Papua New Guinea Showcased at Travel Madness Expo 2026

Papua New Guinea’s distinctive culture, natural beauty and adventure experiences were showcased to thousands of travellers and tourism industry representatives at the Travel Madness Expo 2026 in Manila, Philippines.

Held from 10–12 July at the SMX Convention Center, the three-day event brought together airlines, tourism organisations, travel agencies, hotels and tour operators from around the world.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) participated alongside Air Niugini and Karanas Comfort Tours, a PNG tour operator, to strengthen awareness of the country as a unique travel destination and expand its presence within the growing Asian tourism market.

Throughout the expo, visitors to the Papua New Guinea booth learned about the country’s rich cultural heritage, pristine natural environments, world-class diving, trekking, birdwatching and other authentic visitor experiences. Representatives from PNGTPA, Air Niugini and Karanas Comfort Tours engaged directly with visitors, providing information on destinations, air services, tour packages and travel experiences available across Papua New Guinea.

PNGTPA Executive Manager for Marketing and Promotions, Mr Joel Keimelo, said the expo provided an important opportunity to present Papua New Guinea directly to travellers and tourism partners in the Philippines.

“Papua New Guinea offers experiences that are genuinely distinctive—from our extraordinary cultures and landscapes to our diving, trekking, birdwatching and community-based tourism experiences. Our participation in the Travel Madness Expo allows us to share these stories directly with the Asian market and build stronger relationships with travellers and industry partners who are looking for authentic and meaningful destinations,” Mr Keimelo said.

The participation of Karanas Comfort Tours provided visitors with direct access to a locally based tourism operator, helping connect destination promotion with practical information about tours and travel experiences within Papua New Guinea.

Adding colour and energy to PNG’s presence was the Galomarubu Kitoro Cultural Group from Central Province, whose performances captivated audiences on the expo’s main stage and at the PNG booth.

Their traditional dances attracted enthusiastic crowds, with visitors gathering to take photographs and learn more about the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.

The expo’s official opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Papua New Guinea’s Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Stephen Pokanis, and Air Niugini Regional Manager Asia, Mr Joshua Koh, together with other dignitaries and tourism industry leaders.

Mr Koh said participation in major tourism events throughout Asia was critical to building destination awareness and generating interest in travel to Papua New Guinea.

“Asia continues to be an important growth market for both Air Niugini and Papua New Guinea. Events such as the Travel Madness Expo provide valuable opportunities to engage directly with travellers, travel agents and industry partners, helping us tell Papua New Guinea’s story and showcase the incredible experiences available in our country,” Mr Koh said.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Milne, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to supporting the growth of PNG’s tourism industry and strengthening connectivity with important international markets.

“Tourism is an important contributor to economic growth and employment in Papua New Guinea. Air Niugini is proud to work alongside the PNGTPA and our tourism industry partners to position the country as a must-visit destination,” Mr Milne said.

Following the Travel Madness Expo, Air Niugini and PNGTPA will continue promoting Papua New Guinea in Asia, with travel trade and consumer events scheduled for Singapore in August and Hong Kong in September.

These activities form part of continuing efforts to strengthen international tourism partnerships, increase destination awareness and encourage more travellers to experience Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary culture, nature, adventure and hospitality.◼️

 

For further information, email: joel.keimelo@papuanewguinea.travel 

Resident Survey
☝🏽 Click to Answer Resident Survey

PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA — 29 June 2026 — The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) today announced the launch of the PNG Rebranding and Image Improvement Programme — a four-month national initiative to redevelop Papua New Guinea’s destination brand, refresh PNGTPA’s corporate identity, and build a new global communications and public relations strategy for the country.

PNGTPA has appointed Trove Tourism Development Advisors, a global tourism consultancy headquartered in New York City with offices in London, to lead the Programme. Trove will be supported by VERGE Papua New Guinea, a Port Moresby-based agency specialising in strategic communications solutions informed by stakeholder engagement. Trove brings deep Pacific destination-branding experience, and VERGE in collaboration with PNGTPA drives stakeholder engagement to draw out local knowledge and insights from across all four regions of PNG.

The Programme will deliver a new national destination brand, a complete brand identity system, a rollout roadmap for industry and government adoption, and a global communications strategy designed to position Papua New Guinea competitively in international tourism markets — while remaining grounded in the country’s place, people, and cultural identity.

“This is one of the most significant tourism initiatives PNG has undertaken in recent years,” said Joel Keimelo, Executive Manager, Marketing and Promotions at the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority. “This Programme is about telling the PNG story clearly, credibly, and consistently — and ensuring that the brand we present to the world is grounded in the voices of Papua New Guineans themselves.”

The project team is led by Trove, the leading tourism marketing and strategy agency who has worked extensively in 50+ destinations including several in the Pacific region. “Papua New Guinea is an extraordinary place filled with stories and history,” said Danny Cohanpour, CEO and Founder of Trove. “Our approach is to build destination brands from the ground up — through deep engagement with communities, government, and the tourism industry.”

VERGE Papua New Guinea is the Programme’s local agency, working alongside Trove at the intersection of tourism, community development, and cultural engagement. “Our role is to ensure this Programme listens — properly — to Papua New Guinea,” said Zha Agabe-Granfar, Executive Director of VERGE Papua New Guinea. “We will be in all four regions, in consulting communities, holding sessions where people can share their views in their own words.”

A National Listening Exercise

Between June and September 2026, the Programme will run one of the most extensive tourism research exercises ever undertaken in Papua New Guinea. The work combines five integrated research streams:

  • In-person stakeholder consultations across all four PNG regions — Port Moresby (Southern), Lae (Momase), Mt Hagen (Highlands), and Rabaul (Islands) 
  • Five virtual thematic focus groups covering key themes like history, heritage, culture, adventure, sports, and tourism trade; 
  • An international traveller survey capturing both the perception of PNG among travellers who have not visited the country and the lived experience of those who have;
  • A nationwide Resident Pride and Place Survey
  • Significant global sentiment and competitor research, drawing on continuous social and media monitoring and benchmarking.

Have Your Say: A Call to All Who Call PNG Home

PNGTPA, Trove, and VERGE are inviting every Papua New Guinean to have their say in the Resident Pride and Place Survey. The survey takes no more than 10-15 minutes to complete — and your perspective is a pivotal part of this Programme.

Have your say here: https://papua-new-guinea-tourism.info/4vIPHmQ

Residents are encouraged to complete the survey and share it widely — with family, friends, Wantoks, colleagues, churches, schools, and community networks across Papua New Guinea.◼️  

For more information, email: png@trovetourism.com 

Click to answer the Papua New Guinea Resident Survey: 

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.”

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.

Board Swearing 2025 (8)
Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Belden Norman Namah

“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.

Ceo Eric Mossman Uvovo
TPA CEO Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo

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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Tourism Promotion Authority launches 'hello poro' campaign and 50th independence anniversary travel packages

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.◼️ 

Hello Poro Tour Packages Prize Winners
L-R: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo and Air Niugini’s Officer In Charge, Capt. Samuel Taufa (far right) standing with the four winners of the Hello Poro Tour Package, which includes 3 nights accommodation with activities to four unique destinations in PNG. The winners were, starting second from left to right: Coral Sea Hotel’s Group Sales Manager, Wari Tola, Wisdom Travels’ Manager, Kabilraj Kanesh, O2 Visuals’ Creative Director, Ta’ita Autu and Choice Travels’ General Manager, Sophia Chia.
Hello Poro Tpa Official Launch
Team TPA with their CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo following the Hello Poro Campaign launch at the Kwalimu Haus in Waigani, Port Moresby.

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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.

TPA and NCDC Urban Youth Employment Project II (UYEP) - 2

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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