PNG Experienced Strong Tourism Growth in 2007

PAPUA New Guinea has surpassed the 100,000 mark recording more than 102,000 international visitor arrivals in 2007. The total arrivals represent an increase of 32 percent or some 25,000 additional arrivals compared to the 77,730 visitors in 2006. PNG Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer Peter Vincent said the arrival figures exceeded TPA’s target of 90,000 for 2007 and that the healthy growth marks the fifth consecutive year for an increase in international visitor arrivals since 2003.

New Guide Books on PNG Tourism

THERE are four new guide books to better inform industry members and potential investors in the PNG Tourism Industry. Produced by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, they include - Tour Guiding Techniques Guide Book (2nd Edition); Product Development Guide Book (2nd Edition); Guest House Development Guide Book; and Tourism Investment & Incentive Guide Book. The Tourism Investment & Incentive Guide Book was done in close consultation with IPA and IRC. These books will be found useful to those that use them. Invaluable comments can be made on each of these books from industry members, stakeholders, operators and others so that improvements can be made in the next editions. Books are available for distribution at PNG TPA office.

Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya Sales Calls

TRAVEL wholesalers and agents in Japan were given insights of what Papua New Guinea can offer as a destination following sales calls to Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya in January. PNG Tourism Promotion Authority in collaboration with its Japan Office also made the sales calls to enhance working relationships with key travel trade in this market and identify appropriate marketing opportunities for PNG Tourism. The trip was a success with travel wholesalers and agents now having a better appreciation of PNG Tourism.

Orion receives gifts of thanks from remote PNG village

TOURISTS and crew aboard the cruise ship Orion were given a special surprise on its final visit for 2007 to the mighty Sepik River. At Watam Village, the “council of chiefs” representing all the village clans surprised Orion crew and guests with a totally unexpected speech and presentation of gifts. Orion's Expedition Cruise Program Coordinator Justin Friend said the chiefs expressed their “absolute delight” as to how much Orion's visits have changed their lives in a positive way. Whilst they acknowledged the financial payments and the opportunities to sell their artefacts, they were particularly thankful for all the donations from Orion and her guests noting that the aid post and school virtually survive on donation deliveries alone. In return, the community wanted to express their gratitude, by presenting gifts for Orion management team and staff. Every family in the community “donated” something to Orion. Significantly, Orion was also presented with a sacred ancestral spirit figure for the office in Sydney. In traditional folk lore the carving is an actual deceased ancestor’s spirit so this is an important piece. Entrusting the care of this spirit figure signifies the bond between Orion and the people of Watam.

Miss World Australia to trek Kokoda

Australia's entrant to the 2007 Miss World Pageant Caroline Pemberton is a remarkable young lady. Whilst she was a high achiever at school (UAI 98.25) she was influenced by the exploits of her younger brother Rex who became the youngest Australian to ever climb Mt Everest. Caroline couldn't allow her little brother to tackle such a challenge without a dedicated supporter so she trekked to the Base Camp at Mt Everest while he went on to conquers the world's highest mountain. She spent six weeks with the Sherpa's at Base Camp during her brother’s epic climb. Caroline and Charlie were guest speakers for a Western Sydney schools forum at Bankstown recently. When she heard the presentation on Kokoda she volunteered for the Anzac trek. Hopefully she will become an ambassador for the Kokoda Trust! Organisers will make sure she gets a special 'sing-sing' from the kids at Naduri. (Source: Adventure Kokoda Niusleta)

Kokoda Women-On-The-March

Deanna Zacek conceived the idea of selecting ten women to trek across the Kokoda Trail as part of a special documentary. She named her project “Kokoda Women-on-the-March”, set up a website at www.kokodawomenonthemarch.com and was literally bowled over with thousands of responses from around Australia. Ross Wilkinson, who trekked with Adventure Kokoda last year, has volunteered to be Deanna's research consultant and interviews have been conducted with Stan Bissett, Major-General David McLachlan, Peter Fitzsimons, Kokoda veterans and trekkers to capture the spirit of Kokoda for the documentary. The Kokoda Women-on-the-March team will be the first group to trek over the famous “Golden Staircase” on Imita Ridge and other sections of the wartime track that have recently been discovered. (Source: Adventure Kokoda Niusleta).

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