By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
Papua New Guinea tourism industry has surpassed the 100,000 mark for the first time by recording a huge increase in the arrival of tourists last year, Culture and Tourism Minister Charles Abel said in a statement yesterday.
“There were a total of 102,400 arrivals representing an increase of 32% or 25,000 additional visitors compared to some 77,730 visitors in 2006.”
Mr Abel said last year arrivals comprised 35% tourists and 60% business travellers.
“The holiday segment saw an additional 4,540 tourism arrivals compared to 2006.
“Of the total arrivals, 5,117 visited the Kokoda track, generating K25 million in overall revenue to the industry and reflecting its significance.
“Last year’s figures showed exceptional growth for PNG. This is indeed a positive reflection of the extensive marketing and promotion programmes undertaken by Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and our local and overseas industry partners over the past three years.
“The figures are also a result of the increase in cruise ships visiting PNG and the fact that TPA had moved away from generic marketing activities and was targeting specific trade events with its industry partners to sell our niche tourism products like diving, surfing, trekking, fishing and bird watching.”
Mr Abel also commended the National Government for its support under the national tourism master plan (2007-2017).
“We are confident of a further 15% increase or 120,000 visitors this year,” he said.