Despite all the negative narratives about Port Moresby, there is a huge untapped tourism for Amazing Port Moresby.
These were the sentiments of the National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, during the signing of a milestone Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) recently.
This MoU was to develop and promote the Amazing Port Moresby brand as a tourist destination under the tagline “Million Different Journeys in One Destination” and sets the foundation for both the NCDC & PNGTPA to share resources and, develop and promote the city’s iconic sites, infrastructures and flagship events locally and overseas as tourist products.
Governor Parkop explained that all other top tourism destinations worldwide have their own share of negative stories, but they also work vigorously to market and promote the positives of their locations.
“The city’s strategic advantage over all other tourist destinations countrywide is that Port Moresby is home to a thousand cultures, traditions, songs and dances in just one destination, a million different journeys in one destination.”
He said Port Moresby has improved sports and travel infrastructure, beautiful seafronts, iconic sites, parks, thousands of cultures and tribes, and undulating hills.
“We are also the gateway to the country’s thousands of tourists’ sites and potential. Our success will benefit the entire tourism industry in the country. This is a great industry yet to be realized in its full potential. The whole country will benefit from this initiative, so it’s a welcomed development in this respect as well”.”
The NCD Governor said the NCDC, along with development partners, have invested heavily in infrastructure to help propel tourism in development and economic growth, contributing to national outcomes.
He also revealed that he will pay a return visit to China this year to tap into direct flight opportunities from Guangdong Province and major cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou in that Provinces to Amazing Port Moresby.
Also present at the signing of this MoU was the Port Moresby City Manager Mr. Ravu Frank and PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Mossman Uvovo, who both shared similar sentiments that this partnership is the best way forward for the capital city.
At the MoU signing, the PNGTPA also announced that they have purchased a boat to conduct island tours, outings and picnics.