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Pacific
Tourism Conference
Preparations are well underway for Port Moresby to host the South Pacific Tourism Conference in October. The two-day conference will be at the Holiday Inn on 17 & 18, followed by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board meeting on the 19 at Loloata Island Resort. The four-day event will be concluded with the Pacific Tourism Minister's Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the 20 and 21. A golf day and function has been confirmed for the 19th at the stylish Port Moresby golf course for delegates and spouses, while other activities have also been penciled in. The welcome dinner will be hosted at the National Botanical Gardens with a truly Papua New Guinean theme and promises to be a spectecular for both visitors and guests alike. The SPTO conference will be the forerunner to the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Port Moresby scheduled for October 25 -30. Papua New Guinea is already in celebratory mood given that 2005 is the country's 30th anniversary of indepedence. For conference information, registration and program visit: www.pngtourism.org.pg or www.spto.org .
Model
Tourism Provinces
Alotau, Goroka, Madang and Rabaul are being investigated as stand along destinations similar to where Bali is sold as Bali, not as Indonesia, and where Cairns is simply sold as Cairns. The four model provinces have been chosen based on existing infrastructure, tourism facilities and market trends. Of course, each province has its own unique tourism attractions such as the intriguing mudman of Asaro and the Tolai tumbuans and the fire dancers of Baining strutting their stuff with Mount Tavurvur spewing ash in the background. Madang and Alotau are pristine holiday getaways with their own attractions, captured in the calm and serenity of these seaside towns. While, there is still a long way to go to finally realising them as stand along destinations, respective provincial administrations are being consulted and feasibility studies will commence soon. Email: gpakio @pngtourism.org.pg or visit: www.pngtourism.org.pg
1st National Arts & Crafts Exhibition
The first ever National Arts & Crafts Exhibition will be staged at the Sir John Guise Stadium (Indoor) in Port Moresby from June 7 - 11. The exhibition will showcase some of Papua New Guinea's best arts and crafts. It is sanctioned and hosted by the National Cultural Commission with the support of the Port Moresby city authority - National Capital District Commission. The exhibition promises to be a great day out for the kids and families as admission is free. Tourists and visitors should also find unique and intriguing pieces of PNG arts and crafts to take back home as souverniors or gifts. Email: culture@daltron.com.pg or Telephone: (675) 323 5111.
Channel
10 visits Kokoda
The first formally celebrated ANZAC Day service at the Isurava Memorial along the famous Kokoda Track was captured by the Channel 10 network and broadcast throughout Australia that same day. Journalist Paul Kennedy and cameraman Anthony Fitzpatrick joined more than 300 pilgrims from all over Australia as well as locals in a moving dawn service to remember those diggers who fought courageously with the support of their Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels to stop the advancing Japanese Army 63 years ago. Anzac Day is celebrated on April 25 every year and the celebrations at this sacred site at Isurava is expected to draw increasing number of pilgrims every year. In fact, Kokoda Track is fast becoming the must-do pilgrims for many Australians apart from Gallipoli and it's only four hours flying time from Sydney. Just four years ago, only about 200 Australians walked the Kokoda Track, today, something like 2000 walk in a year, mostly during the months of March to late August. Our appreciation to Air Niugini, Coral Sea Hotels, Kokoda Track Authority, PNG Airlines, Hevi Lift, Kokoda Trekking and the people of Isurava and Kokoda for making Paul and Anthony's trip a success. Email: info@pngtourism.org.pg or visit: www.pngtourism.org.pg
2nd
International Orchid Spectecular
The 2nd
International Orchid Spectecular from June 4 - 5 at the Sir Rabbie Namaliu
Orchid Gardens at the National Parliament House in Waigani, Port Moresby, was
simply spectecular. Hosted by the Orchid Society of Papua New Guinea, this
premier event featured colorful and unique orchid flowering displays, potting demonstrations, orchid plant sales, orchid accessories, orchid cut flowers, orchid cards and books and special international guest orchid nurseries from Taiwan and Malaysia. Society patron and Foreign Affairs Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu said orchid industry in PNG has the potential to become a significant export earner for the country. Organisers are already planning for next year's event which already promises to be even bigger and better. Email: pnggardener@daltron.com.pg or Telephone: (675) 323 4098. Visit www.pngtourism.org.pg to see upcoming events.
Aussie
sporting legends walk Kokoda Track
Australian rugby league legend Mal Meninga and former criket captain Allan Border were humbled by the experience of walking the famous Kokoda Track from April 18 - 26. The pair chose the historical 96 kilometre track to raise awareness and funds for kidney research for the Blue Sky Foundation in Australia. Border was accompanied by son Dean, who celebrated his 21st birthday on the track. The highlight of their walk was the dawn service at Isurava Memorial on Anzac Day (April 25) as they joined more than 300 pilgrims from all over Australia as well as locals to remember those who sacrificed their lives during the fierce battles of World War 2. Big Mal was so moved, he shed a few tears at the service, adding that it was a wonderful experience to be involved with. Border who has conquered all in cricket and in life generally, described Kokoda Track as one of the hardest things he's done. Border agreed that Kokoda Track would gain more popularity as many young Australians begin to learn more and further appreciate their war history and its special relations with Kokoda and especially that of the Aussie Diggers and the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Email: info@pngtourism.org.pg or visit: www.pngtourism.org.pg
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National
Tourism Awareness Launched
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority with the aid of the Government has launched a K2 million national awareness program which will cover the whole of the country. Tourism officers from all 20 provinces were brought into Port Moresby in March for a workshop on the importance of the program and their expected roles in making the awareness program a success. The theme for this awareness is "Tourism is Everyone's Business" and hopes to get the ordinary person to appreciate and embrace the importance of the concept of tourism. TPA has already began television advertisements and printed posters with the catch lines; "Tourism provides employment" and "Everyone can benefit from the our Tourism Industry". TPA has also conducted programs in Popondetta, Lae, Madang and Southern Highlands Province. For more infor Email: jagus@pngtourism.org.pg or
Telephone: (675) 3200211
Lukim PNG Nau Expo 2005
The 2005 Lukim PNG Nau Exposition
(See Papua New Guinea Now) is scheduled for June 24 - 26 at the Hideaway Hotel in Port Moresby. Organisers are already predicting that it will be bigger and better than the inaugural Expo in 2004. The Expo is the result of the need for the growing tourism industry to create a forum to display the many tourism products and attractions which the country has to offer. While creating awareness and encouraging domestic tourism, the main objective in the long term is to establish the Expo as an important event for residents and visitors at which to buy, sell and promote PNG's unique and diverse tourism products. Lukim PNG Nau 2005 was kicked-off with the official press launch by major sponsor SP Brewery, which presented K10,000 towards the hosting of the event, on Thursday, May 26. This year's Expo's is already sold out with tour operators and industry members taking out all 36 available booths. For the first time, several overseas buyers have also confirmed their attendance. For more infor contact Executive Officer Erue Taunao - Email: pngtia@online.net.pg or Telephone: (675) 320 0211.
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Culinarys Delight
Culinarys Delight Catering Service serves some of the best local Papua New Guinea dishes in Port Moresby at very affordable prices. Culinarys operates two restaurants - Vulupindi House in Waigani and ANG Haus in Downtown. Every Wednesday sees special mouth watering PNG dishes such as the Tolai aigir, coconut creamed fish and vegetables and many others on the menu. The Culinarys Delight at ANG Haus is conveninetly located on the ground floor and is directly opposite the Crowne Plaza, providing a convinient option for visitors or tourists in Port Moresby. They also provide catering for official functions or group outings. Telephone: (675) 323 2319 or visit: www.pngtourism.org.og
Malolo Project
MALOLO in Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin simply means 'Rest'. The Port Moresby City Mission's screen printing workshop at Koki has been so aptly named Malolo as it provides shelter for reformed youths who have turned away from crime. However, rather than just rest, the boys are busy everyday transforming some of PNG's best traditional designs onto the art of screen printing. Malolo produces high quality designs on laplaps, T'Shirts, tea towels, shoulder bags, shoe bags, cushion covers, sarongs, table covers, aprons, gift boxes and greeting cards. The Malolo brand are popular tourist items and are sold at selected hotel and book stores around PNG. The boys are also always willing to welcome tourists and visitors to the Malolo workshop at Koki. Of course, the City Mission still needs the support of the public and business houses to continue to carry out its work. Email: malolo@online.net.pg or Telephone: (675) 321 0098.
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