Current Smartraveller Advice for Papua New Guinea
Australians planning to trek Kokoda need to be aware that Papua New Guinea has been classified as the most corrupt country in APEC and their governance is not as good as it could be.
Adventure Kokoda has been leading treks across the Trail for 34 years and we are well aware of the need to minimise risk and ensure our trekkers are safe 24/7 from the moment they arrive in Port Moresby until they depart.
However, prospective trekkers have a responsibility to ensure the Kokoda tour company they choose to trek with legally complies with the provisions of the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) Act and is licensed by the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA).
It is obviously easy for some of tour operators to ignore these requirements due to a lack of governance that pervades most Government departments. The old Latin proverb of ‘Caveat Emptor’ (let the buyer beware) therefore applies when selecting a tour operator.
The 138 Km Kokoda Trail is rugged and remote – some sections are hazardous. The area is subject to adverse weather conditions that can prevent helicopter access for emergency evacuations.
Insurance
The best form of insurance is to trek with an experienced tour company whose leaders are trained in remote area First Aid; who are equipped with satphones, VHF radios, medical kits, and defibrillators; and who fully comply with the relevant legal requirements for doing business in PNG.
Public Liability
Public Liability Insurance is an essential component of any legitimate company. The purpose is to provide lifetime cover to anybody unfortunate enough to suffer a permanent disability.
It’s also expensive!
Unfortunately, the KTA has been corrupted and has lost control of their own Kokoda tour operator licensing system.
As a result individuals who register under ‘Business Names’ and others who register companies without assets are able to obtain a ‘Kokoda Tour Operator’s License’ without having to show proof of having a valid Public Liability Insurance policy.
The onus is therefore on trekkers to conduct their own due diligence checks to protect themselves!
If any trekker chooses to trek with an individual or company which does not have a valid Public Liability Insurance policy, or one which is not registered or fully compliant with the IPA, they risk voiding their travel insurance cover as well.
Travel Insurance
A comprehensive travel insurance policy is required to cover any medical emergency in PNG including evacuation by helicopter; hospital treatment; evacuation to Australia if required; any cancellation of their trek beyond the control of their Kokoda tour operator or any other unforseen circumstance in PNG.
Your Complete Guide to Legal, Illegal, and Immoral Kokoda Tour Operators
