or just keeping them in touch with relatives back home.

Papua New Guineans pride in their countrys wild beauty, breathe taking landscapes, and fascinating flora and fauna, including some of the worlds most rear species of bird, such as the Bird of Paradise PNGs proud national symbol.

A place of drama, solitude and sophistication, PNG offers you everything from a typical village style accommodation to a luxury hotel, cruises aboard modern live aboard vessels, trekking along untouched virgin forests, wild water rafting expeditions or allows one just to be at peace with nature. So the next time you are looking for a holiday destination, come to Papua New Guinea and share the experience with us, we guarantee you, youll want to come back for more.

TOURISM TRAINING FOR KUNDIAWA HOTEL STAFF

TOURISM and hospitality industry development in Simbu Province took a major step forward with a week-long tourism and hospitality management workshop for the staff and management of Kundiawa Hotel.

Former PNG Tourism Promotion Authority tourism and hospitality trainer Steven Mago conducted the workshop from December 1 -5, 2003. It also coincided with major renovation work, currently undertaken by the hotel.

At the workshop, 15 staff and managers covered areas of tourism development and the finer points of hospitality management including guest relations, quality customer service, personal and service presentation skills, effective communication, and restaurant and bar service, telephone techniques, marketing and selling.

A similar workshop will be conducted at the Minj Hotel, formerly Tribal Tops Inn, in Western Highlands Province.

Kundiawa Hotel manager Joe Sil said the Minj Hotel would be developed to cater for the growing conference market and as a tourist getaway location. Packages will also be developed which will cover accommodation, meals, local tours and golf games at the nearby Minj Golf Club.

A conference center will also be built at the Kundiawa Hotel to cater for local and regional meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

Mr Sil said tourism and hospitality was a growing industry and needed people with special skills and personal attributes to meet the different needs and expectations of the tourists and other visitors.

He thanked Mr Mago for the training and urged other tourism operators to consider similar training needs fore their staff and management.

Tour Operators, visitors, corporate houses, individuals and the general public are welcome to make comments or contributions to the PNG Tourism Monthly Newsletter. All correspondence to:
The Public Relations Coordinator
Colin Taimbari
Ph: (675) 320 0211
Fax: (675) 320 0223
E-mail: ctaimbari@pngtourism.org.pg
Website: www.pngtourism.org.pg