27TH SEPTEMBER 2026 🧳

World Tourism Day

Established by the UN Tourism in 1980, World Tourism Day highlights tourism’s contribution to economic growth, cultural preservation, environmental awareness, and international understanding. Each year is celebrated under a global theme focusing on key tourism priorities such as sustainability, innovation, community empowerment, and responsible travel.

Celebrating Tourism in Papua New Guinea

In Papua New Guinea, World Tourism Day celebrates the country’s extraordinary destination experiences, cultural diversity, natural beauty, and tourism industry, while recognising the people and communities at the heart of the visitor experience.

Over the years, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority has commemorated World Tourism Day through tourism awareness campaigns, educational activities, industry events, clean-up campaigns, school outreach programs, travel-trade exhibitions, and community celebrations across the country.

These activities help promote the value of tourism in supporting local businesses, preserving cultural traditions, creating employment opportunities, and encouraging sustainable tourism development throughout Papua New Guinea.

Event Date

📅 Celebrated annually on 27 September

25TH APRIL 

🎖️ Join the residents of Rabaul in East New Britain Province to commemorate the ANZAC heroes that served during the Battle of Rabaul, World War II New Guinea Campaign.

The event is supported by the Rabaul Historical Society in partnership with the Australian High Commission and New Zealand High Commission in Port Moresby.

The dawn service usually begins at 0500 hours at the RSL Cenotaph along Mango Avenue in Rabaul Town.  Accommodation, Tours, Transport and tickets to the Gunfire Breakfast can be arranged through The Rabaul Hotel.

The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) and the residents of Rabaul endured a devastating defeat from Japanese forces during the Battle of Rabaul. The tragic stories are still remembered and retold through the war monuments, relics, museums, including former residents and descendants of those that lived through the terrible war that ravaged one of Papua New Guinea’s most beloved towns.

Although ANZAC Day is no longer a recognized public holiday in PNG, special memorial services are still held every year on April 25th to commemorate the contribution of the ANZACs to Papua New Guinea’s history.

25TH APRIL 

🎖️ The ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Bomana War Cemetery is Papua New Guinea’s biggest dedication service to honor the ANZACs and the local militia and civilians serving Allied Forces during the world wars.

The Bomana War Cemetery is located on the outskirts of Port Moresby – less than a half-hour drive from the capital’s main central business district.

The service begins at about 4:30 am.  There will be ample security provided by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the PNG Defence Force.  Transport can be arranged through Kokoda Track and Port Moresby tour operators.

Papua New Guinea’s relationship with Australia and New Zealand extends to the colonial era, World War I and World War II.  The most memorable being World War II, when numerous battles raged across PNG – from Kokoda Track to Rabaul.  Many Papua New Guinean’s served as service men and women, as well as labourers assisting the allied forces, especially the legendary ANZACs – the Australian and New Zealand defense forces.

Although ANZAC Day is no longer a public holiday in PNG, special memorial services are still held every year on April 25th to commemorate the contribution of the ANZACs to our nations history.

For updates and further information Like and Follow the Australian Returned Services League Port Morebsy Branch on Facebook.