Aust MP Sings PNG Praises
AUSTRALIA'S Shadow Regional Development Minister Simon Crean has described Papua New Guinea as an "unbelieveably beautiful country". After completing the historical Kokoda Trail on June 12, Mr Crean said "It's a fantastic experience, something I'll never forget. This is an unbelieveably beautiful country. We'll reminisce about this for the rest of our lives, I am sure about that." The former Federal Opposition Leader and his 20 mates had been planning the trip for 18 months but just could not find the time off their busy schedules until now. Others in the 9-day trek led by football legend Ron Barassi included Australia II skipper in the epic Americas Cup victory John Bertrand, Hawthorn football great Robert DiPierdomenico and former founder of Just Jeans Craig Kimberley.   

Air Niugini introduces Super Saver Fares
PAPUA New Guinea's national flag carrier Air Niugini has introduced discounted fares to stimulate tourism traffic from the Australian market. The Super Saver Fares and a new package "See PNG Pass"  area already available on the market. Those traveling from Port Moresby to Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns will pay K1,150, K925, and K875 respectively excluding taxes and surcharges. "See PNG Pass" is a 4-coupon pass that can be purchased overseas before visiting PNG and allows tourists to travel to other domestic destinations for an extra US$375 or approximately A$508. The airline says it also has plans for the Japanese, European and US markets.  

France Reality TV Show Eyes Kavieng
SCOUTS from the France 2 Television Network were in Kavieng late June researching the possibility of shooting an episode of the reality TV show "CHAMLEON" to be viewed by 7 million people back home. Six candidates - 3 men & 3 women - were on the edge to living the most incredible adventure, the most attractive and most enriching experience of their life. The candidates came from various areas of France and come from various cultural and social backgrounds. In 10 weeks, the candidates would discover in 6 stages, 6 people and 6 different cultures from around the globe. For each destination, the candidates live 2 by 2 hosted by a local family. For the last destination, a final will be organised between the best candidates to determine the participant who will be elected: "The Citizen of the World".     

Festivals Galore
THE Tolai Warwagira was held on July 5 - 11 and the National Mask Festival followed on July 12 - 15 in Rabaul. Known as the Pearl of the Pacific before the volcanic eruptions that destroyed this beautiful harbourside town, Rabaul's Queen Elizabeth Park came alive as it played host to these important cultural festivals. Traditional singsing groups came from East Sepik, Morobe, Madang, New Ireland and hosts East New Britain. Other events that were successful in July included the Malagan Show (17 & 18) in Kavieng and the International Orchid Spectacular will be staged at the National Parliament building on August 5th & 6th.     

PNG Wins Best New Stand at AIME
PAPUA New Guinea participated for the first time ever at AIME in Melbourne in June and came away with the Best New Exhibitor Stand at the AIME Awards 2006. AIME is the place where event organisers from incentive houses and major corporations come to see the BIG ideas first. The big challenge for us was to be able to position PNG as a viable MICE destination. Straight on the heels of launching the Australian dedicated website www.png-tourism.com to the consumer and travel industry, it was then a matter of considering how best to introduce PNG to the world of corporate meetings, motivational training and luxury incentives.  

Malagan Show Revived
THE once famous Malagan Show was revived and staged in Kavieng on July 17 & 18, 2006. It was celebrated under the theme: Walking the Past Together to the Future - and featured the sacred Malagan masks.This year's show was aimed at promoting and fostering the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the province, particularly among the younger generation.   

Hiri Moale 2006 Launched
THE City of Port Moresby is set to come alive once again in September following the launch of the famous Hiri Moale Festival. The highlight of the event is the sailing in of the giant double hull canoes lagatois at Ela Beach and the popular Hiri Hanenamo (Queen) contest. For more info email info@pngtourism.org.pg

PNG Tourism Gaining Support
TOURISM as the world's fastest growing and sustainable industry is gaining more support from government leaders in Papua New Guinea. Government's chief tax collector David Sode said "Currently PNG was too dependent on the non-renewable sector. PNG faces the danger of losing most of its internal revenue once these resources run out". Currently the non-renewable sources accounts for 57 percent of PNG's K3 billion-plus annual internal revenue. Mr Sode added that it was important that the government invest heavily on renewable sources such as tourism and agriculture. "After the mining boom is gone, no one is going to come and help us. We've gone past the point of being critical. The time for talking is over, we've got to get started by promoting renewable industries such as tourism and agriculture," he said. Mr Sode was one of the guest speakers at 3rd National Tourism Conference held in Port Moresby on June 19, 2006.

Tourism Master Plan for PNG
OVER 50 stakeholders from the tourism sector attended the strategic planning workshop held at the Gateway Hotel on the 20th June, in Port Moresby on the development of the tourism master plan for Papua New Guinea. The workshop followed from an extensive consultation process, which included an Issues Paper and 13 provincial workshops conducted around the country. Funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, it provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the master plan's proposed vision for tourism and proposed strategies and options for action in key areas of transport & infrastructure, human resource development, marketing, environment & culture, institutions & coordination and product development. The master plan will provide a 10-year policy for the sector and is a milestone for tourism in PNG. The draft master plan will be available in August and is due to be completed in October.

Lukim PNG a major success
LUKIM PNG Nau 2006 Tourism Exposition was a major success with organisers looking forward to a bigger and better event next year. More than 36 exhibitors showcased some of Papua New Guinea's unique and diverse tourism attractions, products and hospitality services. The Kavieng Tourism Bureau launched its new DVD on the magnificent products in the province while the Surfing Association of PNG using one of its surfing kites as a makeshift roof over some bamboo poles took out the best booth award. Congratulations to first time exhibitors Lindenhafen Fishing Resort of West New Britain and Suki Guest House in Western Province for putting on a good show and to all exhibitors and sponsors for making it a big success. See you all in 2007.  

Surfing wins Best Booth Award
THE Surfing Association of PNG (SAPNG) will use its first prize award at the Lukim PNG Nau Tourism Expo to promote the upcoming PNG Surfing National Titles. SAPNG took out the award for best booth from 36 other exhibitors. The prize sponsored by the Media Council of PNG is K6000 worth of free advertising with EM TV, Post Courier, The National, Wantok Niupepa and the radio stations. The PNG National Surfing Titles will be held from Nov 10 -13,  2006 in Vanimo. The titles will also be used as the selection trials for the PNG team to South Pacific Games in Samoa. 

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