Amazing Port Moresby is expanding into the lucrative Chinese tourism market in a groundbreaking initiative to boost tourism and economic opportunities, with the city’s efforts to attract Chinese visitors advanced significantly as it prepares for the inaugural flight from Guangzhou on December 20th.
On November 23, the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop convened a critical meeting at Seoul Restaurant with key stakeholders such as the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Chinese Association, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), tour agencies, and Amazing Port Moresby. This gathering was a watershed moment in the city’s journey to becoming a popular tourist destination.
This ambitious endeavor was made possible by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023 between Amazing Port Moresby and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA).
The MoU was centered on the development and promotion of the city’s brand, “Amazing Port Moresby,” as a multifaceted tourist destination, as embodied by the tagline “Million different journeys in one destination.”
The extensive dialogues held by Governor Parkop and Prime Minister James Marape with the Guangdong Government of China have contributed to the realization of this vision. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by China Southern Airlines is scheduled to make its symbolic inaugural flight to Jacksons Airport on December 20th.
Governor Parkop shared the exciting news with representatives from the Chinese Association in PNG, the PNGTPA, and other key stakeholders during a meeting. He revealed that 40 Chinese government officials would be on board the inaugural flight, emphasizing the significance of this momentous occasion. To highlight the country’s connectivity, an Air Niugini charter flight will take visitors to Alotau before returning to Guangdong.
Governor Parkop emphasized the significance of making a good first impression on the visitors. He emphasized that Guangdong, with a population of nearly 127 million people, is an industrial powerhouse.
He also mentioned that China ranks high on the World Tourism Index and Port Moresby’s strategic location to Asia, as well as its proximity to Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Island nations, makes it an ideal destination.