Creating the environment for tourism growth
The Papua New Government would like to see tourism develop to improve rural living conditions and the general economy of the country. Acting PNG Prime Minister Sir Moi Avei said this at the official opening of the 5th South Pacific Tourism Conference in Port Moresby on October 17. Sir Moi said the government had created an improved environment through macro-economic policies that have resulted in low interest rates and a stable currency. And that the recently adopted Medium Term Development Strategy has adopted tourism on an equal footing with other sectors such as petroleum and mining.  Sir Moi said the only way to create more jobs is for the government to work with industries such as tourism where our real natural strenght lies.

Council stresses regional tourism approach
The South Pacific Tourism Council of Minister's have reaffirmed their commitment to taking a regional approach to tourism development, and to support sustainable development practices. This was among other initiatives in the Official Communique of the 15th General Meeting of the SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Port Moresby on October 20, 2005. The Council also recognised the need for SPTO to support the smaller countries in their efforts to develop the tourism sector, and to take advantage of the anticipated growth of the sector in the region. 

PNG records highest growth rate
Papua New Guinea recorded the highest growth rate in percentage terms of visitor arrivals in the first six months of 2005. The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) reported that PNG recorded a 20.8 percent increase in visitor arrival compared to the corresponding period in 2004. However, in terms of volume, Fiji once again provided the bulk of the growth in arrivals with an estimated 17,359 more visitors travelling to the country, recording a 7.7 percent growth for the six months. Regional statistics and estimates compiled by SPTO show that 524,689 visitors traveled to the Pacific region for the first six months representing an increase of 24,300 visitors or a growth of 4.6 percent over the same period in 2004. SPTO Technical Advisor Ross Hopkins says the introduction of additional airline competition and capacity is driving this growth, along with stronger country and regional marketing. SPTO anticipates that the growth will continue int he second half of the year as world events continue to influence travel patterns to the benefit of the region. Website: www.spto.org or Email: rhopkins@spto.org  

PNGTPA Appoints Destination Marketing Representatives
Limetree Consulting have been appointed as Papua New Guinea's Australian Destination Marketing Representative. The announcement was made by PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Board Chairman Hon. Alphonse Willie in Sydney on Sept 8. Limetree Consulting managing director Sharon Hannaford will be responsible for driving PNG TPA's marketing efforts in Australia. PNGTPA CEO Peter Vincent said the appointment demonstrates PNG's commitment to the Australian market and gives it the attention it deserves as Australia accounts for 50 percent of the visitors to PNG. Ms Hannaford has more than 20 years experience in tourism and business in senior general management roles. She was Regional head of the South African Tourism Board for 15 years and managing director-pacific for Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Her appointment forms a wider drive to transforms PNG into a more mainstream tourist destination. The PNG TPA hopes to set up a permanent office in Australia in future. Ms Hannaford was a panelist at the recently concluded South Pacific Tourism Conference in Port Moresby and took time to travel to parts of PNG visiting tourist attractions and speaking with tourism operators. For more info email: info@pngtourism.org.pg or email: sharon.hannaford@comtelres.com    

Members want ADS from China
South Pacific Tourism Organisation member countries including Papua New Guinea have called on the Peoples' Republic of China to give "due and timely consideration" to granting them Approved Destination Status. The SPTO member countries reiterated their stand to the Chinese delegation at the Council of Ministers Meeting in Port Moresby saying China must favorably consider those countries  that support the One-China Policy. It is Chinese Government policy that its citizens travel as tourists to countries with ADS. Only two Pacific countries including Fiji have ADS from China. Meanwhile, China has reiterated its commitment to SPTO with an additional US$100, 000 per year during the next five years (2006 - 2010). This is additional to China's current annual contribution of US$75,000 to the SPTO.     

SPTO rejects Taiwan membership bid
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has rejected the application by Taiwan to be a member of SPTO.  The Tourism Council of Ministers Meeting in Port Moresby reaffirmed China's membership with SPTO saying Taiwan remain outside of SPTO membership unless opportunities prevail in the future. This is despite support from three smaller Pacific Islands States - Kiribati, Tuvalu and Niue - which have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. This was after the majority of SPTO countries whose government's recognise the One China Policy advocated adherence to their governments' policy.   

Tonga to host 6th SPTO Conference
The island Kingdom of Tonga will play host to the Sixth Biennial South Pacific Tourism Conference in 2007. The South Pacific Tourism Council of Ministers' Meeting further agreed that the 2006 Council of Ministers' Meeting will be held in Tahiti. 

Sir Michael hails Pacific Islands Forum
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare was in elation following the successful hosting of the 36th Pacific Islands Forum in Port Moresby from October 25 - 30. Sir Michael, according to local media reports, has commended the PNG Events Council and all those involved in making the conference a memorable one for the 16 Pacific Islands leaders as well as the delegates from countries including United States, China and Thailand who attended the post forum dialogue. The PIF capped off an amazing year for PNG - in which it celebrated its 30 years of nationhood. Other significant events commemorating the 30th anniversary of independence included Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting in Goroka, nation wide anniversary celebrations on Independence Day (Sept 16), visit by Her Royal Highness Priness Anne, and the 5th Bienniel South Pacific Tourism Conference. PNG now prepares to play host to European Union and Asia, Caribbean & Pacific Meetings and the European Union Council of Ministers Meeting which are likely to bring in 400 dignitaries excluding support.   

PNG Governor General hails Pacific Tourism
Governor General of Papua New Guinea, His Exellency Sir Paul Paulias Matane has hailed tourism in the South Pacific saying there was no place in the world like the Pacific. Officially closing the 5th Bienniel South Pacific Tourism  Conference in Port Moresby on Oct 18, Sir Paulias said this was because the Pacific was so unique and diverse. However,  to meaningfully develop tourism for the benefit of future generation, Sir Paulias said we have to be vigilant against global issues such as HIV/AIDS, human smuggling, money laundering, environmental damage and modern influences diminishing our cultural heritage. He said teaching our children our cultures was important as culture helps to shape the identity of a person. The theme of the 5th Bienniel Tourism Confernece was: Tourism - Investment in Our Future. Speakers came from across the globe and spoke on trends in future tourism investment, airlines, marketing, sustainable tourism, poverty reduction through tourism and cultural tourism. Papers presented at the conference can be viewed at www.spto.org or www.pngtourism.org.pg

Conference a huge success
The recently completed 5th Bienniel South Pacific Tourism Conference and Council of Ministers Meeting in Port Moresby from October 17 - 21 has been hailed as a major success. Outgoing SPTO Board Chairman Robert Skews and Chief Executive Officer of SPTO Lisiate Akolo both spoke highly of the organisation and delivery of the conference. Both men commended the PNG Tourism Promotion saying the whole thing was beyond their expectations.  Similar sentiments were expressed by the 200 delegates and particpants at the conference. They all came to Port Moresby, participated in the conference, and all left satisfied that it was one of the best, if not the best, organised regional tourism conference to date. Delegates - both domestic and international - were not only impressed with the high caliber speakers and panelists on the wide ranging issues affecting tourism in the region. But were mesmerised by the kaleidoscope of colour and the splendour of PNG cultures on display during the conference. The hospitality was even better, with many negative perceptions of Port Morebsy and PNG being diluted over the week-long conference. Chief Executive Officer of PNGTPA Peter Vincent, who was appointed the new deputy chairman of the Board of SPTO, thanked the many business houses and organisations without who's support the conference would not have been possible. He said it just shows that we all in PNG can take tourism development to that next level if we all unite as partners and work together. The board of the South Pacific Tourism Orgainsation has appointed a new Chairman, Viliame Gavoka - CEO of the Fiji Visitors Bureau, and appointed as deputy chairman is PNGTPA CEO, Peter Vincent.

Maintaining good community relations
Maintaining good community relations is important for any organisation - be it a public or private entity. This can be achieved in many ways including showing interest towards the clealiness of the communities, towns and cities we live in. An that is exactly what the staff of Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority did in early September when we conducted a cleanathon of the carpark and surrounds of the Jacksons International Airport,  along the freeway at Erima and ending at Boroka Food World. Our staff were supported by staff of the National Museum & Art Gallery. Port Moresby city manager Peter Loko also came out to give us a hand. The cleanathon was part of preparations in readiness of Port Moresby and PNG hosting major regional events as part of our 30th Independence Anniversary.

The Final Word
It would be remiss of us not to congratulate all involved in making the 5th Bienniel South Pacific Tourism Conference and the Tourism Council of Ministers Meeting in Port Moresby a tremendous success. To the sponsors, volunteers, event managers, organising committees, overseas delagates, local industry participants, international speakers, panelists and everyone involved - "we say thank you all very much from the bottom of our hearts" for being partners in this successful endeavour. We take our hats out to you and hope that you can continue to support tourism development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.  

SPTO Workshops Address the Development of Rural Tourism in PNG
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the Tourism Promotion Authority of Papua New Guinea, recently conducted two workshops in the provincial areas ofPapua New Guinea (Alotau and Rabaul respectively).  The workshops were led by SPTO’s two technical advisors, Ross Hopkins and Peter Dawkins.  The PNGTPA provided financial and logistical support for the workshops. The workshops were aimed at raising awareness and upgrading the skills of provincial tourism boards, local operators and other community members interested in tourism.  Both workshops were very well attended, underscoring the interest by local communities in developing tourism within their provinces. Attendees were given a broad introduction to the benefits of tourism along with an understanding of the basic principals of marketing a tourism business.  In-depth training was then provided on Internet marketing with a focus on the importance of the Internet in marketing the small scale, budget and backpacker operations that are typically implemented at the local community level.  The workshops concluded with a case study of the successful development of rural tourism in Vanuatu. Peter Dawkins, SPTO’s Internet and Marketing Advisor commented that ‘although significant challenges exist in terms of rural communities accessing the Internet, there is nonetheless a strong interest on the part of the community to use the latest technology to market their business.’  Ross Hopkins, SPTO’s Policy and Programs Adviser said that ‘there is huge potential for tourism development in these provinces.  It is vital however that all stakeholders cooperate and that clear long-term strategic plans for tourism are developed at a provincial level if PNG is to succeed in developing tourism as one of its major economic sectors.’ (Source: SPTO Weekly Newsletter Issue 44)

Small Medium Enterprise Training
The Tourism Small Medium Enterprise Training took place in Madang from the 24 -26 Oct. The successful training included participants from various Tour Operators throughout the Highlands and Momase region and was made possible by the New Zealand Government through the NZ Aid & Development Agency. The engagement of Dave Bamford, who is with Tourism Resources Consultant Ltd, based in Wellington, to conduct the training was taken with great interest. The pilot project was focused on the World and Pacific Tourism and covered Tourism Businesses, Product Development, Tour Guiding, Tourism Marketing and Business Planning. The second training will be held in March and will cover the New Guinea Islands and Southern region.

Melanesian Discoverer Cruises
Papua New Guinea's own luxury cruise ship - Melanesian Discoverer - owned and operated by the Melanesian Tourist Services is offering great cruises around the country begining November 14th right through to the 21st. This is also a great opportunity for PNG residents wanting to go out and explore the exotic islands of PNG.  Starting at the Madang Resort wharf, the daily cruises to include informal lectures on the history and cultures of the areas visited. The cruise through the Vitiaz Strait will cover the Siassi Group of Islands and across the Solomon Sea to the magical Trobriand Islands. For more info visit www.meltours.com or email melanesian@mtspng.com

See PNG at World Travel Mart
Some of Papua New Guinea's best tourism products will be on display at the World Travel Market in London from November 14 -17, 2005. The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Stand at Excel  - the venue for WTM -  is stand AS1150. The PNG TPA stand will be man by marketing & promotions manager Jim Yomapisi with industry support from Trans Niugini Tours' Glen Lovell and other local PNG operators. PNG's representative in Germany Rudiger Knospe and Svein Dieserud and Stephan Hoffstrom of Sweden will also assist with support from the PNG High Commissioner to London H.E Jean Kekedo and staff. You will be pleasently surprised at what PNG can offer so visit us at the WTM.  

True North on maiden PNG voyage
Luxury cruiseship True North of Australia will begin its maiden Papua New Guinea cruise starting in idyllic Alotau on November 7th, 2005. True North is owned and operated by North Star Cruises of Western Australia and recently built at a cost of several million  Australian dollars to serve the upper class market. The PNG leg are back-to-back cruises called "Expeditions to Paradise" covering the magical islands of Milne Bay, fjords of Tufi and the far flung majestic islands of Morobe, West New Britain, East New Britain and New Ireland.  PNG Tourism Promotion Authority marketing & promotions manager Jim Yomapisi said North Star Cruises' decision to come to PNG gives renewed confidence to cruise tourism in PNG and will at least see some small monetary benefits going to the communities of these remote islands. True North's cruise follows that of Pacific Princess to PNG last month. Orion Expeditions of Australia will also launch their PNG cruises early next year. PNG TPA is organising a traditional welcome for the True North and its tourists in Alotau on November 7th.  

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