Three legends in Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards during the 2025 National Tourism Conference & Expo (NTC) Gala Dinner on April 10 at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby.
The recipients included Bob Bates, Proprietor of Trans Niugini Tours; the late Sir Peter Barter, represented by his son Andrew Barter and daughter-in-law Juanita Barter; and the late Max Benjamin, represented by his wife Cecilie Benjamin and son Cheyne Benjamin.
The awards ceremony, which closed the two-day event, celebrated their extraordinary contributions to the development and promotion of tourism in PNG, organizers said.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were proudly sponsored by the Platinum Sponsor of the National Tourism Conference & Expo, the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries.
The awards were jointly presented by the Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape, and the Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Namah.
An audience of tourism operators, government officials, development partners, and community leaders gathered under the conference theme “Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future.”
Bob Bates’ Adventure and Eco-Tourism
Bates was honoured for his more than four decades of dedicated service, becoming a cornerstone of adventure and eco-tourism since his arrival in PNG in the early 1970s.
Through Trans Niugini Tours, he has been promoting cultural authenticity, environmental conservation, and community-based tourism.
Bates established eco-lodges in some of PNG’s most remote and spectacular regions, including Rondon Ridge, Karawari Lodge, and Ambua Lodge, and organized cultural tours and expeditions that have brought PNG’s rich diversity to the global stage.
Bates, upon accepting the award, said: “I thank you all for this honour, although I must say, I’ve still got another 40 years in me, so it’s not quite a ‘lifetime’ yet!”
Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), Eric Mossman Uvovo, commended Mr. Bates for his remarkable contributions.
“Mr Bates is a name that resonates across the tourism industry not just in PNG but internationally. His deep respect for local culture, his investment in sustainable tourism, and his pioneering spirit have inspired generations.”
“On behalf of TPA and the entire tourism family, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and thanks for his dedication to Papua New Guinea,” Mr. Uvovo said.
Barter’s legacy honored
The late Sir Peter Barter’s outstanding legacy was also celebrated during the Gala Dinner with the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to his son Andrew and daughter-in-law Juanita, who accepted the honour on his behalf.
After arriving in PNG in the 1970s, Sir Peter Barter went on to establish Melanesian Tourist Services Ltd, which operated the Melanesian Discoverer expeditionary cruise and the iconic Madang Resort Hotel. His efforts helped position Madang as one of the country's premier tourism destinations.
Beyond his achievements, Sir Peter made profound contributions to national development. He founded the Melanesian Foundation to support community development and was deeply committed to promoting the countries cultural diversity.
As a former Minister for Health and Bougainville Affairs under the Somare Government in the early 2000s, he played a pivotal role in the peace and reconciliation process after the Bougainville Civil War, later serving as Governor of Madang Province.
TPA CEO Uvovo, praised Sir Peter’s enduring influence.
“Sir Peter Barter was not only a pioneer in the tourism industry but a statesman, philanthropist, and a prouder Papua New Guinean than most Papua New Guineans. His efforts extended far beyond economic gain, he championed peace, culture, and inclusive development through tourism,” he said.
“On behalf of TPA, I thank Andrew and Juanita for travelling to Port Moresby to receive this honour. It was a truly special moment,” said Uvovo.
Benjamin deeply rooted in Marine Conservation, Eco-Tourism
The late Max Benjamin was the third recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award accepted by his wife Cecilie and son Cheyne.
Max Benjamin’s legacy is deeply rooted in PNG’s marine tourism. Arriving in the 1960s, he and Cecilie established the world-renowned Walindi Plantation Resort in Kimbe Bay, West New Britain Province.
Walindi gained international acclaim for its world-class diving, marine conservation efforts, and commitment to sustainable tourism.
Max Benjamin’s vision helped put PNG on the world map for diving and marine eco-tourism. Scientists, divers, and eco-travellers from around the globe were drawn to Kimbe Bay, attracted by its biodiversity and the Benjamins’ tireless work to protect it.
In her acceptance remarks, Cecilie Benjamin also shared a powerful reminder of PNG’s uniqueness.
“A wonderful conference and an award that is a proud achievement for my husband,” said Mrs Benjamin. “Please, never compare Papua New Guinea to anywhere else on earth. This country is unlike any other with its cultures, its biodiversity, and its pristine beauty. There is no place like PNG.”
TPA CEO Uvovo said: “Max Benjamin was more than a resort owner, he was a true champion of eco-tourism, a protector of marine biodiversity, and a mentor to many in our industry. His passion and commitment to Papua New Guinea’s natural beauty and people have left a lasting legacy.
“On behalf of TPA and the tourism sector, we are grateful to Cecilie and Cheyne for travelling to Port Moresby to accept this award in his honour,” he said.
