PNGTPA SUPPORTS PNGTIA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

PNGTPA and PNGTIA secure partnership to boost membership for 2023.

By Joybertina Piasinu

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has partnered with the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA) to boost membership for 2023.

In joint efforts to build back the tourism industry after the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, PNGTPA has provided a 50,000 Kina subsidy to the association for 2023 membership fees. Under the subsidy, past and current members pay 30% while PNGTPA pays 70% of the total membership fees.

Other interested members of the Tourism & Hospitality Industry are encouraged to also register. Since the promotion of membership drive, registered members for 2023 have risen to 35 registered members. This is a good indication shown by the industry members about their commitment to build back better post COVID-19. We expect more tourism industry operators to register before end of April with the aim of having about 100 members registered. All visitors wishing to book a tour, accommodation or host an event, can check our social media page and website for a full listing of registered members. Members of the public, visitors, tourists are encouraged to book tours services, accommodation and other related services with PNGTIA registered members.

Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of PNGTPA acknowledges our Tourism Industry members as key partners, “Tour Operators, Guest Houses, Hotels, Restaurants, Transport Services, Airlines, Attractions, Museums, Festivals and others offer specific services to leisure travelers, tourists, visitors, the public as well as Business Travelers who have the option of extending their trip to experience the destination of their choice. Through such a recognized and registered membership with PNGTIA, TPA will be able to promote each business as well as invite participation at upcoming, events, trade shows, training, conferences and participate also in the subsidized travel packages.”

Mr Alois Mateos, President of PNGTIA thanked PNGTPA saying, “The PNG TPA is the national tourism office responsible for tourism development, marketing and promoting PNG as a desirable tourist destination. This gesture by

PNGTPA is very much appreciated by the industry members and we thank those who have utilized this subsidy to renew their membership. Under the subsidy, Associate Members pay 120 Kina while Corporate Members pay 240 Kina only. We encourage those members who have not yet renewed their membership to utilize this subsidy and join the association before the end of April 2023 to benefit from shared PNGTPA and TIA programs”.

The PNGTIA is a peak body for the tourism industry in PNG. It is a platform for tourism sector operators to come together and form one collective voice. It is the only professional, non-profit peak body that brings together all actors in the tourism value chain.