NCDC SIGNS MOU WITH PNGTPA TO PROMOTE AMAZING POM AS TOURIST DESTINATION
The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) on Friday (September 1st 2023) signed a milestone Memorandum of Understanding with PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) to develop and promote the Amazing Port Moresby brand as a tourist destination under the tagline "Million Different Journeys in One Destination."
The MoU sets the foundation for both organisations to share resources and, develop and promote the city's iconic sites, infrastructures and flagship events locally and overseas as tourist products.
Speaking during the occasion, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop said that despite all the negative narratives about the city, the MoU signing was making a big statement about the untapped tourism potential Amazing Port Moresby holds.
He said all the top tourism destinations worldwide have their share of negative narratives too, but they aggressively market and promote their front stages with positive narratives.
Governor Parkop vouched that the city is amazing with improved sports and travel infrastructures, beautiful seafronts, iconic sites, parks, thousands of cultures and tribes, and undulating hills.
He said the city's strategic advantage over all other tourist destinations countrywide is that Port Moresby is home to a thousand cultures, traditions, songs and dances in just one destination, a million different journeys in one destination.
“We are also the gateway to the country’s thousands of tourists' sites and potential. Our success will benefit the entire tourism industry in the country. This is a great industry yet to be realised in its full potential. The whole country will benefit from this initiative so it’s a welcomed development in this respect as well”
He continued that during his past 16 years of political reign, NCDC, in collaboration with its development partners, has invested heavily in infrastructures to help propel tourism development and economic growth, contributing to national outcomes.
Governor Parkop stated that he would reciprocate a visit to China this year to tap into direct flight opportunities from Guangdong Province and major cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou in that Provinces to Amazing Port Moresby.
Commending Governor Parkop and PNGTPA CEO for this historic occasion, City Manager Ravu Frank said Governor Parkop's vision for Amazing Port Moresby is clear: a Clean, Healthy, Safe, Planned, and Livable city, serving as a regional hub for events and eco-tourism.
He added that Governor Parkop envisions Port Moresby as the gateway to the rest of PNG and between Asia and the Pacific Regions.
He said today's historic MOU signing strikes at the heart of this vision.
Through mutual cooperation between PNGTPA and NCDC, this vision will become a reality, said Mr Frank.
PNG TPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Mossman Uvovo said the MoU signing is a testament to effective collaboration and partnership.
Mr Uvovo said his PNGTPA would be working very closely with NCDC to mutually ensure both parties not only achieve the objectives and goals of the MoU but also the city becomes lively and family-oriented.
He also announced that his organisation has purchased a boat for island tours, outings and picnics.