Photo credit: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
The Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has confirmed that over 100 cruise liners will be visiting PNG this year, bringing in an estimated US$40 million (about K137.10 million), according to an official. During the launch of the TPA Corporate Plan 2023-2026 in Port Moresby on Friday, CEO Eric Uvovo stated that the plan would guide TPA's strategic direction.
"With a promising forecast on the cruise tourism sector, we are expecting over 100 cruise ships into PNG this year, carrying over 90,000 cruise passengers into PNG and with a direct economic impact to the PNG economy through tax and levies of over US$40 million, we have a lot to offer in PNG," said Uvovo.
Uvovo outlined TPA's strategic priorities, which include "expanding global, regional and domestic reach; accelerating tourism investment through smart policies and plans; raising the levels of tourism service education and management; maximising value from tourism research and monitoring; strengthening tourism product development for sustainable tourism; maintaining excellence in corporate governance and performance; and providing effective services through human resource, ICT and financial management."
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Isi Henry Leonard commented that PNG has a lot of tourism products to offer. Uvovo added that the corporate plan aligns with the national government's economic development objectives, as captured in the Medium-Term Development Plan and Vision 2050.
"Our strategic priorities seek to amplify our role as defined in the TPA Act (1993) and the Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026 as aligned with the national government’s economic development objectives as captured in the Medium-Term Development Plan and Vision 2050," said Uvovo.
"I am confident our Vision 2026 will be successful in strategically meeting and delivering all our aspirations for a prosperous tourism sector," Uvovo added. The Corporate Plan 2023-2026 is expected to serve as the roadmap to achieving this vision. With the anticipated increase in cruise liners visiting PNG, the tourism sector has a lot to offer and will provide a significant economic impact on the country.
