Overview

Prior to the onset of COVID-19, PNG’s Tourism Industry recorded steady growth since 2007 with an export value of US $183 million.  Pre-COVID19 (2019) the tourism sector contributed 2.1 percent to PNG’s total GDP and contributed 1.6 percent to the total GDP post-COVID19 (2020).  February 2022 PNG reopened its borders for international travel.  The reopening of borders saw a slow but steady increase in traveler numbers into PNG.  The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority reported that PNG received 69,376 total arrivals in 2022, out of which 5,675 of the total arrival of holiday makers or bona fide tourists mostly from Australia and Asia.

PNG’s prime tourism experience, the historic Kokoda Track relies heavily on Australian tourists for its viability.  There is also visitor demand and opportunities from other markets including Europe and the United States.  PNG has a loyal following from international visitors who have been to the country before and continue to return to experience the diverse culture and environment especially for the Goroka Show, Enga Show and Hagen Show that specifically promote traditional dancing and singing and arts and crafts from the different tribes and clans of these provinces.

Adventure travel is the largest niche market where an estimated 238 million travelers spend over US$469 billion globally, with 15,400 of them visiting PNG annually.  Cultural tourism represents a large sector of the market. While 184 million travelers spend over US$452 billion globally every year, 11,000 of those tourists travel to PNG annually.  PNG has a spectacular potential for experience-based adventure tourism, diving, ocean and river cruising, World War 2-themed destinations such as the Kokoda Track, and cultural events like the Goroka Show and others mentioned above.

The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’s main priorities post pandemic include a focus on international marketing, specifically for the Australia and New Zealand markets.  There is also a push to increase domestic tourism with a new marketing campaign called Hello Poro, and to develop products for niche markets in PNG (birding, dive, trekking, and culture).

Opportunities

Adventure, cultural, and historical tourism are three strong areas for potential growth in PNG.  U.S. businesses could tap into opportunities in the tourism sector through hotels, cruise lines, tour services including hot air balloon and helicopter options, and arts, crafts, and souvenir retailing.  The PNG Tourism Development Plan 2022-2026 provides fresh impetus for the sector to rebound and highlights the above opportunities in detail.

Resources

• PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
• PNG Investment Promotion Authority