‘APO’ is the Word for Eastern Highlands Tourism

By COLIN TAIMBARI

THE Eastern Highlands Province is very much mindful of its tourism potential and intends to cash in on it. At a recently completed tourism awareness workshop in Goroka from 3 -7th May 2004, the word “Apo” which loosely means “wantok, friend or brother” in the local Goroka dialect has been adopted as the official expression for “welcome” and “farewell” to visitors by Eastern Highlands Tourism.

A typical village scene up in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province

The world famous Asaro Mudman will also be featured more prominently as the province’s tourism icon or mascot.

The tourism concept has the full backing of Eastern Highlands Governor Malcolm Smith who believes economically, tourism is second only to coffee in Eastern Highlands. Mr Smith is adamant every effort must be made to develop tourism. Mr Smith was thankful to the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority and the Education Department’s Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Division for facilitating the workshop.

Mudman with bow and arrow

According to Goroka MP and Police Minister Bire Kimisopa, the challenge now is to redevelop the existing tourist attractions, facilities and infrastructure and bring them up to standard. Apart from the Mudman, the Eastern Highlands Cultural Show and the Coffee Festival, the province has the Mount Gavahasuka National Park, Raun Raun Theatre and the McCarthy Museum. It also has exciting opportunities for bird watching and trekking along the Sir Pita Lus Track to Brahman in Madang.

A man in traditional dressing during the Goroka Show

Visitors can enjoy the comforts of the Bird of Paradise Hotel and other modern lodges before transiting to the other Highlands Provinces. Higher learning and research facilities such as the National Sports Institute, University of Goroka, and the Medical Research Institute can also be attractions on their own.

Goroka Raun Raun Theatre Centre

The TPA/TVET Tourism Awareness workshop in Goroka was the first and many more will be conducted throughout Papua New Guinea. A total of about 25 participants attended the Goroka workshop, representing the airlines, rural resource owners, government agencies including McCarthy Museum, Raun Raun Theatre [NCC], the provincial government and the Governor’s Office.
At the end of the workshop the participants formed the EHP Tourism Association; they successfully produced a Calendar of Events; A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis; A Product Inventory of Eastern Highlands; and presented them all to Governor Smith.

Goroka women selling their products by the roadside

In future, it is hoped that the provincial government and TPA can continue the regular training for the stakeholders on a K1 to K1 basis. TPA facilitator Erigere Singin said the short courses in tourism and hospitality will hopefully go a long way in promoting tourism industry development in the country. And TPA will work closely with provincial tourism officers to see that it succeeds. Currently, the workshop was on training need analysis and would soon focus in on specific areas.

Bush Bridge up in Eastern Highlands province

A majority of participants in Goroka requested management training. Special skills training in tour guiding, customer service, bookkeeping, front office management and others will also bee included. Eastern Highlands Provincial Tourism Officer Keryn Flynn coordinated the Goroka workshop and Ms. Singin and TVET’s Flora Gutierrez were facilitators.

Ends

Colin Taimbari is the Pulic Relations Coordinator for PNG Tourism Promotion Authority - the same story can be found on www.pngtourism.com.pg

Eastern Highlands meri in traditional bilas