PM JAMES MARAPE: LET’S PRESERVE OUR ORIGINAL, AUTHENTIC PNG CHARACTERISTICS FOR GREATER TOURISM SECTOR SUCCESS

Friday, 11 April, 2025

Prime Minister's Statement

Port Moresby 

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea: Prime Minister Hon. James Marape echoed words of hope and a brighter future for Papua New Guinea’s Tourism Industry, founded on the nation’s original and authentic characteristics, as he concluded a two-day inaugural National Tourism Conference and Exposition at a Gala Dinner event last night at Hilton Hotel.

Prime Minister Marape said: “Our own original, authentic PNG characteristics that include friendliness, love and care towards visitors both domestically and internationally should dominate our approach as we endeavour to transform the ever-important and high-potential Tourism Sector of our country.

“I urge all citizens to move away from lawlessness and be continually hospitable amongst ourselves, and to our visitors from other countries, whether it be our Pacific neighbours, from South East Asia or elsewhere around the world. Tourism can greatly generate revenue for you, your family and community, and thus contribute to the country’s economy. Therefore, respect visitors in the true PNG spirit and characteristics. Together we can transform PNG into a better and peaceful place for Tourism to flourish.”

The inaugural two-day National Tourism Conference and Exposition themed as ‘Honouring our past, transforming our future: 50 years of PNG Tourism’ is seen as a catalyst to reconstruct the Tourism industry of the country. The ground-breaking event on the eve of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations paves the way for greater collaboration and effective implementation of relevant policies for the industry.

Marape stated that his Government stands ready to assist the Tourism Sector significantly, in collaboration with Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Hon. Belden Namah and the industry players, stakeholders and supporters. 

“Let’s translate talk and policy into action in the important Tourism Sector of our country. My Government stands ready to provide support to Minister Hon. Belden Namah, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, National Cultural Commission and other key organisations and stakeholders in the Tourism industry to drive progress and prosperity.

“From this Conference, let us unite in securing a firm foundation for this vital industry of our nation that is blessed with unique, world-class characteristics, natural beauty and rich culture that is unmatched globally. It has enormous potential for economic transformation, our positive image on the international arena, and establishing special people-to-people bonds with visitors from other countries.

“Our country is unique in the sense that apart from our largely Melanesian descent population, we also have Polynesian and Micronesian descent people amongst us in some of our coastal areas, which provides a special taste of tourism for our visitors and the global tourism environment. Our tourism potential is huge and so let’s embrace it with distinct value and passion,” PM Marape said. 

Marape stated: “As our 50th Anniversary Independence celebrations occur in September this year, we must ensure to protect our culture and our environment, as they are part of our significant national character.”