Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), Eric Mossman Uvovo, has commended all industry members, stakeholders, and participants for their contributions to the successful staging of the National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025, held from Wednesday 9 April to Thursday 10 April at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby. In a statement, Mr. Uvovo expressed heartfelt appreciation to the national leaders, corporate sponsors, tourism operators, community representatives, and development partners who came together to honour five decades of tourism in Papua New Guinea under the theme ‘Honouring Our Past, Transforming Our Future.’ He said that week's events were nothing short of extraordinary. "We gathered not only to celebrate 50 years of tourism in our beautiful country, but to honour the visionaries, communities, and industry builders who laid the foundation for where we are today.” The event was also a tribute to three iconic figures who have shaped the course of tourism in the country: the late Sir Peter Barter, the late Mr. Max Benjamin, and Mr. Bob Bates. These individuals were honoured during the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards segment of the Gala Dinner. Mr. Uvovo, acknowledged their lasting legacy and the profound impact of their work. “We honour the families of these great pioneers who dedicated their lives to building Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry from the ground up.” “Their vision, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire us. And to Mr. Bob Bates, the last strong man still standing in PNG’s tourism legacy, we salute you. Your resilience and lifelong service are a beacon for the generations to come.” The CEO acknowledged the generous support of the event sponsors, highlighting the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries as Platinum Sponsor. “Your investment and belief in the future of PNG tourism empowered us to host this event and recognize the legends of our industry with the honour they deserve.” In addition, he extended gratitude to the Gold Sponsors; Ok Tedi Mining Limited and ExxonMobil PNG, as well as the Bronze Sponsors who are from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, and China CSCEC Steel (PNG) for their partnership and continued support in strengthening tourism in the country. Over the two-day conference, more than 300 participants engaged in sector updates, strategic panel discussions, and keynote presentations from leading tourism and business figures. Day one focused on post-COVID recovery, sustainability, SME development, and access to finance with compelling input from speakers such as Alan Manning, Moses Wai, Andrew Abel, Dominic Sikakau, Lloyd Piari, and Cheyne Benjamin. Meanwhile, the second day shifted toward the future, featuring sessions on investment, infrastructure, connectivity, and destination marketing. Presenters included John Tuaim, Fantasha Lockington, Simon-Marc Brendling, Gibson Holemba, Dominic Kaumu, Walter Yangomina, Charlie Wanma, David Rawlings, Noor Ahmad Hamid, Hannah Pearson, and Dr. Marcus Lee. “To everyone who participated, from SMEs and landowners to youth representatives and investors, thank you. You are the heartbeat of this industry. Your stories and energy are shaping a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and authentically Papua New Guinean.” He noted that the outcomes of the conference provide a strong platform for future international milestones including Expo Osaka 2025 and the PNG-China Tourism Year 2026, as well as renewed commitment to improving industry standards, financing access, and digital marketing strategies. Furthermore, Mr. Uvovo also extended special thanks to the TPA organizing team, the PNG Tourism Industry Association (PNGTIA), and all the behind-the-scenes staff whose hard work ensured a professional and meaningful event experience. “ I thank you all for believing in the power of tourism to connect people, preserve culture, and transform lives.” “Let us move forward with pride, unity, and a shared purpose to take PNG tourism into the next 50 years.”