Miss PNG Tyla Singirok, the inaugural Miss Bird of Paradise PNG, has been officially named the Ambassador of PNG Tourism following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on September 27th at Apec Haus, Port Moresby.
As part of her new role, Singirok will promote PNG’s cultural heritage and natural beauty both locally and internationally.
This collaboration, established between the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant Committee, is seen as a pivotal step in the lead-up to PNG's 50th Independence anniversary in 2025.
Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture & Border Security, Belden Namah, pledged K300,000 to support the Miss Bird of Paradise initiative, with the national pageant set for December 3rd, 2024.
Namah emphasized the importance of this initiative in boosting tourism.
“This will be one of the major tourism products in our country. I am proud to support Miss Bird of Paradise PNG with K300,000 for this cause,” Namah said.
The MOA aims to enhance PNG’s visibility on the global tourism stage by leveraging the Bird of Paradise, a symbol of the nation's unique identity.
“Tourism in PNG needs new strategic partners and products. Miss Bird of Paradise PNG can showcase the beauty and culture of PNG to the world,” Namah said.
TPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo hailed the partnership as a significant achievement for both TPA and Miss Bird of Paradise PNG, noting its long-term potential.
“Miss PNG will be the Tourism Ambassador for Papua New Guinea, and we look forward to this partnership for many years to come.”
During the event, Singirok emphasized PNG's untapped tourism potential.
“PNG's tourism industry is a sleeping giant in the Pacific,” she said, pointing to the country’s stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse cultures.
“We are the most culturally diverse country in the Pacific, if not the world, with over 800 languages and 1,000 tribes.”
Singirok’s role is expected to empower young women and enhance their contributions as cultural and tourism ambassadors.
She expressed her commitment to representing PNG on the global stage, stating, “We now take up this mantle with honor, becoming PNG's first-ever cultural and tourism ambassador.”
Miss Bird of Paradise Chairperson, Anna Bias, thanked Minister Namah and TPA CEO Uvovo for their support.
“This partnership is about promoting tourism, and as we celebrate the first anniversary of Miss Bird of Paradise, we aim to involve every province in this journey,” Bias said.
The pageant will also focus on promoting education rights for children with disabilities, furthering its mission to advocate for social causes alongside tourism.
