Heli Solutions CEO appointed deputy chair of Tourism Promotion Authority
Captain James Pima, Chief Executive Officer of national aviation company Heli Solutions, has been appointed Deputy Chairman of the Tourism Promotion Authority [TPA].
Captain Pima brings decades of experience in aviation and in reaching some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote areas.
He joins other board members representing key parts of the tourism sector, including tour operators, Air Niugini, hotels, tourism attractions, smaller airlines, banks, and the PNG Tourism Industry Association.
Captain Pima says his experience serving remote and rural communities will help drive eco-tourism and adventure tourism in new parts of the country.
"I've been in the industry for almost 38 years. I started off as a military pilot with the PNG Defence Force. I left the service and went into private practice. After private practice, I flew around as a young man in the industry, basically working for a lot of the helicopter companies. And then in 2011, I started Heli Solutions. So, I've been in operations as a businessman for almost 15 years now.” Capt. Pima said.
Mr. Pima said: “Tourism industry needed a bit of fresh air and maybe a bit of oversight of knowledge that I might contribute to the board in steering, helping or assisting to steer the industry with some advice and, you know, just basically knowledge of the country and all that. So, I think that was my selling point when the government decided to ask me to come on board.”
Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Beldan Namah has welcomed the new board of the Tourism Promotion Authority, saying their appointment comes at a crucial time for the tourism sector.
He said that the board’s leadership will help strengthen the industry and support key priorities, including improved tourism infrastructure, increased community participation, and enhanced public-private partnerships for sustainable tourism development.
“Tourism is not just about promoting our beautiful landscapes and cultures; it’s an engine for employment, SME growth, and regional development. With a functional Board now guiding TPA, we can move with greater unity and purpose to ensure tourism contributes meaningfully to the national economy,” Minister Namah said.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo is also grateful that a board is now in place to steer the organization toward achieving its long-term vision.
“The swearing-in of our new Board is more than a procedural requirement, it signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening our governance, policy implementation, and collaboration across the tourism sector.
“With the depth of experience represented in this new Board, we are confident in our ability to deliver on our goals and position Papua New Guinea as a leading tourism destination in the Pacific,” said Mr. Uvovo