Papua New Guinea (PNG) Tourism Promotion Authority put their best foot forward during their first road show stop in Auckland recently. Taking place right in the middle of their festival season and with many new developments in the pipeline, PNG presented to agents a range of activities and resorts on offer.

PNG’s director of marketing Leith Isaac said he was pleased with the number of agents who turned up on the night.

“New Zealand is definitely a market that we want to work in,” said Isaac. “From the turnout you can tell we are determined to get out there and we are committed to the market. It has been a very busy year for us… promoting many different products such as bird watching, diving and our cultural festivals.”

Along with the product offerings, it was recently revealed that the Conflict Islands will open its first resort at the beginning of next year. Located on the Island of Panasesa, the resort will consist of six timber bungalows, all double occupancy.

The island getaway is being offered at a rate of $4775 per person for bookings until June 2012, for a seven-night minimum stay.

Meanwhile, PNG’s sales and marketing manager Michael Woods said the rest of the country is becoming more accessible for tourists every day with quality operators being registered in PNG’s travel industry.

“Activities such as the Kokoda Track are a lot more accessible to tourists now since the industry became regulated,” said Woods. “Tour operators must be registered and we’re seeing tourists arrive in PNG more educated about what’s expected of them in terms of fitness. It means PNG is a lot safer for visitors.” – Hayley Barnett

For pictures from the roadshow click here