Airways join prestigious hotel chain
One of Papua New Guinea's premier hotels - Airways Hotel- has being made a member of the world's prestigious Boutique Hotels and Resorts International. Joining Boutique's Sapphire Collection of hotels, Airways now shares the world stage with some of the world's most elegant and magnificent hotels. PNG Deputy Prime Minister Sir Moi Avei congratulated Airways on its milestone achievement. Boutique  Hotels' John Sears presented a plaque to Airways Hotel to symbolize the union.

Conference of Youth Ministeries of the Pacific
Youth Ministers representing 19 countries in the region converged on Port Moresby for the 2nd Conference of Youth Ministries of the Pacific (Dec 5-7). Organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, its main objective was to adopt the Pacific Youth Strategy 2010 (PYS 2010) as a regional framework for youth development. Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority also used the opportunity to promote our unique tourism attractions.

Developing SPTO's Statistical Systems
South Pacific Tourism Organisation CEO Lisiate Akolo says countries need to accept the value of market research as a tool to drive their marketing strategies and opportunities for more regional research to be developed. Mr Akolo was speaking at the 1st South Pacific Tourism Statistics workshop in Nadi, Fiji (Nov 7-9). This was the first time SPTO had arranged for Statisticians from the region's NTOs and the Bureau of Statistics Offices to meet and share ideas on improving data collection and research methods. Research and Statistics officers, Noah Mikmik and Raka Koana represented PNGTPA.

The True North Cruise
Thirty one tourists experienced a cruise of a lifetime onboard luxury cruise ship True North on its maiden Adventures in Paradise expedition to Papua New Guinea in November. Sailing the waters of the Solomon and Bismarck seas- they visited Alotau, Tufi, Duke of York Islands, Mansava Island and Kavieng on the 7-day cruise. North Star Cruises which operates True North ran 5 back-to-back cruises with another 6 already planned for 2006.

PNG attends 2005 WTM
The "Papua New Guinea Experience" was once again showcased at the 2005 World Trade Market in Excel, London (Nov 14-17). This was Papua New Guinea's 3rd show as a main exhibitor at WTM. PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Marketing Manager, Jim Yomapisi attended with industry support from Glyn Lovell of Trans Niugini Tours, Sue Baker of Sepik Frontier Tours and Air Niugini General Sales Agent (GSA). TPA's GSA Rudiger Knospe (Germany) and Svein Desraud and Stephen Hoffstorm (Scandinavia) also attended.

PNG-Member of UNWTO
Papua New Guinea has gained full accredited membership to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation. This was announced recently at UNWTO's 16th General Assembly in Dakar, Senegal (Nov 25-Dec 2). PNG's membership to UNWTO enables PNG to receive UNWTO's support in PNG's tourism development. Representing PNG at the UNWTO General Assembly was Minister for Tourism David Basua and TPA's Chief Executive Officer Peter Vincent.

Government Praised
Tourism Minister David Basua has commended Prime Minister Sir. Michael Somare's government for recognizing Tourism as a major economic partner in the overall development of Papua New Guinea. The recognition by the government has been  through increased budgetary support to PNGTPA over the last three years and the prioritization of tourism as the key sector in the Medium Term Development Strategy.

New EO for TIA
The Tourism Industry Association has a new Executive Officer. Ms Cybelle Druma replaces Erue Taunao who had held the fort for the past 12 months. Cybelle has a Policy Development and Administration Management background and brings with her a lot of experience from both the private and public sectors. She was the former EO for the Public Sector Reform Advisory Group Secretariat before joining PNGTIA. All PNGTIA matters should be referred to Cybelle on Phone:(675) 3200211, Fax(675) 3200223; or email pngtia@online.net.pg.

Ministerial Committee on Tourism
The Papua New Guinea Government is serious about developing tourism.This has been confirmed with the setting up of the Ministerial Committee on Tourism headed by Deputy Prime Minister Sir Moi Avei. Other members include Treasurer Bart Philemon, Tourism Minister David Basua, Inter-Government Relations Minister Sir Peter Barter & National Planning Minister Arthur Somare. The Ministerial Committee has been briefed by senior management of PNGTPA. An issues paper is currently being developed for presentation before the committee with input from all industry partners and stakeholders.

Final Word
Well, it has come to that time of the year, when we have to reflect on the year that was 2005. The Board, Management and Staff of PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and all our families would like to wish all our industry partners and stakeholders a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous 2006. To all our international visitors, we hope you enjoyed the PNG Experience and that you will help us as partners to promote our unique and beautiful country in 2006. 

Government announces tourism incentives
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Industry stands to gain from new incentives announced by the government in its 2006 national budget.They include double tax deductions on advertising expenses; accelerated depreciation provisions for capital expenditure for hotels; restaurants and recreational activities; and duty free purchases on a range of items not produced in PNG but that add to costs in the tourism industry such as towels, bed-linen, cups and plates, glass tableware, wetsuits and photographic films.

PNG national surfing titles in March 2006
The pristine and un-crowded beaches of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea's far north Sandaun Province will play host to the PNG National Surfing Titles in March 2006. Vanimo, where the Lido Surf Club is located, is situated three degrees south of the equator and 50 kilometers west of Aitape (1998 tsunami area that wiped out 200 people).  The waves in Vanimo are consistent at  4 - 10 feet from Nov - April. The national titles will have 150 contestants and is a lead up to the PNG Classics to be held in November with surfers coming from all over the Pacific including Australia. For more info visit: www.surfingpapuanewguinea.org.pg  or email: ctaimbari@pngtourism.org.pg.

Crowne Plaza takes out top award
Papua New Guinea's premier hotel - Crowne Plaza - has won an international award as the best performing Crowne Plaza hotel in the Asia-Pacific Region for 2005. The Port Moresby based Crowne Plaza beat 40 other Crowne Plaza hotels to take out the top award. The award completes a great year for the management and staff of the hotel who had been at  their best to host some very important meetings and guests like Princess Anne, Australian Governor General- Michael Jeffery, the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Conference and the South Pacific Tourism Conference.

New association for Tour Operators
Tour Operators in PNG have formed an association to be a voice for Tour operators in the country. The newly established Tour Operators Association (TOAPNG) was formed on October 19 by a group of local product owners and people involved in the tourism industry. TOAPNG will work closely to assist Tour Operators. The Interim Executive Committee consists of Michael Buleau (president), Alois Mateo (vice president), Janet Sios (secretary/treasurer), Pym Mamindi, Max Kasu, Albert Toro, Samson Kakai, Elijah Hon and Linda Honey. All matters regarding TOAPNG should be referred to the Interim EO - Ms. Lora Flynn on Ph (675) 3200 211, Fax (675) 3200 223 or email: lflynn@pngtourism.org.pg.

CEO acknowledges partners support in 2005
Papua New Guinea Tourism  Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer Peter Vincent has commended the industry partners and the national government for supporting tourism in a big way in 2005. Mr. Vincent said without their support, tourism development in PNG would not have progressed as it has this year. Major acheivements this year include: National Awareness; Successful hosting of 5th Biennial SPTO conference; National Tourism Policy; Australian Office opening in September and support from major partners such as Air Niugini. 

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