PAPUA NEW GUINEA BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE

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Papua New Guinea

A New Outlook Breeds New Opportunities

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PAPUA NEW Papua New Guinea’s stock in the global order of attractiveness continues to rise, both for adventure seeking tourists and business professionals Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Ryan Gray

Background picture: View of Port Moresby from the hill, Papua New Guinea

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or hundreds of years, the concept of Papua New Guinea becoming a tourism hotspot, let alone a hotbed for international business travellers, was unthinkable, but while large parts of the country retain rituals and traditions oft-associated with centuries of old, pockets of the multi-island nation are becoming some of the most exotic and exciting places to visit.

Driven by its motto, ‘unity in diversity’ it is this diversification into the modern day which has helped to kick-start more concerted realms of economic prevalence and tourism prowess; and for the lucky few who

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have been able to capitalise on the opportunity so far, the stunning scenery and hospitable people that await have made such a trip more than worthwhile.

Epitomised by the growth of its capital, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally enigmatic countries in the world, boasting 852 languages across its more than seven million people. However, it is the country’s mystery and intrigue which have largely put it on the map, with massive parts still untouched by civilisation or even explored fully.

“Lying just south of the equator, 160 kilometres north of Australia, Papua New Guinea is part of a great

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W GUINEA arc of mountains stretching from Asia, through Indonesia and into the South Pacific. With a vibrant and colourful Papua New Guinea culture, more than 600 islands and 800 indigenous languages, PNG is made up of four regions with 20 provinces,” explains Papua New Guinea Travel on its website. “Papua New Guinea is full of interesting attractions, magnificent natural scenery, and diverse cultural heritage.

“Spend your Papua New Guinea holiday trekking remote jungle tracks, cruising the mighty Sepik river, surfing the waves of New Ireland, fishing around the fjords of Tufi, birdwatching our world-famous birds

of paradise in the Highlands, or diving amongst the coral reef coastline.”

More than 820 different languages inevitably makes any visit you do have to PNG all the more challenging or

FACTS & FIGURES

exciting depending on your taste for the indigenous, but across each of the country’s four regions, business is expanding, and the business travel community is growing.

Capital: Port Moresby Languages: Hiri Motu, Tok Pisin, English, PNG sign language Area: 462,000 square kilometres Population (2014): 8.08 million GDP (2017): $29.481 bullion Currency: Papua New Guinean kina (PGK) Time zone: UTC+10, +11 Dialling code: +675 Internet TLD: .pg

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The Business End

Port Moresby

S I T U A T E D O N T H E Pacific Ring of Fire, the mainland of the country is the eastern half of the New Guinea island where Port Moresby and the country’s other large towns are located.

By and large though, the country is divided into nine convenient reachable regions: Southern Papua New Guinea, Southwestern Papua New Guinea, Madang-Morobe, Highlands, Sepik, Milne Bay, New Britain, New Ireland and Manus, and Bougainville.

And despite challenging climactic conditions across each of these areas, improvement from a business development and FDI perspective is evident. The unique customs of Papua New Guinea are now being

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softened by Western quirks to form a mutual respect between the two; thus paving the way for more and more opportunities for international expansion into the country.

So from this business perspective, the outlook for PNG is bright. Despite being considered for LEDC status as little as 11 years ago, the International Monetary Fund has since described the country’s economy as “buoyant” and “stable”, with it now being earmarked as a developing entity: the sixth fastest in the world in 2011, in fact.

Endowed with a rich plethora of natural resources and mining opportunities, it comes as no surprise that the majority of business travellers

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come from this international mining domain. Meanwhile, for the more humble areas of society, agriculture and farming also remain pivotal to the country’s sustainability.

Underpinning this diverse array of fiscal contributors is the PNG Government’s long-term Vision 2050 which emphasises the need for further strings to the country’s economic bow. Striving to avoid the backlash that regions such as West Africa have endured to their own resource-rich booms, the necessity to spread the risk in the future will not only make the country’s economy more sustainable, but it will also lend itself more wholly to the business travel sector too.

PORT MORESBY Grand Papua Hotel Gateway Hotel Ela Beach Hotel

LAE Huon Gulf Hotel

MT HAGEN Highlander Hotel GOROKA Bird of Paradise Hotel

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Out & About M O R E T H A N 1,000 different cultural groups exist in Papua New Guinea, inevitably making for a diverse and culturally encapsulating make-up, however, the cities in which most business is carried out are every bit as accomplished and ‘urban’ as counterparts in the rest of the world.

Port Moresby in particular is now a hub of international repute with some of the most stunning hotels, apartments and lodges in the APAC region awaiting an ever-growing, highend, international clientele.

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Among the best is The Stanley Hotel & Suites which is a clear representation of the city’s urban evolution in recent years. The stunning, luxurious complex not only gives visitors a perfect resting, dining and comforting experience, but facilitates direct links to the city’s commercial centre and its integrated shopping complex.

Bridging business and pleasure is the holy grail for all established four and five-star hotels of course, and is also achieved by the likes of Coral Sea

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Hotels whose compliment around the country bridges local values and indigenousness with globallycomparable comfort and attentiveness.

As epitomised by Coral Sea, luxury and hospitality acumen is not just restricted to the capital, but for those looking to live among the natural, rather than the nurtured, there are a host of tour operators on hand to guide you into the wilderness. Country Tours PNG, Paiya Tours and Paivu Tours are just three established providers on hand to offer a friendly helping hand.

Welcome to the jewel of the pacific.

Discover a prestigious hotel with infinite possibilities beyond your imagination.

Call +675 302 8888 to secure your stay, email reservations@thestanleypng.com or visit www.thestanleypng.com

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leveraging the abundance of natural resources surrounding them - the locals adopt Mumu, a typical style of cooking vegetables in an underground It should be mentioned - for a more oven. Rice and starch is also very tourist audience - that many of these common with every meal. Of course, if hospitality and tour options can be quite expensive as the country looks fine dining is more your thing, then the major cities have looked to embrace to capitalise on the booming visitor numbers, but for the average business the very best of international cuisine, much in the same way as it has done traveller with a few spare days, the experience should be worth the outlay. from a hospitality point of view.

When looking into day-to-day A note of caution across the board however, is to strictly avoid drinking activities while in the country, it tap water. may be more enjoyable to take a More time-specific pursuits revolve ‘when in Rome’ approach in order to around the country’s numerous achieve the full PNG experience; and Tupira Surf Club and PNG Highlands festivals such as the Sing-Sing Adventures represent two of the more performances at the annual Goroka and Mount Hagen shows. Geared up enticing options available if you do to demonstrate the local culture to choose to dive right into nature. visiting masses in a flamboyant display Wood carving on the Sepik River is also extremely popular while, from a of colour and beauty, it is not to be missed if the timing is right. food & drink perspective - evidently

Out & About

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Discover Papua New Guinea with Paiya Tours

Paiya Tours Paiya Tours is 100% locally owned and offers pre-package and customized tours in the Highlands and costal Papua New Guinea. Tours centered on culture, adventures, ecology, sightseeing, filming and specials on Festivals.Paiya tours has been in the tourism business for the last eight (8) years and has great experience providing tours and accommodation meeting customer expectations.

Apart from tourism it offers accommodation for backpackers, eco interest and private /self contained apartments. Paiya tours has nine 9 full time employees serving as tour guides, cooks, security, housekeeping, office girls and drivers. Everyone is taught to be friendly serving the interest of tourists and Paiya tours.

The heritage diversities of cultures and natural beauties are so abundant that PNG is richly blessed and must not be exploited because of tourist’s dollar. Paiya tours focuses on preservation rather than exploitation and the community has high respect for the couple.

Paiya Tours, P.O. Box 160 Mt. Hagen 281, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea.

Mob: +675 7685 8183 Email: paiyatours.png@gmail.com www.paiyatours.com.pg

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Outlook Recommends “Papua New Guinea is full of interesting attractions, magnificent natural scenery, and diverse cultural heritage.” - Papua New Guinea Travel

HOSPITALITY The Stanley Hotel & Suites Based in Waigani, Port Moresby, The Stanley Hotel & Suites is one of the more stunning examples of the PNG capital’s evolution into a modern day metropolis, and the high-end visitors it now attracts. Subsequently set up in the commercial and governmental heart of the city, its appeal stems beyond just its comfort, relaxation and leisure and ventures into the business category via conference and meeting facilities that are second to none.

Coral Sea Hotels Dotted around the majority of major cities in Papua New Guinea, Coral Sea Hotels truly lives up to its vision to bring comfort and convenience to the entire country. Driven by its philosophy of meet, stay and play, the hotel once again bridges the business and pleasure elements of modern day ‘bizcations’ and was a resounding winner at the 2016 World Luxury Hotel Awards as a result of its all-encompassing approach.

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EXPERIENCE THE LAST FRONTIER

Port Moresby Office Phone: + 675 325 9309 Fax: + 675 325 0980 Cell Phone: + (675) 721 86760 or + 675 727 33568 Wireless Phone: + 675 3425124 or + 675 342 0891 Email: wako@countrytours.com.pg

Mt Hagen Office Phone/Fax: + (675) 542-1603 Cell Phone: + 675 7676 5684 or + 675 73914353 Email: sales@countrytours.com.pg or countrytours@daltron.com.pg www.countrytours.com.pg

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Outlook Recommends HOSPITALITY

Airways Hotel Port Moresby

Kingfisher Lodge

Laguna Hotel

Citi Serviced Apartments & Motel Paradise New Wewak Hotel Hotel Kimininga

The Shady Rest Hotel Kumul Lodge McRoyal Hotel

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Offering you an exceptional executive experience everytime. ~ Enjoy our complimentary services including: wifi, parking, newspapers & use of our Fitness Centre

+675 323 9333 reservations@lagunahotel.com.pg lagunahotelpng.com

Paivu Tours Ltd is a well-established inbound Tour Operator based in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea. Have been operating for over 35 years with good track record to date, serving the incoming visitors on arrivals by planes or by cruise ships.

PAIVU TOURS PRIORITIES ARE INFORMATIVE, QUALITY AND PROFESSIONAL LAND TOUR SERVICES.

For your booking enquiries: PAPUA NEW GUINEA P.O.BOX 40, KOKOPO, E.N.B.P MOBILE: (675) 7186 7374 / 7137 9849/ 7377 7455/ 7382 6376 E-mail: melly@paivutoursrabaul.com Website: paivutoursrabaul.com.pg Website: e-travelworld.cn/paivutoursrabaul

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Outlook Recommends TOUR OPERATORS

Paiya Tours Paiya Tours looks to incorporate all facets of Papua New Guinean culture into its offering; leveraging the country’s “extraordinary variety”.

Arts and crafts, religion, culture, business, tourism and events are just a few of the variables blended into the Company’s personable and intimate tour services.

Country Tours PNG Rather than simply imparting advice or a service, Country Tours PNG helps each visitor blend into the fabric of the local culture and feel. With “love and care” the Company encapsulates all that is good about the Melanesian way of life, and it all begins with a friendly smile.

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Egwalau Tours & Events Milne Bay Ltd

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Villink Tours & Expedition PNG

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• SURFING • PADDLE BOARDING • FISHING • SNORKELING Tupira Surf Club (Tupira) is located on the North Coast of Madang Province, at the mouth of Ulingan Bay, 160 kilometers from Madang Town, Papua New Guinea.

Tupira Surf Club Ulingan Bay Bogia, Madang Province Papua New Guinea info@tupira.com.pg www.tupira.com

KINGFISHER LODGE ROOM RATES

STANDARD ROOMS RATE: K330.00

(RM 11- 13)

DELUXE ROOMS RATE : K330.00

(RM 01-06 )

SELF CONTAINED RATE : K390.00

(RM 07-10 )

CONFERENCE ROOM RATE: K200 PER DAY MEALS Breakfast @ K35.00 Lunch @ K45.00 Dinner @ K45.00

A DELUXE ROOM VIEW

For your bookings and reservations please contact us: PO Box 89, Lorengau, Manus Province, Papua New Guinea E: redindarius@gmail.com T: +675 7040 2351

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Outlook Recommends SPORT & LEISURE PNG Highlands Adventures

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Tupira Surf Club

Scuba Ventures - Kavieng & Nusa Island Retreat

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Paradise New Wewak Hotel P.O Box 20 Wewak East Sepik Province Papua New Guinea Ph: +675 456 2155 for Resevstions Fax: +675 456 1600 Mob: +675 70545623 Email: wewakhotel@y7mail.com

Hotel Kimininga One of the old and best hotels in Mount Hagen

Highlands Highway Kimininga, Mount Hagen | Call: +675 542 2399

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Transport Links

PNG is the perfect place to explore for those seeking adventure

A S T H E C O U N T R Y ’ S tourist infrastructure continues to improve, the routes and methods to enter the nation do too. Most foreign nationals who now wish to enter Papua New Guinea are required to obtain a visa, but many can do so, for free, for a six month period.

Most EU countries, South America and Oceania are included within this ruling, while there are of course opportunities to obtain visas at a PNG embassy for many other countries.

Once the logistics have been arranged and the necessary jabs have been completed, transport becomes all the more complex however. That’s not to say complex in a bad way, mind you.

Anyone who truly wants to explore PNG to the full are presumably looking for a little adventure in any case, and with the country’s tricky, undulating,

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mountainous terrain, adventure is just what you’ll get. Bypassing mountains entirely, air travel is the most popular and important - mode of transport for both personnel and freight and even the two major cities - Port Moresby and Lae - can only be bridged via the skies.

Located near the former, Jacksons International Airport provides the primary hub for travelling into the country, which you can do so via Air Niugini, Philippine Airlines, Qantas or Virgin Australia.

Once in and settled though, there are choices to be made as to the best way to explore the islands.

Land, air and sea are all viable options, although the former of the three is quite specific to the Highlands Highway which begins in Lae and connects to Mt Hagen, the coast and Madang. From there, the roads do fork

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and continue, but for all the effort that goes into plotting your route, it may be simpler to either take to the skies, or at least look to public transport to carry the burden for you.

PMVs (public motor vehicles) and busses are the most common way to travel for locals, but to make sure, it is strongly advisable to gain advice from your hotel or lodge staff as to the best strategy.

On the water, numerous ferries are available to interconnect the various port towns and this is still a credible choice, but as has always been the way in PNG, it’s usually advisable to travel as the crow flies. Nearly all major settlements are built around an airstrip and - to be honest - missing out on the views that can be encapsulated from soaring above the country’s terrain would be to not get the full PNG experience.

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ASIA Welcome to Papua New Guinea...

The land of Different Journeys...

Discover and Experience ...

info@pnghighlandsadventuretours.com pnghighlandsadventures@gmail.com +67570468746 | +67572397966 www.pnghighlandsadventuretours.com

Niugini Dive Adventures is an only dive shop in Madang. We operate several boats depend on amount of passengers and activity. Madang has beautiful island, reefs and passages, you can reach to there within 30min by boat. Dive site is not crowded, beautiful coral is alive, a lot of big school of fish is swimming. Untouched nature is here. Enjoy diving with your boat, your guide and your dive site!

PO Box 707, Madang, Papua New Guinea 511 Tel: (675) 8541300 www.niuginidive.com

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Landmark Attractions

Louisiade Archipelago

“The Louisiade Archipelago is a string of coral islands that trail off the eastern coast of Papua New Guinea out into the Solomon Sea. Most of these islands are populated by Papua New Guinean natives who are typically English-speaking, educated, and friendly. They lead a classic idyllic tropical island lifestyle, living in coconut palm thatched single room houses built on stilts or ground supports. They live at a near subsistence level.”

- Asia Pacific Boating

Mount Wilhelm

“Mt Wilhelm is the highest mountain in Papua New Guinea and Oceania and has rugged peaks with a well formed trail leading to its summit. The ascent crosses diverse and beautiful terrain with open grassland on the slopes and granite predominant in the higher levels. It is not a technical mountain to climb and takes three-four days to ascend.” - PNG Trekking Adventures

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The Kokoda Track/ Kokoda Trail Adventure

“The Kokoda Trail is one of the world's great treks, linking the southern and northern coast of Papua New Guinea, it is a challenge to be enjoyed by the fit bushwalker. The Kokoda Trail and Sogeri area have a history of bitter fighting between Australian and Japanese armies during the early days of the war in the Pacific in World War II. The 96 km Kokoda trail passes through rugged mountainous country of rainforest, jungles of fern, orchids, birds and clean mountain streams which tumble into steep valleys.

The unspoilt villages throughout the Kokoda Track will welcome you and the Koiari and Orokaiva people will greet you with smiles and tempt you with seasonal fruit and vegetables.”

- Kokoda Trekking

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New Britain

“New Britain is stunning. PNG’s largest island, it has a bit of everything you’ve come to this country for – think colonial history, remarkable traditional cultures and pristine wilderness (despite areas where there are logging and mining). The pièce de résistance? Volcanoes. The whole region is a rumbling, billowing string of cones and craters cloaked with virgin tropical rainforest.”

- Lonely Planet

Madang

“Madang Province is the most popular location in Papua New Guinea for divers and consists of reef-fringed lowlands, backed by some of the most rugged mountains in Papua New Guinea and offshore volcanic islands. The colourful Madang Township has been called the "prettiest town in the South Pacific".

Its peninsula setting is a show-place of parks, waterways, luxuriant sade trees and sparkling tropical islands.”

- Papua New Guinea Travel

LAE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL PNG’S LEADING HOTEL

Accommodation

restaurants lounges conference & events

recreational facilities

villas & apartments, executive & deluxe suites, deluxe, premium & superior rooms vanda fine dining & kokomo coffee shop sportsman’s bar & aero bar conference centre : 180 - 800 pax bulolo room : 30 - 100 pax board room : 20 - 36 pax gymnasium & swimming pool 4TH STREET, TOP TOWN, LAE, P.O. BOX 2774, MOROBE PROVINCE, 411, PAPUA NEW GUINEA tel: (675) 472 2000 fax: (675) 472 4921 email: business@laeinterhotel.com www.laeinterhotel.com

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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 676

ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com

+44 (0)1603 959 672

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