WHEN we think about going on holiday, the same few places instantly spring to mind – Spain, France and Greece for example.
But if you want something completely different, filled with culture and adventure – a visit to Papua New Guinea will be a trip you will not forget.
That is the view of members of the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, who are themselves visiting Warrington this month.
Papua New Guinea's borders are always open to those seeking culture and adventure
Simon Dari Pih and Pamela Hoepel-Aupae flew to the town as part of the PNG Rugby League World Cup delegation, with the team being based in Warrington during the tournament.
While the Kumuls are doing their thing on the pitch, Simon and Pamela are spreading the word that the borders of Papua New Guinea are open – especially to the people of Warrington who have made them feel so welcome.
“We are raising destination awareness, as we are not just known for rugby,” Simon explained.
Papua New Guinea's borders are always open to those seeking culture and adventure
“We are known for other things such as culture, diving, surfing, trekking and bird watching, which is a big market for us, and other niche products people want to take in.
“We know it is a long way from the UK, an almost 18-hour flight, but for people who want to try something a bit different, why not try Papua New Guinea.”
Pamela explained how one of the biggest draws the country has to offer is its unrivalled culture, with an array of activities and festivals occurring throughout the mid-part of the year.
Papua New Guinea's borders are always open to those seeking culture and adventure
“Covid lockdowns for the last two years closed things, but now things are getting back to normal,” she said.
“We are supporting the PNG national team, and we are here with them to let the UK market know that PNG’s borders are open to receive visitors.
“You can do so many things at one time, say rising early to see and hear the Bird of Paradise sing, then diving, and then meeting people in a village in the afternoon.
Papua New Guinea's borders are always open to those seeking culture and adventure
“We recommend you spend at least two weeks here to get the real experience, and there is something here for everyone.”
Port Moresby is the nation’s gateway, with plenty of things to see and do in the capital city such as visiting the national museum and parliament building.
There are also private island resorts close to the city with good diving spots, as well as nature and adventure parks.
Papua New Guinea's borders are always open to those seeking culture and adventure
PNG is close to Fiji and other places, making it perfect for an island-hopping trip across the Pacific, while PNG itself has a wealth of Second World War history, with wrecks under and above water.
“If you are drawn to culture, Papua New Guinea is the place for you, as there are 800 different cultures to see,” Simon added.
“People tell me that it is a place that once you visit, you will want to come back as there is so much to see and do and cover.
Papua New Guinea's borders are always open to those seeking culture and adventure
“Wherever you go in the country as well is different, in the same way that if you go to Liverpool, the people and culture is different to Warrington.”
For more information about visiting Papua New Guinea, visit papuanewguinea.travel
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