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A number of Papua New Guinea accommodation providers have been recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2026, highlighting the country’s growing reputation for quality hospitality and exceptional visitor experiences.
The awards are based on reviews and ratings submitted by travelers from around the world over a 12-month period. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize businesses that consistently earn positive reviews and rank among the top-rated listings on the platform. According to Tripadvisor, award recipients are among the top-performing hospitality businesses globally based on genuine traveler feedback.
Among the Papua New Guinea accommodation providers recognized in 2026 are:
The recognition reflects the commitment of Papua New Guinea’s tourism and hospitality operators to delivering high-quality accommodation, personalized service, and memorable guest experiences.
For travelers considering Papua New Guinea as their next destination, these awards provide valuable insight into properties that have consistently impressed guests from around the world. From waterfront resorts and island escapes to business hotels and boutique accommodation, the recognized properties showcase the diversity of experiences available across the country.
Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority congratulates all award recipients for their achievement and their contribution to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s tourism reputation on the global stage.
As international travel continues to recover and grow, positive visitor reviews and globally recognized accolades play an increasingly important role in influencing travel decisions. The recognition of multiple Papua New Guinea properties in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards demonstrates the country’s ability to deliver world-class hospitality while offering visitors authentic cultural and nature-based experiences.
For more information on accommodation options in Papua New Guinea, visit the Papua New Guinea Travel Website.
Citi Boutique Hotel in Port Moresby, is pleased to announce today that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2026. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.
“This award validates Citi Boutique Hotel’s Vision of ‘Service that enhances experiences’ is being realized by it’s daily mission of ‘Success for the deliverer of excellence (our staff), relisher of excellence (our patrons), and believer of excellence (our owner)’. “We are honored to be included among travelers’ favorites this year. Travelers’ Choice is one of the most recognized and coveted awards in the travel space, so it is valuable to us…” – Saif Jugari (Group General Manager – Citi Group (PNG) Ltd.
“Congratulations to Citi Boutique Hotel on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026,” said Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.”
Check out all the reviews and discover more about Citi Boutique Hotel here, click: City Boutique Hotel on TripAdvisor
About Citi Boutique Hotel
Citi Group (PNG) Ltd is a Papua New Guinean owned property owner, developer, operator, and management company, encompassing: Citi Hospitality & Citi Properties; alongside a sister company that owns Comfort Inn – Cairns City (53 keys), branded with Choice Hotels. Citi Hospitality is a mid-scale & mass-market brand comprising of five properties (190 keys) and one upcoming hotel (60 keys). Citi Properties manages projects such as the new development of Citi Boutique Suites – Lagatoi Place, the Mogoro Moto commercial building in Port Moresby’s prime downtown, and various projects around Hohola, Touaguba Hill and Ela Beach. Visit the hotel’s website at: www.citigrouppng.com
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) officially swore in its new Board members during a ceremony held at TPA’s office on Wednesday, 29 October at the Kwalimu Haus in Port Moresby.
The establishment of the new Board fulfills TPA’s legal mandate as outlined in the TPA Act 1993, ensuring the organization operates under proper governance and oversight.
The Board comprises the Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, the Departmental Head of the Department responsible for Finance and Planning, and the Chief Executive Officer of the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority as ex-officio members. Other members are drawn from key areas of the tourism industry, including tour operators, the national airline, hoteliers, tourism attractions, third-level airlines, banks and financial institutions, and the tourism industry association. This diverse composition ensures balanced leadership, strategic insight, and inclusive decision-making that reflect the interests and priorities of Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector.
The Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon Beldan Norman Namah, congratulated the new board members and highlighted their importance in building tourism in PNG.
“I extend my congratulations to all newly sworn-in Board Members of the TPA. Your appointment comes at a pivotal time for our tourism sector, and I have full confidence that your leadership will strengthen our goals in tourism.
As Minister, I intend to take several key tourism-related matters to the floor of Parliament — including improved tourism infrastructure, strengthened community participation, and the creation of a more sustainable framework for public-private partnerships in tourism development,” said Minister Namah.
Minister Namah also emphasized the importance of tourism in PNG.
“Tourism is not just about promoting our beautiful landscapes and cultures; it’s an engine for employment, SME growth, and regional development. With a functional Board now guiding TPA, we can move with greater unity and purpose to ensure tourism contributes meaningfully to the national economy,” Minister Namah emphasized.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, highlighted the importance of the Board’s role in steering the organization toward achieving its long-term vision.
“The swearing-in of our new Board is more than a procedural requirement, it signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening our governance, policy implementation, and collaboration across the tourism sector.
With the depth of experience represented in this new Board, we are confident in our ability to deliver on our goals and position Papua New Guinea as a leading tourism destination in the Pacific,” said Mr. Uvovo.
The new Board will guide TPA in addressing key priorities, including strengthening tourism governance, enhancing partnerships with provincial authorities and industry players, and supporting sustainable tourism development that benefits communities and local businesses.
Uvovo further noted that the Board’s collective experience will ensure policies translate into tangible outcomes for tourism operators, SMEs, and communities across the country.
“A strong and diverse Board is essential for effective oversight and transparency. It also enables TPA to make informed decisions that deliver real impact on the ground, from empowering local tourism enterprises to promoting Papua New Guinea’s unique cultural and natural attractions globally,” said Uvovo.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) launched its Hello Poro Tourism Campaign alongside the 50th Independence Destination Tour Packages on Friday 5 September 2025 at Kwalimu Haus, Waigani in Port Moresby.
The launch, held as part of the nation’s 50th Independence Day Anniversary celebrations, is a part of TPA’s initiative to encourage Papua New Guineans to explore their own home.
The Hello Poro Campaign is a storytelling-driven media initiative that will highlight Mt. Hagen, Kavieng, Port Moresby, and Wewak as hero destinations through TPA’s social media reels, YouTube content and booking-enabled websites.
Alongside the campaign, the 50th Independence Tour Packages will offer ten curated four-day packages across the four main tourism regions, each subsidised by 50 per cent to make travel more affordable and accessible. Partner operators include Buna Treks & Tours, Paiya Tours, Bougainville Experience, PNG Tour Guide, and others who are collaborating with PNGTPA to deliver these experiences.
These initiatives are expected to drive higher visitation during the Independence period from September to December 2025, increase visibility for local operators and SMEs, strengthen domestic tourism habits, engage communities in showing PNG’s culture and history Speaking at the event, TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo said the initiatives reflect TPA’s
commitment to strengthening the tourism brand, boosting visitor engagement, supporting SMEs, and encouraging greater domestic travel.
“Tourism tells the story of who we are as Papua New Guineans – diverse, united, and welcoming. Hello Poro shows our people, our culture, and our destinations with authenticity and pride, while the subsidised Independence Tour Packages ensure that more people, both here at home and abroad, can share in these experiences. This is an investment in our long-term growth as a tourism nation,” said Uvovo.
The launch event featured remarks from industry representatives, media partners, and tourism operators. Guests were treated to a preview of the campaign video, a showcase of the subsidised tour packages, entertainment by Wan Squad, and a prize draw.◼️
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PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, 27 June 2025 at the Kokoda Trail Motel in Port Moresby, formalising a partnership focused on advancing micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development in PNG’s tourism sector.
The MoU sets a collaborative framework to deliver business development services including entrepreneurship training, business formalisation support, and compliance assistance tailored specifically for tourism MSMEs. The partnership will also support financial literacy, training of trainers, and shared use of regional business hubs across the country.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo and Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation’s (SMEC) Managing Director, Mr. Petrus Ralda, signed the MOU. The signing was witnessed by Executive Manager for Research and Business Development, Douglas Keari, and the Director of SME Business Advisory & Capacity Building, Diana W. Guria.
The MOU outlines key areas of cooperation, including the delivery of “Start Your Business” and “Improve Your Business” training programs, support for business registration processes, assistance with tax compliance, and development of customized training materials for tourism operators. Costs associated with training logistics, materials, and trainer expenditure will be shared.
Ralda praised the initiative as a vital step in bridging tourism and entrepreneurship.
“Tourism has enormous potential to lift communities out of poverty and drive sustainable growth. This MOU allows us to reach deeper into rural and remote areas where tourism opportunities exist but lack the technical support to flourish,” said Ralda.
The partnership also includes mechanisms for joint oversight, regular communication, and review of projects, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment throughout its implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the CEO of TPA, Keari welcomed the partnership, highlighting the benefits of the MOU for the tourism industry members.
“This MoU marks a new chapter in our efforts to strengthen the grassroots level of our tourism economy. For too long, aspiring tourism entrepreneurs have lacked access to the training, resources, and the support needed to grow. This collaboration with SMEC fills that gap by ensuring our MSMEs are equipped to thrive in both local and international markets,” said Keari.
He added that the partnership aligns with TPA’s broader mission to stimulate sustainable tourism development and build resilient local economies.
“Through this partnership, we are creating the foundation for a more inclusive tourism industry, one that empowers our people, protects indigenous knowledge, and supports long-term economic growth,” said Keari.
During the graduation Mr. Keari and Mr. Pundu also graduated as ILO SIYB Trainers. Since first participating in 2023 TPA has graduated 6 staff as trainers. The training will enable TPA to conduct business startup and management training to Tourism SMEs throughout the country.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) congratulated two of its staff for successfully graduating with their Training of Trainers (ToT) Certificate on Friday 27 June 2025 at the Kokoda Trail Motel, Port Moresby.
TPA’s Executive Manager for Research & Business Development, Douglas Keari and TPA’s Culture Officer, Jessie Pundu, join a certified network of SIYB Trainers responsible for delivering capability-building and business advisory services nationwide.
The training under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program took an intensive two-week training program facilitated by the Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The SIYB program is a globally recognized entrepreneurial training initiative designed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) to build the capacity of trainers who will provide business development training and support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
Keari highlighted on the positive aspects of the training.
“This certification is a personal milestone and it’s an opportunity to directly contribute to the growth of our tourism MSMEs. The training has equipped us with tools and that are practical and rooted in the realities of what our small business operators across PNG face,” said Keari.
Pundu said that he was excited and committed to demonstrating some of his newly acquired skills from the training to the industry members in tourism.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. The skills and knowledge I’ve gained will help me support grassroots tourism operators, especially in the cultural and community-based tourism space. I’m eager to start putting it all into action,” said Pundu.
Keari and Pundu will join a growing team of certified trainers within the organization. The duo will work alongside TPA’s Senior Partnership & Liaison Officer, Clare Atava Kolma, and Senior Business Development Officer, Dunstan Uluchoe, who both completed their ILO Trainers’ Certification in 2023.
The SIYB program covered a wide scope of responsibilities, including the promotion of entrepreneurship, training delivery, quality assurance, technical support, and ongoing mentorship of MSMEs. Trainers are expected to follow strict ILO and SMEC guidelines to ensure the consistency and quality of training delivery.
TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo commended both employees for their commitment to the training.
“This achievement reflects TPA’s commitment to investing in our human resources to better serve the tourism sector. I am proud of Douglas and Jessie for embracing this challenge. Their certification not only enhances our internal capabilities but also strengthens our outreach to communities and MSMEs that form the backbone of our tourism industry.”
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More than 70 Port Moresby youths were inspired by the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority’s (TPA) tourism Awareness Session on Wednesday, 9 July, under the NCDC Urban Youth Employment Project II (UYEP) at Pari Village, Port Moresby.
The session was the first of a series of targeted trainings aimed at exposing unemployed and out-of-school youth to the tourism and hospitality sector in PNG.
This collaborative initiative, by TPA and NCDC UYEP, will extend to other training locations, including Saivara Community and PNG Defence Force Barracks, and will cover key focus areas such as Basic Tourism Awareness, Customer Service Skills, and Tour Guiding Techniques.
UYEP’s Internship Training Coordinator, Bruce Imata, expressed the importance of TPA’s involvement in the project.
“Training like this is transformational. It introduces our youth to a whole new world of possibilities in the tourism industry. Many of them have never thought about a career in tour guiding. TPA’s presence here shows that tourism isn’t just for international travellers, it’s a local opportunity, and it can change lives and provide alternative economic opportunities,” said Imata.
The session not only educated participants on the fundamentals of tourism but also included interactive discussions and real-life insights into hospitality, service delivery, destination promotion, and cultural heritage.
One of the youth participants, Terence Apa, from Goroka, said the experience has inspired him to return home and contribute to his community.
“I see now how powerful tourism can be. Back in Goroka, we have beautiful mountains, culture, and coffee farms. This training has given me the vision to go back and build a small guesthouse, maybe even run cultural tours. I want other young people in my village to dream big too,” said Apa.
The NCDC Urban Youth Employment Project II is a World Bank-supported initiative designed to address PNG’s growing youth unemployment and crime crisis. Its objective is to equip out-of-school and unemployed youth aged 16–29 with skills, job exposure, and income-generating opportunities.
In PNG, one in four youth (approximately two million) are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).
Less than 16% of boys and 12% of girls complete secondary school, and youth are responsible for 80% of crimes committed in the country. In addition, 71% of the prison population is under the age of 25.
According to the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA), 60% of PNGs current population is under the age of 25. These collaborative efforts provide opportunities for exposure for our youths who are not engaged to think outside of the box and venture into sectors such as tourism.
TPA CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, commended the youth for their participation and acknowledged the collaborative partnership for enhancing tourism awareness in Port Moresby.
“This initiative is a step into a doorway for our youth to participate in the formal economy. I thank the Policy & Strategic Planning Division for spearheading this engagement and for seeing tourism not just as an economic driver, but a youth empowerment tool to inspire and build potential tourism ambassadors that will become change agents for PNG in this industry,” said Uvovo.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) sponsored K10,000 towards the 3rd Jimi Marita Festival held at Karap Primary School in Middle Jimi, Jiwaka Province on Thursday 16 January celebrating the region’s unique cultural identity and the traditional superfood, Pandanus Conoideus (Marita).
TPA’s sponsorship supported the successful hosting of the event, which highlighted the cultural and health benefits of Marita. The National Agriculture Research Institute’s (NARI) research scientist Jonah Anton, spoke extensively about the significance of Marita.
“While Marita is not currently a priority crop for NARI, we have identified 16 species in Jimi, with the total across the province exceeding 20. It’s a vital food that is now gaining the recognition it deserves. Marita is a powerhouse of nutrients with incredible health benefits. It contains three key chemicals that make it a valuable food source: Carotene, which is essential for improving eye health; Tocopherol, a potent antioxidant that supports overall well-being; and Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health and brain function. These nutrients highlight why preserving and promoting Marita is so important for both our culture and our health. Preserving Marita is crucial as it’s a dying food, and its nutritional value and cultural importance cannot be overstated,” said Anton.
Marita Festival’s Chairman, Gabbi Apainga expressed his gratitude for TPA’s support.
“We are deeply thankful to TPA for their generous sponsorship. Their involvement ensures the success of this festival and helps shine a light on the cultural importance of Marita,” said Apainga.
Jiwaka Provincial Administrator, Rick Kogan commended both the organizing committee and TPA.
“I applaud Mr. Apainga and his team for orchestrating such a successful event. TPA’s commitment to preserving our culture through initiatives like this festival is truly commendable,” said Kogan.
During the event, SME and local producers and suppliers of Marita-based products, John and Lorin Kisan, shared their journey and vision.
“We officially registered our business this year, but we’ve always had a passion for Marita,” said Mr Kisan.
Mrs Kisan added that the production of Marita products helped the local communities.
“With the high cost of imported foods, especially oils, our Marita products—including oil, soup, and stock feed for pigs—provide a convenient and affordable option for local communities,” said Mrs Kisan.
A highlight of the festival was a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the partnership established last year through an MOU signed between TPA and the Jimi District Development Authority. This officially launched TPA’s annual commitment to support the Jimi Marita Festival, ensuring its continuity and growth.
TPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo commended the organizing committee for their efforts.
“The success of this festival is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the organizing team. TPA is proud to support such initiatives that celebrate and preserve our unique cultural heritage, especially Marita and promote agritourism for the district,” said Uvovo.
📸 Thumbnail Caption (Left to right) Representative from the office of the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, William Lappa, Jiwaka Provincial Administrator, Rick Kogan, TPA’s Executive Officer to the CEO, Fred Pennington and Jimi Marita Festival Chairman, Gabbi Apainga during the official ribbon cutting to launch TPA’s annual commitment to the festival.
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The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) and the Kairuku District Development Authority (DDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday 17 January at the TPA office to unlock the district’s tourism potential through sustainable development, cultural preservation, and strategic marketing initiatives.
The partnership will focus on activities such as the PNG Flag Festival, the development of the Owsenwke Cultural Centre, and the hosting of game fishing competitions. Capacity-building programs, including tour guide and guest management training, are also planned to equip locals with the skills to support and sustain tourism development.
Member for Kairuku District, Hon. Peter Isoaimo, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, calling it a significant step toward positioning Kairuku as a key tourism destination in Papua New Guinea.
“Our district is blessed with diverse cultural and natural attractions, from Yule Island’s historical significance to our vibrant festivals and pristine coastlines. This MoU paves the way for these assets to be showcased to the world, bringing long-term benefits to our communities,” said Isoaimo.
He reaffirmed the DDA’s commitment to working closely with TPA to ensure the success of the initiatives outlined in the MoU, noting that tourism can drive positive change by creating jobs, empowering communities, and strengthening cultural pride. TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasized the transformative potential of the partnership.
“This MoU is a milestone for both TPA and Kairuku DDA. Together, we will develop a vibrant and sustainable tourism sector that celebrates the district’s rich cultural heritage while providing economic opportunities for local communities,” said Uvovo.
He highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach in achieving national tourism goals outlined in Vision 2050 and the Tourism Sector Development Plan (2022-2026).
The MoU sets a clear framework for governance, accountability, and collaborative action. It includes the establishment of a Joint Milestones Matrix (JMM) to track progress and ensure that the development initiatives remain aligned with national and district goals.
“This partnership reflects our shared vision for a sustainable tourism industry that empowers local communities while protecting our cultural and natural heritage,” Uvovo added.
Uvovo also said that, with a roadmap in place and the joint commitment of TPA and Kairuku DDA, the district is poised to become a thriving hub for cultural and eco-tourism, bringing PNG one step closer to realizing its tourism potential.
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Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – October 31, 2024 – Holiday Inn & Suites, nestled in the vibrant Waigani District, proudly launched its rebranded restaurant, Faya Haus, on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Formerly known as Kopi Haus, the restaurant has been a cornerstone of the hotel’s culinary offerings since its opening over a decade ago.
The grand unveiling drew over 200 esteemed guests from various industries, who gathered to celebrate the transformation of the newly renovated restaurant. Emphasizing its commitment to excellence as “small to medium-sized event specialists,” the Holiday Inn events team orchestrated an extraordinary ambiance, bathed in vivid yellows, oranges, and reds.
From exquisite flowers sourced from Goroko Province to striking flame-inspired decor, every detail was meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable experience.
Digital screens showcased mesmerizing whisps of fire, while an engaging countdown reveal set the stage for the evening’s festivities.
Guests marvelled at the remarkable transformation that welcomed them to Faya Haus.
“As we continue to evolve our brand presence, it’s essential that our culinary experience reflects that growth,” said Mauro Leone, Portfolio General Manager for IHG PNG.
He added, “The name ‘Faya Haus’ resonated with our team, capturing the vibrant spirit we aim to embody. With our recent renovations, we’re excited to introduce a wood-fired pizza oven and Argentinian grills, allowing us to serve delectable pizzas and premium char-grilled steaks that we believe will delight our guests.”
The menu at Faya Haus has also been refreshed allowing for a culinary fusion of bold Papua New Guinean flavors and international cooking styles and ingredients.
Guests dined on sweet potato and pumpkin ceviche, pulled lamb and hummus on pita bread, bite sized cheese burgers, lamb cutlets, BBQ beef brisket, fillet mignon and wagyu tri-tip to name a few.
To add to the culinary excitement of the event, Faya Haus also launched its brand-new cake menu and set up a dessert room for all guests to freely walk into and sample some of their sweet delights.
On offer were freshly baked apple pies, red velvet cake. Fuit gateau and naked mocca cake to name a few.
Mauro also added, “We are excited to present a menu that celebrates the rich flavors of Papua New Guinea while incorporating international influences. Our aim is to create a memorable dining experience that delights the palate and showcases the best of both worlds.”
Faya Haus Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 10:30pm.
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