PNG looks to ease regulations to grow tourism

Papua New Guinea is planning to roll out special tourism programs to draw Chinese travelers.

So far, Chinese travelers have been able to get a special visa on arrival, while direct flights and tax-free experiences will be made available in the future, says 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 says.

The largest island country in South Pacific, Papua New Guinea boasts some stunning natural landscapes featuring volcanos, 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, that 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 says the show, alongside the APEC summit would give local tourism a shot in the arm.

At the moment, the country 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 says 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 PNG-accredited travel agencies.