The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Australian Government-funded Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP) have signed an MOA to boost tourism infrastructure and services along the Kokoda Track.
The MOA, signed at Owens Corner on Tuesday 4 February, launches the “Kokoda Sanitation Project”. The Kokoda Sanitation Project is part of a broader effort to strengthen sustainable tourism development in Papua New Guinea. It will address inadequate and poor sanitation along the Kokoda Track, which have been longstanding challenges for both tourists and locals.
TPA’s CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo said that the primary objective of the MOA is to strengthen tourism development along the Kokoda Track.
"This partnership marks a significant step forward in our efforts to not only preserve the historical importance of the Kokoda Track, but to enhance the visitor experience by improving facilities and services," said Uvovo.
Uvovo also emphasized the importance of upgrading campsite facilities and improving working conditions for porters.
"The Kokoda Track is a national treasure. By improving the amenities and ensuring that local operators are better equipped to serve tourists, we are ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the communities directly involved.
Local communities are at the heart of our tourism industry. This partnership ensures that they will directly benefit from the development projects along the trail,” said Uvovo.
The MOA will be in effect until 2026, with between three and five major projects planned for implementation. Success will be measured by the timely delivery of projects, the positive impact on local trekking facilities, and the subsequent benefits to the communities involved.
The core focus of this partnership is the promotion of sustainable tourism development and the utilization of local resources and knowledge. The TPA, with the support of KIP, aims to enhance the tourism infrastructure along the Kokoda Track while preserving its cultural and historical significance.
The partnership is expected to deliver many benefits, including improved services and facilities, which will enable local businesses to charge higher campsite fees and increase revenue for the communities along the Track.
Future capacity-building initiatives for local tourism operators and associations will strengthen the Kokoda trekking industry, making it more competitive and sustainable, while environmentally, the introduction of upgraded sanitation services will support a healthier and safer environment for both locals and visitors.
Daniel Wells, Counsellor for Kokoda and Bougainville at the Australian High Commission, emphasized the significance of the Kokoda Track to the Australia-Papua New Guinea bilateral relationship.
“The Kokoda Track remains one of the most important people-to-people links between PNG and Australia, with nearly 3,000 people, most of them Australian, walking the Track each year.
This is an investment by Australia in PNG’s most important tourism asset. Australia, through the Kokoda Initiative Partnership, is proud to have invested in measurable improvements to livelihoods outcomes for Kokoda Track communities, including through sustainable tourism initiatives,” said Wells.
