PNG Tourism launches 'Do Kokoda' campaign for ANZAC Day

PNG Tourism launches 'Do Kokoda' campaign for ANZAC Day
By admin


Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority teamed up with Aussie AFL legends and hosts of The Footy Show to launch the destination’s new ‘Do Kokoda’ campaign, to coincide with ANZAC Day.

Hosts of the Channel Nine program, Sam Newman and Garry Lyon, recently trekked Kokoda for the first time, and were there to help launch the campaign at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last night.

The cocktail launch welcomed travel industry experts, trek operators, past trekkers and veterans of Kokoda,  who were entertained with speeches from Newman and Lyon, and lively entertainment from PNG musician Airileke and his band.

Throughout the trek, Newman and Lyon recorded daily diaries, and these stories will form the basis for a community platform, designed to motivate others to share their own Kokoda experiences.

In addition to the testimonials from past trekkers, the ‘Do Kokoda’ site also includes links to established Kokoda trek operators, frequently asked questions about trekking Kokoda, and information on how to donate to the Kokoda Track Foundation, to support local communities living along the track.

Those who submit their stories also go into the running to win a seven-night boutique adventure for two at Tufi Resort in Papua New Guinea.

“The ‘Do Kokoda’ campaign and microsite have been designed to provide information and inspirational accounts that will encourage more Australians to take on the challenge of Kokoda, as well as highlight the important and positive impact tourism has on local communities along the track,” said chief executive officer of PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Peter Vincent.

After trekking the Kokoda track, Newman said he was blown away by the intensity of the experience, claiming it was the hardest thing he’s ever done.

“The whole trip was so memorable – from the wild jungle along the track to the World War II history and especially the porters.”

To view Sam and Garry’s videos from their trek, and to learn more about Kokoda, visit www.dokokoda.com

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PNG drumming with Airileke

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Kokoda Historical’s David Howell, Garry Lyon, 39th Battalion Veteran of the Kokoda campaign, Bill Stuart and Sam Newman.

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Sam Newman, Garry Lyon, PNG Tourism Acting Marketing Director Alice Kuaningi, No Roads Expeditions Peter Miller, GTI Tourism’s Stuart Thompson

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Kokoda Track Authority’s (KTA) Tausi Alekevu, Garry Lyon, KTA’s CEO James Enage, PNG Tourism’s Joel Keimelo, No Roads Expeditions Peter Miller

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GTI Tourism’s Andrew Cavallaro, Sam Newman, GTI’s Sarah Anderson, Garry Lyon, GTI’s Naomi Joyce, No Roads Expeditions Peter Miller, GTI’s Stuart Thompson

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Former Victorian Premier and past President of Hawthorn Football club, Mr Jeff Kennett speaks with Kokoda industry people and past trekkers

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