By Lillian Sopera Keneqa – EMTV News, Port Moresby
An event that happens every year, the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) is a chance for PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) to showcase the country’s tourism potential. The South Pacific Tourism Exchange is hosted by the Fiji-based South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO).
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority represented the country by attending the event in New Zealand last week. While there, they met with New Zealand tourism wholesalers and travel agencies to sell, market and promote their tourism products and services.
PNGTPA Marketing Officer, Simon Pi said “We have about 60 buyers from 14 different countries around the world and 94 sellers from our 17 different Pacific Island countries.”He added, “This is one of the best places where we can all come together to meet the international buyers.” Six PNG tour operators also accompanied the PNGTPA for the event. Melanesian Tourist Services, Paiya Tours, PNG Trekking Adventures, PNG Highlands Adventures, Buna Treks & Tours, Country Tours, PNG Explorers International and Air Niugini. Established in 1983, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. SPTO Chairman, David Vaeafe said “SPTO has been operating for over 30 years and we’ve come to a point now where we need to evolve the organisation to make it relevant both to its members and their current economic environment.”
PNGTPA CEO, Jerry Agus said, “Our presence at the SPTE Auckland show is the start of PNG’s marketing focus on New Zealand who is known for their adventure-based travellers.” “In the next five years, PNGTPA will be placing a greater focus on the development of the New Zealand market, especially specific niche markets such as trekking, diving and cultural tourism,” he added confidently.PNGTPA was an associate sponsor of the event and believes it will go a long way in bringing more tourists into country. ]]>
