TRAVEL
TIPS
| Driving |
U.S
Driving Permit accepted |
| Currency |
(PGK)
kina |
| Electrical |
240 Volts |
| Telephones |
Country
Code 675, City Code, Port Moresby 3+6D, Les/Manus 47+5D, Mt
Hagen 54+5D, Southern Region 64+5D |
Papua
New Guinea is one of the world's most naturally beautiful countries.
Soaring mountain peaks, unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, unique
flora and fauna and the cultural richness of the people combine
to make Papua New Guinea an increasingly popular destination for
tourists. There is already a well established infrastructure catering
successfully for many types of visitor packages but the potential
for expansion and improvement is limitless.
The Government has targeted
tourism as a priority area for the economic development of the
country and for the creation of employment opportunities at rural
and urban levels. With the kina at a more reasonable level of
exchange since its devaluation and float, Papua New Guinea's many
enchanting and remarkable destinations can be within the sights
and budgets of many adventurers.
The development and expansion
of tourism in Papua New Guinea is assisted by the Tourism Promotion
Authority (TPA), a statutory organisation established by the Government.
The TPA is well equipped with substantial industry knowledge to
respond to tourism enquiries. Its activities are mainly directed
at the marketing of Papua New Guinea as a tourist destination
and as a safe location for hospitality investment.
In line with other development
policies, the Government continues to ensure the cultural, social
and environmental resources of the country are safeguarded and
investment in tourism may attract some degree of interest from
the relevant agencies, including, among others, the Department
of Environment and Conservation. The TPA is currently promoting
new investments in major tourism facilities, such as large-scale
resorts. Appropriate packages including financial incentives for
investors are available. Planning guidelines and suitable sites
have been identified and investors are keenly sought to develop
these projects.
The TPA continues to identify
new project areas and potential support businesses which cater
for tourists. It arranges pre-feasibility and feasibility studies
for certain projects. It will also work closely with other agencies
to assist in identifying business partners - local or foreign
- if necessary, and assist in the licensing and registration clearances
with local authorities for your project.
The range and availability
of training in the hospitality industry needs to be improved in
Papua New Guinea. The Government encourages the development of
facilities which will help to train the local workforce. It also
welcomes overseas training opportunities and encourages local
employers to improve training techniques to enhance the skills
of their staff.
Further details and assistance
can be obtained from the Tourism Promotion Authority and/or the
Investment Promotion Authority.
The Lonely Planet offers these useful Facts
for the Traveller to Papua New Guinea.
