From July 12 to 14, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) highlighted the country's exceptional birding opportunities at the Global Bird Fair (GBF) in Rutland, Oakham, United Kingdom.
This major event provided PNG a key platform to engage with international birding tour operators, travel agents, and conservation organizations, enhancing its reputation as a premier birding destination.
TPA's participation proved fruitful, generating over 50 qualified leads from interactions with tour operators, travel agents, conservation groups, media representatives, photographers, and bird watchers.
This exposure significantly boosted awareness of PNG’s birding attractions, facilitated potential future travel packages, and garnered substantial media interest.
A standout feature of the PNG booth was the inclusion of professional bird photographer Dustin Chen. His high-resolution images and expertise drew considerable attention, effectively driving interest towards PNG-based tour operators.
David Monai, TPA's Product Development Officer, noted: “Our booth was a highlight, featuring high-quality photographs of PNG’s diverse birdlife and destinations, complemented by informative brochures, maps, and promotional materials. We offered personalized information sessions to attendees, which added significant value to our outreach.”
Monai highlighted the strategic importance of the connections established at the GBF.
“The relationships formed have paved the way for potential partnerships and initiatives aimed at promoting responsible birding practices and community development in PNG,” he added.
The TPA plans to follow up with interested parties, provide further support to tour operators, and explore collaboration with conservation organizations.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasized the significance of PNG’s participation in the GBF, particularly given the increasing demand from UK and European markets.
"Our success at the event underscores the growing interest in bird watching from these regions. We are preparing early for next year’s fair to build on this momentum. After a hiatus of 5-6 years due to Covid-19, the travel bookings and plans secured this year highlight the importance of ongoing participation,” Uvovo said.
He also pointed out the need for proper training and capacity building for PNG’s birding industry stakeholders, including standard compliance, bird identification, constructing hides near leks, and using solar-powered bird box cameras.
Commending his team, Uvovo concluded, “Our participation at this year’s Global Bird Fair was a tremendous success. It provided a strategic platform to showcase PNG’s exceptional birding potential and establish crucial connections within the global birding tourism industry. This will ultimately support the empowerment of local and rural communities in PNG.”
