The PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) in association with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), is pleased to announce the 3rd National Tourism Conference to be held in Port Moresby at the Holiday Inn on 19 June 2006. The Conference theme is “Tourism:  A Key Sustainable Resource And Everyone’s Business”.

The National Tourism Conference (NTC) in 2006, is an industry initiative, managed by the peak industry body, the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), and partnered by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA).  Being the 3rd tourism conference of its kind, the NTC is emerging as a high profile event. Tourism is the world’s fastest growing industry, with over 808 million tourists traveling in 2005, the industry has a global value in excess of US$ 500 billion.  In the South Pacific region alone, tourism expenditure was estimated to be worth US$ 1.52 billion in 2004 . PNGs’ share of the regional market is very small, at only 5 percent of total arrivals, but less than 2 percent of the holiday market.  In comparison, Fiji now has a tourism industry with a value exceeding US 570 m which is currently creating around 4,000 direct jobs a year.  Even small island nations, such as the Cook Islands and Vanuatu have significant tourism industries which contribute up to 50 percent of gross domestic product and 75 percent of foreign exchange. Tourism in PNG contributes approximately 3.5 percent to the country’s GDP , highlighting the quantum challenges ahead, and necessitating a unified approach by all stakeholders in developing the sector. Tourism in PNG incorporates the full spectrum of core to associated businesses – from large established enterprises to small/medium sized enterprises. In 2002, the Government prioritized a recovery strategy as one of its pillar objectives, and announced its Export Driven Economic Recovery Policy.  The policy recognizes the importance of the export sector, and tourism as a key export commodity because of its ability to generate substantive foreign exchange earnings.  The Medium Term Development Strategy (MTDS) 2005 – 2010, released by the Government in November 2004, recognises the potential for the tourism industry to contribute significantly to the economic, social, cultural and environmental well being of PNG.  In addition the government has recently approved a ‘Tourism Policy for PNG’, which broadly states the country’s goals and objectives for the sector. The United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals promote the following objectives: (i) sustainable development, (ii) alleviation of poverty,  (iii) participation of local communities. Under the existing environment, the industry agrees that it is timely for all stakeholders to come together to discuss ways to continue strengthening and growing the industry in a sustainable manner, with the full support of government.

These key principles and policies are incorporated within the NTC Mission Statement.   MISSION STATEMENT   The PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) jointly recognise that:- (i)                 The professional management of PNG’s vast natural resources as an export commodity, will place PNG as a popular destination in the Pacific Region, resulting in a vibrant and sustainable industry and economy; (ii)               The role of government being the policy maker and coordinator, and the role of the industry being that of implementor; (iii)              The realisation of a strong industry and economy requires regular platform for constructive dialogue and unified resolve by all stakeholders on wide ranging issues that call for action at the highest level(s).   OBJECTIVES The objectives for the NTC reflect the current needs of the tourism industry and are based on feedback provided by members and sector reference groups. Current objectives include to;          Provide a forum for industry education;        Increase networking opportunities;        Expose the industry to the latest ideas, information and latest developments in tourism;        Provide opportunities for an exchange of information, ideas and thoughts, and facilitate action and proactive response to sectoral issues, at the highest levels.   EVENTS, DATES AND FORMAT   Traditionally the conference consisted of a two day programme, with complimentary networking functions. This year the programme is consolidated into one day, and geared to provide greater opportunities for discussion.  The event will be staged at the Holiday Inn, 19 June 2006.   A Business Breakfast will precede the main event, also at the Holiday Inn.  The guest speaker is Dr Badcock, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).   The program focuses on the practical aspects of tourism business development and is segmented into issue-specific sessions which include developing a vibrant industry, improving quality products and gaining a competitive advantage.  Key executives from the World Bank, the Commonwealth Secretariat and Singapore, will join a range of other local expert speakers and panelists to address the forum on the issues highlighted.   Session 1:Building A Viable, Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Industry   Maximising returns from tourism – the yield project Making good business sense – being environmentally sustainable Developing SME’s and involving participation of all National standards, Accreditation and Standards Rating System for the industry Participation of local communities   Session 2: Innovations in Product Development and Marketing Strategies That Actually Work   Current Market Trends - Expectations and behaviour of the international traveler Winning Marketing Strategies Development of Human resources – attraction and staff retention, practical innovations and solutions The role of the media   Session 3:Incentives and Impediments to the Industry   Government’s Tax Incentives – An explanation by the IRC The Industry experience – Case Study by PNGTIA Funding options for Businesses   Session 4: Gaining a Competitive Advantage within the Region   The National Tourism Master Plan     EVENT ATTENDEES & AUDIENCE   Delegates will include representatives from large and small tourism organisations, industry associations, government and non-government organization representatives. This year’s event is expected to attract approximately 200 delegates representing all stakeholders.  With the live radio broadcast, the conference proceedings can be witnessed by the entire national populace.   DESIRED OUTCOMES   Outcomes expected from the meeting will include improved understanding of opportunities for further development of tourism related business and investment, and action at the national level on resolutions proposed by the Conference.  Hence, this event is regarded as a catalyst for change, and the means for uplifting tourism on a national scale.   WORKING COMMITTEE   Chairman:      Mr Michael Buleau               PNGTIA (President) Coordinator:   Mrs Cybele Druma               PNGTIA (Executive Officer)                    Mr Peter Vincent                PNGTPA (Chief Executive Officer)                    Mr Colin Taimbari                PNGTPA (Public Relations Officer)                    Mr Jim Yomapisi                  PNGTPA (Marketing Manager)                    Mr Heni Dembis                  PNGTPA (Policy Officer)                    Ms Nellee Holland                PNGTPA (HR Officer)                    Mrs Lora Flynn                   Tour Operators Assoc of PNG (Executive                                                              Officer)                    Mr Andrew Abel                  Surfing Association of PNG (President)                    Ms Wallis Yakam                 Consultative Implementation and                                                                        Monitoring Council (CIMC) (Snr Policy                                                                  Officer)