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PNG Dive Shines at
Antibes
PNG has been a preferred destination for European underwater photographers for well over a decade. Award-winning photographer Lionel Pozzoli first brought PNG to the Antibes festival in 1992 and his work was met with immediate acclaim and awards. In 1993 Pozzoli again featured work from PNG and again won awards. PNG opened a whole new world for underwater photographers. Acccording to Pozzoli, PNG's waters are diverse and for underwater photographers each region holds something different. But it is the clarity of the waters of PNG that allows for the intense light and vibrancy in photographs that sets the country apart from other destinations in the world.
According to Pozzoli the future of underwater photography is in three dimensions, with huge 180 degree screens allowing for slideshows which will virtually recreate the underwater experience. In terms of tourism, what was achieved at the 33rd Festival Mondial de l'image Sous-marine in Antibes in the South of France must be seen as the equivalent of Ryan Pini's gold-medal winning performance for Papua New Guinea.
Peter Vincent, CEO of the Tourism Promotion Authority said
that Papua New Guinea continues to create interest in niche markets around the
world. He said that the TPA will continue to support industry initiatives such
as that of the PNG Divers Association in the European market. "The PNGDA must be
applauded for their initiative. With tourist numbers in PNG up by 13% on 2005,
the trend will continue so long as industry bodies continue to work together in
exploring new marketing opportunities" he said.
"Tourism
Enriches"
"TOURISM ENRICHES" was at the centre of the UNWTO
Think Tank hosted by Portuguese Secretary of State for Tourism, Bernardo
Trindade, on the occasion of the United Nations World Tourism Day on Sept 27,
2006. The Think Tank made three key conclusions. That tourism represents 40
percent of all exports of services; revenues have grown far stronger than
international trade. That tourism has spin-off effects ranging from construction
over to agriculture or telecommunications, creating quality employment for
developing countries. And that tourism has to be included in the policy and
development agenda of governments, donors and financing institutions.
Super Skier Takes on Kokoda
MICHAEL Milton, the fastest Australian skier ever, will tackle an even tougher Kokoda Track when he arrives in Port Moresby on Oct 31, 2006. Michael is also the world's fastest snow skier with a disability clocking an unbelievable speed of 213.65km downhill. Michael is the Ambassador for the Coca Cola Community awards program. As part of his role he will be accompanying the Coca Cola Community award winner Robyn Sanewski across the 96km track. Michael's trek will be even more amazing as he will be trekking on one leg and with the assistance of crutches. The Today Tonight team from Channel 7 in Sydney will also accompany them. This trek is truly in the footsteps of heroes.
Longest Lunch in the
Pacific
THE Guinness World Record for The Longest Lunch in the
Pacific will be attempted at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby on Nov 15, 2006.
One thousand guests will dine al fresco on tables that will stretch over 1000
metres. In what promises to be a fun filled day is being organised by the
Institute of Engineers of Papua New Guinea. Guest speaker will be Professor Ian
Lowe, world renowned authority on environmental science and president of the
Australian Conservation Foundation.
Mt Lamington
Beckons
MOUNTAIN climbers and trekkers beware! Mount Lamington beckons. Traditional landowners of Kendatta village on the base of Mt Lamington have agreed to open up the area for tourist's begining in March 2007. Sumbiripi as it is known by locals blew its top with a big bang on a Sunday at exactly 10:42 am in January 1951 sending a 'Cloud of Death' rushing down every side of the mountain. The pyroclastic ash flow was rushing at some 550 kilometres per hour, snuffing out the life of all living creatures within a radius of 12 kilometres. The human toll was more than 3000 including locals and expatriates making it the largest natural disaster in PNG history. The eruption and effect of Lamington were similar in nature to that of Mt Vesuvius which buried the City of Pompei in 79 AD. Mt Lamington now stands quietly at 1679 metres covered with lush tropical rainforest. The trek from Kendatta village takes 5 - 6 hours to reach the summit. For more info email: ctaimbari@pngtourism.org.pg
Mt
Lamington in 1951 
Mt Lamington in 2006  Agressive Marketing is Key
PAPUA New Guinea must initiate
and undertake aggressive marketing strategies if it wants to compete with the
rest of the world. PNG tourism promoter for Europe Rudiger
Knospe says PNG has the best products in the world but unless its
promoted regularly, nobody will know about it. Rudiger was in PNG with
six popular tour operators from Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and
Netherlands visiting PNG's top dive destinations at Tufi, Walindi &
Loloata outside Port Moresby. 
Port Moresby-Jayapura Air Service
A weekly air service between Port Moresby and Indonesia's Papua provincial capital, Jayapura, is expected to start in November 2006. A memorandum of understanding has already been signed to recommence the service under the existing air service agreement between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Papua province regional airline Airefata will service the sector using its newly acquired 145-seater DC8 jetliner. Airefata officials say once operational, the service will be an alternate and cheaper route to Asian destinations from Port Moresby.
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Gift bags 
