Pacific Tourism Organisation and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Release Papua New Guinea International Visitor Survey (IVS) Results for January-December 2025

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), through the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), has released the Papua New Guinea International Visitor Survey (IVS) Annual Report for January to December 2025. The report provides comprehensive insights into visitor characteristics, travel motivations, expenditure patterns, and satisfaction levels, supporting ongoing efforts to strengthen tourism strategies and enhance the visitor experience in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

PNG is among 10 Pacific Island countries – the Cook Islands, Niue, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Kiribati, Timor-Leste, and FSM-Vap – under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, funded by the New Zealand Government. PTDI continues to serve as a vital resource for tourism data across the Pacific through its International Visitor Survey (IVS), Business Confidence Index (BCI), and Community Attitude Survey (CAS), strengthening evidence-based tourism development across the region.

The 2025 survey analysed 4,827 responses (from 5,139 collected), representing approximately 7% of total visitors, with a 19% response rate. Among respondents, 41% were first-time visitors, and the average household income ranged between USD 80,000 and 99,999. International visitor arrivals increased to 103,881 in 2025, up from 100,223 in 2024, reflecting continued recovery supported by targeted marketing, improved air connectivity, and government-led initiatives to elevate PNG’s tourism profile. Visitors were primarily drawn by PNG’s natural attractions, cultural diversity, business opportunities, and connections with family and friends, with history, particularly World War II heritage, remaining a key influence in travel decision-making.

From an economic perspective, the average total spend per visitor per trip was USD 2,352, comprising USD 2,087 in prepaid expenditure and USD 995 in in-country spending. An estimated 65% of prepaid expenditure flowed directly into the local economy (USD 1,356). The overall economic impact of international tourism in 2025 was estimated at USD 244 million (PGK 1 billion). While visitor arrivals increased, average expenditure declined compared with 2024, reflecting a shift toward lower-spending visitor segments, shorter stays (average 10 nights), and reductions in both prepaid and in-country spending. These trends point to evolving traveller behaviour and highlight opportunities to enhance value capture across the tourism sector.

Visitor satisfaction remained strong, with an overall rating of 4 out of 5, and high levels of positive sentiment. 92% of visitors indicated a willingness to return, while 88% said they would recommend PNG to others. Visitors praised the friendliness of local people, natural beauty, and cultural richness, while key areas for improvement included safety and security, infrastructure, air transport reliability, and costs.

Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo highlighted the significance of the findings in guiding future tourism development.

“The International Visitor Survey provides critical insights into the motivations, behaviours, and experiences of our visitors,” Uvovo said. ”This data enables us to refine our marketing strategies, strengthen partnerships, and improve the quality of our tourism products and services. With robust evidence, we can better position Papua New Guinea as a competitive, culturally unique, and sustainable destination in the Pacific.”

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker reaffirmed SPTO’s commitment to advancing tourism research across the region.

“Through the PTDI, SPTO continues to empower Pacific Island countries with high-quality data to support sustainable and resilient tourism growth,” Cocker said. “We commend PNGTPA for its commitment to evidence-based decision-making. These findings not only support national tourism planning but also contribute to the broader regional vision of a stronger Pacific tourism sector.”