PNG looks to ease visas to grow tourism from China
Chinese travelers are now able to get a special visa on arrival to Papua New Guinea (PNG), while direct flights and tax-free experiences will be made available in the future, said Jerry Agus, head of the country’s tourism promotion authority.
The goal is to welcome more Chinese travelers to discover the country’s tropical features, Agus added.
The largest island country in South Pacific boasts some stunning natural landscapes featuring volcanoes, waterfalls and rivers, as well as exotic cultural experiences provided by around 800 tribes.
A series of cultural exchange activities were recently held in Port Moresby between China and Papua New Guinea ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meeting.
One was the production of a documentary “Glamorous PNG”, produced by China Central Television, which was aired on Friday and Saturday.
The documentary gives glimpses of not only the natural scenery, history and culture of the country, but also of modern life in Papua New Guinea.
Agus said the show, alongside the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting would give local tourism a shot in the arm. At the moment, the PNG remains an off-the-beaten-track destination for Chinese travelers, due to its visa application process and a lack of understanding of the country’s tourism resources.
Agus noted Chinese travelers’ visas would be dealt with in one week or less, and visa on arrival would be granted for Chinese group travelers who book their trips via PNGaccredited travel agencies.
“It will be great news for Chinese travelers,” Agus told China Radio International.
Once Chinese travelers file a visa application, immigration and exit-entry agencies will begin processing it immediately, he explained. Tourism promotions will also be held to introduce to Chinese travelers what PNG has to offer. International arrivals to PNG grew 166 percent during the 2005-2015 period, according to a report of the Asian Development Bank.
The bank also highlighted the tourism potential of the country’s Mount Wilhelm and Baiyer River regions.
PNG is ideal for outdoor experiences such as rafting, hiking, sightseeing and birdwatching, Agus noted.
Liu Ziqiao had a great time swimming with the dolphins, visiting World War II sites and observing volcanoes at close quarters in Rabaul.
He works for Chinese phone maker Huawei in PNG’s capital, Port Moresby, and takes every opportunity to travel the country in his spare time.
“The country is abundant in natural resources and has a very nice climate,” Liu said.
He and his colleagues would have to return to the mainland, via Hong Kong, but things will be easier soon. “I heard the direct flight connecting Port Moresby and Shanghai will be running next year, which would make my future visits easier,” he noted.