There has been an increase in the number of tourists entering Papua New Guinea through Brisbane,Australia. This was reflected in the revenue collected from migration fees at the PNG Consulate in Brisbane. The Consulate this month remitted K1.1 million to the National Government's Treasury Department collected from migration fees.
In a media release by PNG Consul General Paul Nerau said the collection reflects the increase in the number of travelers to PNG as tourists, Business Travelers and others involved in major projects that are taking place in the country. He said the Brisbane Consulate has been nominated by the PNG government as one of the visa issuing hub for the LNG project and therefore, they are expecting an increase in revenue and work load.
Mr Nerau revealed that the Brisbane Consulate is also awaiting the opening of the Cairns Consulate as this will further assist with facilitation of visitors to PNG through Cairns. Currently there are more than 10 flights between Port Moresby and Cairns weekly and the opening of the Cairns office will boost tourists into PNG which will include business travelers. The Queensland Government also has a base Trade representative for PNG in Cairns and is eager to see the Cairns office operating soon.
Labels: Commerce Regulations, Immigration, PNG Visa, Tourism