Authority backs comments

Source:
The National,Monday July 4th, 2016

THE Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) supports leading operator Sir Peter Barter’s idea of hosting national and international events in the provinces, says chief executive officer Jerry Agus.
He said this last week in response to Sir Peter’s criticism of the Lukim PNG show and conference being in Port Moresby and not other provinces.
Agus said the main reason for hosting Lukim PNG 2016 in Port Moresby was the cost factor.
“Cost wise, it’s reasonable for TPA and PNG Tourism Industry Association to host the event in Port Moresby rather than in the provinces,” he said.
“TPA funds more than 50 per cent of the cost of hosting Lukim PNG.
“These costs include airfares, accommodation, meals and tours for our overseas marketing representatives and their travel agents. “TPA’s overseas marketing representatives come from Australia, Japan, Europe and North America and they are accompanied by travel agents who are already selling PNG or new agents wanting to sell PNG as a travel destination.
“For Lukim PNG 2016, TPA is bringing in 21 travel agents from around the world accompanied by seven of our regional managers.
“After three days of Lukim PNG in Port Moresby, TPA then sends each of our overseas managers and their country agents to destinations around PNG, including Madang, Rabaul, Kavieng, Alotau, Tari, Goroka and Mount Hagen.
“The overseas travel agents choose the provinces they wish to visit and based on industry support, TPA then sends them out for product familiarisation trips.”