1st quarter Arrivals Up 10 Percent

INTERNATIONAL Visitor Arrivals to Papua New Guinea (PNG) increased by 10 percent in the first quarter of 2008. Between January & March, some 27,558 visitors came to PNG, an increase of 2,572 additional arrivals compared to the corresponding period in 2007. Holiday travel grew strongly by 26 percent while the business segment grew only by 6 percent. The European market continues to experience the highest growth in tourist numbers followed by America, Japan, New Zealand and Asia.

AUST-PNG Sign Framework for Bilateral Cooperation in Tourism

Papua New Guinea and Australia have signed a framework for bilateral cooperation in tourism. The 3-year agreement was signed in Madang by PNG Culture & Tourism Minister Hon. Charles Abel and his Australian counterpart Hon. Martin Ferguson AM MP following the PNG-Australia Ministerial Forum recently. Among others, the framework will provide opportunities for greater cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in the tourism sector. These will include areas such as sustainable tourism development, management and promotion of special interests tourism, and promoting a positive environment for improved trade and investment and sustainable development.

Air Niugini Expands International Services

Air Niugini has recently began its twice-weekly direct flights from Port Moresby to Sydney using a Brazil-made Embraer 190 aircraft leased from Brisbane-based Sky Air World. Air Niugini CEO Wasantha Kumarasiri said the Sydney operation would also ensure extra services from Port Moresby to Brisbane on a daily basis to meet the increasing tourist demand. The Embraer is a twin-engine, medium range jet airliner offering a 94-seat dual class cabin. In-flight entertainment would be available with portable videos, high resolution touch screens and a personal media player with a selection of movies, music videos, CDs and options. (Source: The National)

National Tourism Conference

AFTER 12 years since the first National Tourism Conference in 1996, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority will again host the 5th conference in Madang on November 17 & 18, 2008.  It is a domestic bi-annual tourism event for Papua New Guinea which attracts participants nationwide from industry partners and stakeholders to meet, review and discuss tourism development, achievements and shortfalls of the last decade with a view to finding a positive way forward for the tourism industry.

Gogodala Canoe Festival attracts its first tourists

Californian natives Craig and Anita Miskel will be forever etched in Gogodala folklore as the first international tourists to visit their annual canoe festival. The Miskels were mesmerized by the sight of the many elaborately crafted single hull dugout war canoes with 40 to 60 warriors racing each other in the lagoon in Balimo. Anita recalled that her father a World War 2 veteran had always spoke so highly of the smiles and the warm and friendly nature of the Papua New Guinea people since she was a kid. “Since, I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to come here and what my father told me all those years ago is true. The people are so friendly,” she said. Trans Niugini Tours owner Bob Bates and his pilot Dwayne Elderkin flew the Miskels to Balimo from Mt Hagen in the company aircraft. Bob was also impressed with the show and the hospitality, he promised to bring more tourists in 2009.

Central New Ireland Establishes Surf Management Plan

The Central New Ireland Surf Club in cooperation with the New Ireland Surf Alliance and the Surfing Association of Papua New Guinea has established the Central New Ireland Surf Management Plan to benefit both the incoming surf tourist and the traditional resource owners. The fees that are generated through the plan are distributed to the communities to be used for community projects and some of the ongoing needs of the communities such as school and aid post supplies. A portion of the fees are also used to help develop surfing as a sport at the village level. For more information, please visit www.newirelandsurf.com or enquire through nipsurf@daltron.com.pg.

PNG National Surfing Titles - Vanimo

SURFING in Papua New Guinea is gaining momentum with major international tournaments planned in the coming years. The first national surfing titles were staged in Vanimo in 2007. More than 200 contestants participated with more surfers expected in the 2009 national titles. Visit www.surfingpapuanewguinea.org.pg for more information.

The Famous Goroka Show

THE Goroka Show is famous for its dazzling array of singsing groups, showcasing some of the many cultures of Papua New Guinea - the Goroka Cultural Show is an event not to be missed. It is held in September every year and this year, it will be from the 13 – 14 September. Visit www.pngtourism.org.pg or e-mail to info@pngtourism.org.pg for more information.

New Look for Rapopo

THE Rapopo Plantation Resort in Rabaul (East New Britain Province) is currently adding an additional 16 luxury units, all seaside views, overlooking the new swimming pool and pool bar. When completed it will have 30 first class units. Sydney-based interior decorator Jennifer Fisher has begun furbishing of the rooms. Wireless is also been installed and work on the food & beverage department is currently underway. The rooms will be air conditioned and the famous veranda will be available for dinner. A further addition to the F&B Department is Ms Karen Swalie, having worked in England for 8 years; Karen brings a wealth of experience to Rapopo. For more information, visit www.diveadventurs.com.au or e-mail to rapopo@online.net.pg.

Polython film production in Madang

The Polython Film Unit undertook shoots in Madang in March 2008 and the film is due to be released between Christmas/New Year in a series by ZDF in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The film production team and actors chose to stay at the Madang Resort and expressed their total satisfaction with the service provided culminating in a farewell party to thank all involved including the local actors and support staff that assisted in the making of the film. This is the second film produced by Polython, the first was "Bird of Paradise" made in 1996 which was a huge success.

Teacher to paddle around Papua New Guinea

TASMANIAN teacher Andrew Hughes has arrived in the country to begin a journey to paddle a kayak around Papua New Guinea. The journey which started last Friday, 2nd May will take up to six months to complete and, after nearly 4000kms, will finish at the northern border with West Papua. Students from around Australia will watch the expedition unfold through a website. According to Mr. Hughes the first 3-4 weeks paddling down the Fly River will be some of the most challenging for the entire journey. Mr. Hughes will also kayak to Alotau, Madang and Vanimo in the hope of covering the whole country within six months. Source: www.expeditionclass.com/media/

Trekkers discover original World War II tracks

TWO original World War II tracks along the rugged 96km Kokoda Track between Central and Oro provinces were used for the first time last Wednesday after 66 years. These unused tracks along the Ioribaiwa ridge (where the Japanese soldiers advancement was halted) and the famous “golden stairs” at Imita Ridge in the Central province was used by 34 Australian trekkers including Miss World Australian Caroline Pembert and New South Wales opposition leader Barry O’Farrell with 90 local porters. The lost tracks were discovered in November last year after reviewing the old war time track maps and consulting with old Australian soldiers and local people. Source: The National, 30th April 2008

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