Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the potential to become a key destination for historical tourism, according to Dr. Brent Glass, Former Director Emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution.
Dr. Glass said this during his recent visit to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA).
“Papua New Guinea’s war history is compelling and holds global interest, particularly in the context of World War II. Developing historical sites that are accessible to tourists will not only preserve this history but also create opportunities for international travelers to engage deeply with it,” he stated.
Dr. Glass emphasized that the PNG government and TPA should consider historical aspects as major attractions for international tourists.
The historian is a prominent figure in the global museum and history community, and has over 35 years of experience in government service.
Although he recently announced his retirement as Director of the National Museum of American History, he continues to serve as a senior advisor to the Smithsonian.
“Now, after more than 35 years in government service, I am excited to explore opportunities to promote history education, historical literacy, and public memory on a global scale, and PNG is one of those destinations,” said Dr. Glass.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Glass oversaw significant transformations at the Smithsonian, including the creation of new exhibitions, the acquisition of key collections, and the development of online education initiatives.
Under his leadership, the National Museum of American History became a national treasure, achieving record attendance and widespread public engagement.
His visit on Tuesday, September 17, served as an opportunity to discuss the importance of promoting historical literacy and public memory in PNG.
Dr. Glass was accompanied by Claudia Borevina, Acting Public Affairs Officer of the American Embassy, and Public Engagement Assistant Mathias Posu.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, welcomed Dr. Glass and the team from the American Embassy, expressing gratitude for their valuable insights and support in promoting historical awareness in PNG.
"We are deeply thankful to Dr. Glass for sharing his expertise with us. His knowledge of promoting history and public memory is invaluable as we continue to develop our own tourism sector."
Uvovo highlighted the Kokoda Track and other significant WWII sites as major selling points on the global stage.
"Our museums and war memorials hold a rich history that tourists from around the world are eager to discover," he added.
"With the help of experts like Dr. Glass, we can further enhance our museums and war memorials to provide an even greater historical experience. We look forward to building on these connections and continuing to promote Papua New Guinea as a destination rich in history and culture." Uvovo said.
