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PNG continues increases in tourism numbers
INTERNATIONAL visitor arrivals to Papua New Guinea continue to maintain an upward trend from 2007. January 2008 visitor arrival figures was 9,644, an increase of 20% (or 1,605 additional arrivals) compared to 8,039 in the corresponding period last year. The holiday segment recorded strong growth with an increase of 102% in the month, while business grew by only 6 percent. The increase in holiday visitors was experienced from most of the source markets with Japan taking the lead by recording an increase of 548% compared to January last year, followed by the European countries and Australia and New Zealand.
Re-branding project workshops
THE search for a new brand name for Papua New Guinea Tourism has began with the first round of workshops been completed in February. The team from BlueSky Consultants and Tourism Promotion Authority visited major centres of the country gauging the views of industry members and stakeholders to set the platform for creating a brand. Hopefully by September, PNG Tourism should have a new brand that is not only appealing for tourists but for investors as well.
Australia to aid track
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is set to announce a major rescue package for the Kokoda Track following threats from mining. Mr Rudd visits Papua New Guinea from March 6 – 8 of his first visit here since his election as Prime Minister. The Australian Government has already announced a massive K42 million funding to help the PNG Government have the World War II track listed among 851 heritage sites worldwide.
PNG has highest diversity of tropical fish and coral in the world
PAPUA New Guinea is recognized internationally as one of the best dive locations in the world with twice as many marine species as the waters of the Red Sea and up to ten times as many as the Caribbean. It has become known as an ‘underwater photographers’ paradise’ with many international award-winning photos being taken in PNG waters. The country is surrounded by the Bismarck, Coral and Solomon seas whose constant movements feed and enrich the marine environment. With 17,000 km of coastline and 45,000 sq kms of reef systems, divers can enjoy minimal contact with other dive groups. The immense diversity of sites include barrier reefs, coral walls, coral gardens, patch reefs, fringing reefs, sea grass beds, coral atolls and wrecks. For more information, please enquire at info@pngtourism.org.pg .
Silver Whisper slips into Madang harbour
THE ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ or ‘Beautiful Madang’ as locals prefer, woke up to a surprise visitor from USA hovering high above the pristine waters and palm tress. As Silver Whisper – the stunning 186m-wide and 8-storey (decks) high tourist ship – sailed into Madang harbour. The more than 1000 mostly Americans tourists aboard Silver Whisper also had the pleasure of visiting Wewak on the ships maiden voyage to Papua New Guinea.
Saga Rose & Astoria Visit Port Moresby
PAPUA New Guinea’s capital city Port Moresby has also seeing a sudden influx of cruise ships in the first 2 months of 2008. The latest to visit were the Astoria and Saga Rose who arrived weeks apart with enthusiastic tourists taking the opportunity to visit the city’s attractions on day tours. Culture & Tourism Minister Hon. Charles Abel was also presented with a plaque from Saga Rose following a guided tour of the vessel which was on its first visit to PNG.
PNG's underwater wonders captured on IMAX
PAPUA New Guinea’s amazing underwater world is being captured on IMAX film. World renown director/cinematographer and production team Howard & Michelle Hall and crew recently completed their first underwater location shoot in West New Britain for their new large-format IMAX film “Under the Sea 3D”. This follows on from the success of their other IMAX films “Deep Sea 3D” (one of only 5 other 3D films produced by IMAX to have passed $60 million in box office receipts) and “Into the Deep”, made in 1994. According to Travel Blackboard, the team operated from onboard the specialist PNG dive boat Star Dancer with Howard Hall praising the professional operation of Walindi Resort owner Max Benjamin and staff. “In addition to all the logistical help, Star Dancer provided wonderful food and service.” The team will also film in Milne Bay.
Kalibobo Spirit of Madang
The Kalibobo Spirit of Madang is available for charters to the Sepik River and through the Islands of Papua New Guinea. Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS) is planning a special cruise departing Madang on Dec 21 and will cruise the Bismarck and Solomon Seas for approximately one month. This inaugural cruise can be purchased by chartering the full cruise, or a sector, or in some cases they may offer individuals the opportunity to purchase a cabin on the various sectors. The Kalibobo Spirit is equipped to provide diving for certified divers; a dive master will be aboard the vessel. This is an opportunity of a life time to really see PNG on a luxurious private motor yacht to some of the most remotest parts of the Pacific and enjoy some of the best diving available in the world. Email Melanesian@mtspng.com for further information.
Trobriand Islands of Milne Bay
The Trobriand Island remains one of the most interesting destinations in the Pacific. The people live to love and love to live - the culture is a living reality, beautiful ebony carvings, spectacular Kula canoes, superb snorkelling and diving in protected waters with plenty of time to explore the land and under the water. Visit Kiriwina, Kitava, Kuyawa, Iwa, Egum Atoll, Normandy, Fergusson Island and enter Milne Bay through East Cape and a short 3 hours cruise through Milne Bay to Alotau, the Capital of the Milne Bay Province.
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