PNG Tourism Promotions Authority, Bougainville TPA Sign MOU

The Department of Commerce, Trade and Industry reached another milestone recently when it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Tourism and Promotions Authority (TPA).

The MOU paves the way forward for both parties to continue bilateral partnership based on the understanding of tourism and promotions in Bougainville.

The MOU was signed by the PNG TPA and the ABG Department of Commerce, Trade and Industry on the understanding relating to a partnership for the protection and preservation of tangible and intangible culture, development and promotion of tourism, contemporary culture and the arts and sustainable tourism in the autonomous region of Bougainville.

ABG Vice President and Minister for Commerce Trade and Industry, Hon. Patrick Nisira (MHR) acknowledged the PNGTPA for its tremendous support so far since the first MoU was signed in 2016.

The support has cemented many agreements already signed and has proven that Bougainville is truly a tourism destination that is worth investing time and money on.

Mr. Nisira acknowledged the PNG TPA officers for their continuous negotiation with the Bougainville

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Mr Uvovo also mentioned in his speech that the PNG TPA’s priority for the year 2023 is dedicated to reviewing the current National Tourism Policy 1995, and formulating a new National Tourism Policy Framework that will guide PNG’s tourism growth into the future.

The new PNG TPA Corporate Plan has seven strategic priorities, these are:

• Expanding Global, Regional and Domestic Reach

• Accelerating Tourism Investment through SMART Policies and Plans;

• Raising the Levels of Tourism Service Education and Management;

• Maximizing Value from Tourism partners in pushing for significant income generating programmes to proceed in the region.

“Standing here today it gives me great pleasure to witness and participate in this significant event that will go down in history books of this nation to be. We are here today to mark this important event on the signing of the MOU between my ministry and the department of national government and PNG Tourism Promotions Authority (PNG TPA).”

This agreement adds value to our collective vision, ideas and consultations that the local tourism and cultural practitioners in both government and private sectors, he said.

“As a way forward the agreement presents a realistic and workable approach to tourism development and its sustainability in the region.”

“The MOU also sets out a framework for future development for tourism emphasizing on effective and determined and holistic approaches.”

He said that the agreement generally outlines the pros and cons of tourism development in Bougainville and the framework and strategy of reaching the targeted goals and vision earmarked to reaching the overarching goals of economic building and development.

Deputy Chief Secretary for Operations Anthony Koiri approved and signed the MOU on behalf of the Bougainville Public Service Chief Secretary who is on sick leave at the moment.

The signing was witnessed by the staff of the PNG Tourism Promotions Authority (PNGTPA), Department of Commerce, Trade and Industry, senior officers and a small crowd at the Bel Isi park.

Research and Monitoring;

• Strengthening Tourism Product Development for Sustainable Tourism;

• Maintaining Excellence in Corporate Governance and Performance; and

• Providing Effective Services through Human Resource, ICT and Financial Management.

These seven priorities are also derived from the Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026.

The Corporate Plan 2023-2026 is available for download online via the PNG TPA’s corporate website: www.papuanewguinea. travel/corporate-site