PNG gets set for Chinese tourists
Air Niugini, in partnership with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), organised a ‘China ready’ workshop in Port Moresby late last year to ensure tourism operators are ready to deal with Chinese tourists when Air Niugini starts direct flights to Shanghai in March.
Participants came from all over the country and included tour operators, hotel and accommodation managers, airport and airline personnel, as well as educational institutions that provide tourism and hospitality courses.
For Papua New Guinea to tap into China’s 122 million travellers each year, it is important to host PNG tourism websites in China.
An expert on Chinese tourism, Dr Marcus Lee, gave a detailed analysis of the Chinese tourism market and its expectations.
He said for Papua New Guinea to tap into China’s 122 million travellers each year, it is important to host PNG tourism websites in China and in the Chinese language. “It is a highly regulated internet space, which will enable Chinese to fully understand the type of products being offered by the tourism sector in PNG.”
He said it is also important to know the type of services Chinese tourists want. For example, Chinese tourists use UnionPay cards. UnionPay is the largest card payment organisation in the world.
“Chinese always move in groups,” he said. “One of the first things that they look for is free Wi-Fi and the UnionPay logo.
“You need to create products and engage them in something that they have never experienced. You must have a Chinese representative.”
Air Niugini chief executive officer, Simon Foo, said it is important that people in the tourism industry are ready to deal with Chinese tourists when they come to PNG.
PNGTPA chief executive officer, Jerry Agus, said: “I commend Air Niugini for taking a bold step to go into the Chinese market, but it needs the support of everyone to ensure it is successful.”
PNGTPA assisted Air Niugini with PGK60,000 to facilitate the workshop. ■