THE Ambua Lodge in Tari, Hela, has reopened for business, according to Trans Niugini Tours. General manager Andrew Neufeld said the lodge was closed following the earthquake last year and unrest in the area. “Ambua Lodge is one of Papua New Guinea’s most unique and famous locations and is a favourite amongst cultural and birding enthusiasts from around the globe,” Neufeld said. “In August 2018, Trans Niugini Tours made the difficult decision to close the lodge indefinitely, after the area suffered from a substantial earthquake followed by a period of civil unrest. “During the closure, we closely monitored the local security situation, repaired earthquake damage and made improvements and renovations. “One of the first things returning guests may notice is the new floor with in-floor heating in the main lodge,” he said. Neufeld said a four-month soft reopening of Ambua Lodge had gone well. “The local community supports the reopening and they are very excited to warmly welcome back our guests.” When asked how much was invested in the renovations and improvements, Neufeld said: “The cost of renovations is a bit tricky to pin down but it was probably K75,000.” to K100,000. The main thing is, it is looking good and open for all to come have a comfortable, safe and relaxing stay.” Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/tour-operator-reopens-lodge-after-earthquake-civil-unrest/
PRIME Minister James Marape has declared that law-and-order issues are the major hindrance to PNG’s tourism industry progress and growth.
“Law-and-order woes and issues must be effective and adequately addressed for our tourism industry to really flourish,” he told The National in an interview soon after his election as the country’s 8th prime minister.
“I don’t see a massive erosion in our cultural heritage over the next 10 to 15 years (to attract tourists),” he said.
“We will still maintain it (cultural heritage).
That leads us to prioritise our agriculture sector and industry. When people see money in coffee, cocoa, growing cabbages and broccoli, going into their pockets, they will treasure living in peace and harmony.
“We hope to turn all these around in five years. Our country can then become safer and, naturally, tourism will also benefit.
Wagang Beach, Lae, against the magnificent backdrop of the Huon Gulf looking down to Salamaua. This is the very area where the giant Wafi-Golpu mine plans to dump millions of tonnes of tailings into the Huon Gulf, which has been the livelihood of the caostal people of Morobe for hundreds of years. – Nationalpic by MALUM NALU
“That (tourism) is something that is really big out there but you can’t talk about tourism when we have a law-and-order issues and problems.
“It (tourism) is there, let’s work on it, but let’s transfer money to our people in other areas first. Of course, we will help to grow established tourism destinations, such as Madang.
“It is something that we will work on for progress and growth of our tourism industry and to bring in foreign revenue,” he added.
Although latest research shows PNG’s tourism industry is on the rise with 95,000 air travellers and K690 million in spending, it is far inferior to Fiji which netted some K3 billion last year.
And last year, the figures were likely up due to the hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ summit.
The research was attributed to World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) in May 2019.
The air arrivals were part of about 195,000 international visitors, with the overall figure including people arriving by cruise ships as well as those who arrived in the country for short and long-term employment.
The International Visitor Survey (IVS) undertaken by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in partnership with the PNG Tourism Association and the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute, shows that visitors arriving by air for tourism, business and to visit friends and relatives increased by 10% from 2017.
The biggest spending by those 95,000 visitors, was for accommodation, airfares, food and drinks.
Business travellers are still the largest group of visitors, making up 50% of people arriving by air.
“While the research shows visitors nominated safety and security as well as infrastructure as key areas for improvement, it is significant that more than 90% of people said they would return to the country,” IFC resident representative for PNG John Vivian said.
But the overall research shows PNG remains heavily reliant on the Australian market for visitors, with Australians accounting for just over half of all the visitors,” he added.
Australians are predominately visiting the key tourism sites in the Central and Northern provinces with keen interest in historical and adventure tourism.
“Tourism cuts across all sectors and needs concerted efforts of relevant sector agencies to address issues such as law and order and infrastructure developments,” PNG TPA chief executive officer Jerry Agus said.
“Every Papua New Guinean is also encouraged to embrace the importance of tourism by doing their bit to help lift the image and profile of the country as this responsibility does not revolve around only the Government and TPA,” he added.
The research points to increasing interest by visitors to travel to provinces like Central, Morobe and Northern, with a 25% rise in the number of visitors to Milne Bay and a 17% increase in visitors to East New Britain.
Both areas are designated as future key tourism destinations, bringing in millions of kina to local economies.
The 2018 IVS also explored niche market tourism for the first time – adventure and cultural tourists, accounting for some 20% of holidaymakers.
Left: A roadside stream outside Mendi, Southern Highlands.
