A group of Australian PNG Specialist travel agents recently returned from an enthralling famil to Papua New Guinea experiencing the natural beauty and rich culture of the island nation.
Despite being Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea (PNG) remains an exotic mystery to many Australians and New Zealanders and to ensure frontline travel agents have all the information they require to sell the destination, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has launched the third phase of its online ‘Your Workshops’ training.
From L to R: Peter Monaghan (Flight Centre Bondi Junction); Robyn Hodder-MacNeill (The Travellers Shop Gympie); Alyssa Teague (Acland Travel); Katy Hurd (Travel Managers Mount Eliza); Leigh Reading (PNGTPA, on ground); Deborah Nicholson (Flight Centre Mobile Travel Brisbane); Carmen Milton (Escape Travel Melbourne Collins Street).
To further educate agents on the unique destination, a group of Australian PNG Specialist travel agents have recently returned from an enthralling famil to PNG, taking in Port Moresby and Tufi, in the Oro (meaning “welcome!”) Province.
The group of six won their places on the trip, after achieving 100 per cent on Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA)’s online agent training and locking in at least one booking to PNG.
After getting familiar with some of Port Moresby’s best hotels, the group headed to Tufi Resort to experience some of the natural beauty and rich culture for which PNG is famous.
Two of the agents from the famil, which ran from 2 to 8 June, 2015, shared their experiences of the wondrous PNG.
Alyssa Teague from Acland Travel
“PNG and Tufi in particular (in the Oro Province) completely exceeded my expectations. The locals are so welcoming and friendly, the landscape is absolutely stunning and the surrounding reef is the best I’ve ever seen. Staff at Tufi Resort really look after you and we were spoilt with authentic PNG experiences and tours. These included visiting a local village; canoeing in the harbour; snorkelling; and diving. The McLaren Harbour tour was the highlight and it featured traditional dancing, sago and fire making, tribal tattooing and a ride in an outrigger canoe. I will certainly be going back!”
Alyssa Teague, Acland Travel
Robyn Hodder-MacNeill from The Travellers Shop
Like many people, I thought PNG was full of danger but after spending six days there my mind is now made up to return for a longer holiday. The people everywhere are so friendly and welcoming, from the administrators of the Port Moresby’s Nature Park (a must see for the unique plants and special creatures) to the staff within any hotel I visited, they were all so happy and friendly.Tufi Resort provided our comfortable and relaxing accommodation and served the most scrumptious meals. My recommendation to travel to Papua New Guinea has dramatically changed since this visit. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and I will forever remember the smiles of both children and adults alike in fondness.
Robyn Hodder-MacNeill, The Travellers Shop
Industry members interested in learning more about PNG and for the chance to experience it firsthand, can complete the next phase of the online training at www.pngspecialists.com.au
Agents are invited to become a PNG Wantok Specialist by completing the online course, which in this phase focuses largely on cruising, PNG’s newest tourism offering. Participants then go in the running to win a coveted spot on a travel agent famil to PNG. Agents need to register at www.pngspecialists.com.au and complete the training module with a score of over 90 per cent and secure one PNG sale to be in the running.
This article was brought to you by Papua New Guinea Tourism
