Wheeling another dimension to tourism

By CLARISSA MOI
FOUR-wheeling Papua New Guinea (4Wheeling PNG) was established last year by a group of like-minded enthusiasts who are passionate about 4WDs, the outdoors and camping lifestyle associated with it.
The group stated that whilst there have been 4WD groups in PNG for many years, the group saw an opportunity to create professional videos and media highlighting the potential for a flourishing 4WD lifestyle here in the country, similar to countries such as Australia and South East Asia.
“One video led to another and now, 4Wheeling PNG has over 24k followers across its Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts, with followers both locally and globally.
“The videos and media pushed by 4Wheeling PNG have featured on numerous high audience pages such as ‘What’s Good PNG’, PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) page and numerous international 4WD pages and accounts around the world.”
The group recently conducted an expedition to Tapini, Goilala district, Central, in partnership with the Port Moresby Motor Cycle Club, former PNG Kumuls player and Tapini businessman Bruce Mamando and Central Governor Robert Agarobe.
A small gesture in the form of items for the newly built secondary school and medical outpost were delivered and highlights the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships for rural communities.
4Wheeling PNG celebrated its first anniversary this month with a competition for two winners plus a friend each to join them on a weekend of 4WDriving. The winners were Yanamlyn Biange Yana and Hale Apawa. The trip is planned for the coming weeks and will hopefully give them a closer insight into the 4WDing and outdoor lifestyle here in Papua New Guinea.
Winner and a great fan of 4WD and 4Wheeling PNG, Yanamlyn Biange Yana says 4Wheeling PNG is the coolest and the most adventurous thing that has ever happened in PNG.
“I love 4Wheeling PNG, to be honest.
“I never knew I loved four-wheel this much until I saw their video done by Trostle Films (Oh I love Trostle Films too) last year.
“Since then I got dedicated to the page, checking for their latest updates.
“Few of my friends know how crazy I am about this team and what they do.
“They remind me of home and our drivers back home (Menyamya-Aseki-Bulolo highway, Morobe).
“That resonance with what the team is up to got me hooked till now,” Yana said.
“I am a great fan of people who are changing the face of PNG by challenging the status quo and what 4Wheeling PNG is doing is exactly that,” She said.
“We are rugged.
“Most of our country is so remote even aircraft don’t go, basic services are lacking. All these problems we have. We are named for our ruggedness and our terrain.”
She said every day, every Papua New Guinean should think creatively on how to showcase PNG to the world.
“We tell the world that PNG has adventures to offer, a hundred million journeys, well, you just got one added.
“The unique thing about four wheeling is you get to go into places no cars have gone to, and that is where you find the true beauty of PNG.
“Trust me, tourists come to PNG to see culture, tradition and probably go diving. Well, now you have one more reason to visit; 4Wheeling!” Yana said.
She said she has a deep conviction that this team will be huge.
The group says that this year is set to be a big one for 4Wheeling PNG with a number of major initiatives and announcements planned.
Whilst it is looking to expand its media presence, it is also seeking support and partners for its community engagement activities to deliver positive outcomes for the rural communities they travel through during their expeditions.
The founding members of 4Wheeling PNG are from a diverse range of backgrounds and occupations which is part of their success.
The range of vehicles within the core group is also as diverse as their backgrounds, which is a major reason why many Papua New Guineans have been able to identify with 4Wheeling PNG; conjuring memories and experiences of their own exciting 4WD adventures.
Whether that be going home to the village or traversing rivers to deliver essential supplies to remote areas, Papua New Guineans have depended on 4WDs for many years – and 4Wheeling PNG aims to highlight this both locally, and globally.
If would like to get behind 4Wheeling PNG in terms of sponsorship or their community engagement plans, follow their Facebook, Instagram and YouTube account or email: [email protected]