A Reminder To Choose Kokoda Tour Operators Carefully

Prospective Kokoda trekkers are advised to choose their providers carefully after Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Environment and Conservation cancelled the license of tour operator ‘Adventure Kokoda’.

Hon. Simo Kilepa, MP and Chair of the Kokoda Initiative Committee declared that his committee had instructed the CEO of the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) to cancel Adventure Kokoda’s license because the company had attempted to evade paying trekking permit fees, as required under PNG law.

It was advised that the company arrived to trek Kokoda on Friday 14th April, 2023, planning on leading more than 100 tourists without a valid permit from the KTA.

Australian Kokoda Tours Director Mick O’Malley said, “Withholding these permit payments denied the Kokoda villages of over 40,000KINA (approximately $20,000AUD) and put unknowing trekkers at risk should they have been injured and needed repatriation whilst illegally being on the track”.

“Our concern now is for the local porters who may be without work and income for a period of time. This is not ideal for an industry still recovering following Covid”, said Mick.

At Australian Kokoda Tours, we encourage all prospective trekkers to research their chosen trekking company, and ensure that they comply with all legal requirements of the track.

“As a trekker you need to always feel comfortable enough to ask for proof. Ultimately it’s your trekking experience that could be negatively impacted”, Mick said.

A Reminder To Choose Kokoda Tour Operators Carefully

“As a trekker you need to always feel comfortable enough to ask for proof. Ultimately it’s your trekking experience that could be negatively impacted”, Mick said.

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