From Sir Peter Barter's Vision to a Legacy of Extraordinary PNG Tourism

At Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS), our story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep-rooted love for the extraordinary beauty of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Founded under the inspired vision of the Late Sir Peter Barter PhD (Hon), GCL, OBE, Kt, MTS has grown to become a pioneer in showcasing the captivating allure of PNG.

Our journey began when a then 23-year-old Peter Barter embarked on a quest to gain flight experience in PNG, hoping to join Qantas' cadet crew. Flying for the Catholic mission while based in the highlands, he developed a profound appreciation for the land and its people. Recognising PNG's potential as a popular tourist destination, Peter founded Talco Travel Services, with his first venture being a houseboat on the Sepik River.

Alongside his wife, Janet, Peter invested in a small 45-room hotel to accommodate the growing number of tourists flocking to the region. Their commitment to exploration soon led them from houseboats to the Melanesian Explorer, their first liveaboard vessel, which journeyed through the Sepik River, Trobriand Islands, Louisiade Archipelago, New Ireland, and beyond. This paved the way for a fleet upgrade with the Melanesian Discoverer—a 24m catamaran custom-built in Australia, which quickly became a favourite among international tourists.

During this time, they founded the Melanesian Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to giving back to the villages they visited. Tourists on board were encouraged to donate, which funded the communities with school desks, educational materials, and hospital supplies. These voyages showcased authentic cultural experiences. Peter and Jan built strong, lasting relationships with all the villages they visited, earning the respect of these communities. With Peter's entrepreneurial spirit and Jan's passion for history and remarkable ability to engage with travellers, MTS soon became a mecca for PNG tourism, establishing multiple international offices in the USA, Japan, and Europe.

With a steady flow of tourists, Peter began flying helicopters and offering scenic flights. His fleet of helicopters was also used for acts of service to the people, including responding to natural disasters and resolving tribal disputes. It was not uncommon for Peter to use his aircraft to transport injured and sick individuals to hospitals.

In 2007, they expanded their offerings further with the acquisition of the Kalibobo Spirit, a 30m luxury vessel perfect for smaller group private charters. Operating for over 11 years, Kalibobo Spirit was sold to make way for next addition.

As PNG faced a decline in tourism, Peter recognised the pressing need for safer local transport options. Banana boats, while cost-effective for locals, are often unsafe. This situation contributes to a significant number of fatalities each year, as these boats frequently lack basic lifesaving equipment, primarily due to insufficient government regulation. In response, Peter acquired a 22m custom-built catamaran ferry from Thailand in 2022, designed to provide safer and more reliable transportation along the Momase Coast and Bismarck Archipelago.

Unfortunately, the ferry operated for a short period, as operations were ceased due to Peter succumbing to illness in June of 2022.

Nonetheless, his legacy of fostering cultural connections, enriching the tourism experience in PNG, and supporting its people while contributing to the economy continues to inspire MTS’s mission today.

Join us as we continue this remarkable journey, inviting you to be part of our story. Discover the magic of Papua New Guinea with Melanesian Tourist Services—where passion meets excellence, and every experience is woven with the threads of adventure, culture, and the undeniable beauty of this extraordinary land.