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Arrivals Increase by 12
Percent in 2006
International Visitor arrivals to Papua New Guinea
increased by 12 percent in 2006. PNG recorded total arrivals of 77,486 visitors
compared to 69,251 in 2005. Thirty six percent of the arrivals were holiday
travelers while business travelers accounted for 67 percent. Australia remained
as the primary source market while other markets also recorded positive growths.
The increase is in line with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority's Corporate
Vision (2004 - 2008) to continuously increase visitor numbers by 11 - 15 percent
each year.
Air Niugini downs Fares
Papua New Guinea's national flag carrier
has announced cheaper fares for both its domestic and international routes for
2007. The airline says international fares will be cheaper by 30 percent
while domestic fares go as low as 60 percent. Air Niugini CEO Wasantha
Kumarasiri said the airline would also take steps to increase on time
performance and luggage handling. Airline's board chairman Jim Tjoeng says
the challenge is now for the rest of the tourism industry to improve the quality
of their services to compliment efforts by Air Niugini to lure more tourists to
PNG.
PNG
Tourism Roadshow to Europe
THE Papua New Guinea Tourism Roadshow goes to Europe at the end of February, 2007. PNG will showcase its niche tourism products in London (Feb 27), Milan (Feb 28) and Frankfurt (Mar 1) before heading to Berlin for ITB from March 7 - 11. The roadshow is a major initiative by PNG Tourism Promotion Authority for joint cooperative marketing with industry partners who own these niche products. They will showcase products such as bird watching, diving, fishing, culture, nature tours and trekking which make up some of PNG's unique and diverse tourism attractions. Email: info@pngtourism.org.pg
Kokoda -
More than a Walk
TREKKING the historical Kokoda Track is not just a
walk for Australians. Federal Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd says the famous 96
kilometre war time track should be included in the World Heritage Listing to
save it from the ravages of erosion and over-development from mining and
logging. "Kokoda is not a walk," Mr Rudd said. "It is certainly not a holiday.
It is a pilgrimage. A World Heritage Listing for Kokoda would be a cause for
celebration for all Australians as we approach Australia Day." Mr Rudd said he
has spoken to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare about his
Labour Party's intentions on Kokoda. Four thousand tourists walked the Kokoda
Track in 2006 with Australians accounting for more than 95 percent of the
numbers.
Curious Tribe
Twelve members of the Swagup Tribe in the remote upper reaches of the mystical Sepik River area, are having a filming experience of a lifetime in the United Kingdom. They play the lead characters in a documentary titled, 'Curious Tribe' produced by UK based Tigress Productions for Discovery Channel and Channel 5 in the United States. Curious Tribe is the sequel to 'Insect Tribe' which was filmed by Tigress last April in the Upper Sepik River area. Both documentaries are part of the popular "Living on the Edge" series which features the unique lifestyles and cultures of four different tribes around the globe.
QE2 to visit Rabaul
THE world's largest ocean liner afloat - the majestic Queen Elizabeth
2 will be visiting Rabaul on March 1, 2007. Refurbushed in 1999 QE2
offers graceful decor reminiscent of yesteryear and oeprates 3 classes: Grill,
Caronia and Mauretania for carbins and restaurants rated: luxury, premier and
superior. QE2 passengers tend to be discerning 50+ and British and American.
It has a total of 982 cabins and crew of 1016. The Cunard owned and operated
cruiseliner will arrive Rabaul's Simpson Harbour with some 2000 tourists at
8am and depart at 5pm.
Hot New Product for
January
In Wewak Boutique Hotel is our 'Hot New Product' for January. Owned by local family business operators, it is designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious stay accommodating guests on business, tours or leisure. Situated on Wewak Hill overlooking the Bismarck Sea, it offers a quiet and peaceful break away. In Wewak Boutique Hotel offers air conditioned rooms with flat screen television, internet facilities, resort style swimming pool, and cocoa cafe & vanilla room restaurants for your meals. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the many furnished decks while you take time to relax and enjoy Wewak. Website www.inwewak.com
International Singsing Festival
Papua New Guinea's second latest city
Lae will play host to the International Singsing Festival in March 2007. The
song and dance festival aims to use PNG's rich traditional and contemporary
culture and arts and the abundant biodiversity as the medium to unite the
identity of the people and raise awareness on issues of importance to their
natural environment and well-being. The festival will start with a three-day
seminar from March 20-22 followed by the actual singsing festival from March
23-26, 2007.
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