Minister wants TPA, NCC and National Museum to be a one-stop shop

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Namah wants three agencies of the ministry, the National Cultural Commission [NCC], and the Tourism Promotion Authority including the National Museum and Art Gallery to operate in the same location.

Belden Namah proposes to ensure NCC and TPA can move over to the International Convention Centre [ICC] in Waigani so they can operate alongside the National Museum and Art Gallery.

He said this is to drive tourism and divert the government’s focus in ensuring that the industry’s potential is maximized to its fullness.

"I've embarked on us moving to a new place where all the three agencies will be co-located.

"Prime Minister has given approval. I've spoken to Minister Justin Tkatchenko who is looking after the building, the National Convention Center.

"Hopefully in the next coming months I want all of the TPA from tourism to National Cultural Commission and the National Museum to be located in one office where there's a one-stop shop.

"We all stay in one location. Why is it so important? It is important for a hub like this. Once we have that building, I want the national government to give it fully to the Tourism Promotion Authority where all the three agencies will operate from there," Mr Namah said.

The ICC can accommodate around 3,000 people and given the size of staff from NCC [less than 100] and TPA [75] can fit in well.

However, TPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said this was an idea Minister Namah came up with, but it will take a while given the condition of the ICC building.

“There are many technical issues in terms of electricity the ICC building which needed to be fixed. It was a good idea but will take a while for the two agencies to move.

“The whole idea was to ensure we operate together. National Museum will remain where it is, it’s only the NCC and TPA to relocate so it makes it convenient for people,” Mr. Uvovo said.

Meanwhile the discussions are underway between the agencies and the government for the propose relocation.