ENB pilots new scheme

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 9th May 2013

 By FRANKIY KAPIN

AN accommodation ratings scheme for the country was launched yesterday in Kokopo, East New Britain. 

Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) director of marketing and research Leith Isaac said the accreditation programme was initiated in 2009 in PNG under a Commonwealth Secretariat funding. 

TPA eventually took ownership of it. 

He presented the programme to guest house and lodge operators, ENB administration officials and other partners.

Isaac said the scheme was initially accommodation-centred with the next phase to cover tour operation. 

“TPA is working within a 10-year tourism master plan initially undertaken in 2007. Marketing is one of the five pillars initially undertaken addressing accommodation and culminating with the formal accreditation,” he said.

“It is important to have such systems in place helping the consumer to make informed decisions and buy with confidence. 

“It provides TPA, tour operators, travel agents that market and promote PNG with an international grading system.”

Consultant and designer of the accreditation scheme Michael Pusinelli said a series of workshops was held in the five model provinces of Eastern Highland, Port Moresby, Madang, East New Britain and New Ireland. 

He said accommodation listing was identified in five categories – hotels, self-catering, guest houses and hostel, backpackers/budget accommodation and the traditional and informal accommodation. 

Pusinelli said the implementation timetable was implemented in 2012. 

TPA will start accreditation for village guest houses and lodges in ENB and NIP after the launching.