The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), in partnership with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), has officially launched the National Capital District Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey, marking the beginning of a collaborative initiative to strengthen tourism planning through the collection of accurate and comprehensive accommodation data.

The survey was officially launched during a stakeholder workshop held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby, bringing together accommodation providers, tourism stakeholders and government representatives to introduce the survey’s objectives, methodology and implementation.

The Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey will establish a comprehensive and up-to-date database of accommodation establishments across the National Capital District. The information collected will provide reliable data to support tourism development, destination planning, investment attraction and evidence-based policy and decision-making.

The survey will also strengthen Port Moresby’s readiness to host major national and international events by providing accurate information on accommodation capacity and availability, including future planning for the PNG Chiefs Rugby League Games 2028.

PNGTPA Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Mr Kennewton Kennedy, said the initiative represents an important milestone in building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable tourism industry.

4. Pngtpa Executive Manager For Partnership & Product Development, Mr Kennewton Kennedy, Briefing The Participants
PNGTPA Executive Manager for Partnership & Product Development, Mr Kennewton Kennedy, briefing the participants

“Quality tourism planning begins with quality data. This Accommodation Inventory and Capacity Survey will provide us with an accurate picture of the accommodation sector within the National Capital District, enabling government and industry to make informed decisions that support sustainable tourism growth,” Mr Kennedy said.

He said the survey would deliver long-term benefits for both government and the private sector.

“This initiative is about more than counting rooms. It is about understanding our tourism capacity, identifying opportunities for investment, improving destination planning and ensuring Port Moresby is well prepared to host major national and international events.”

Mr Kennedy also encouraged accommodation operators across the National Capital District to actively participate in the survey.

“The success of this exercise depends on the participation of accommodation providers. We encourage operators to provide accurate information, with the assurance that all data collected will be treated confidentially and used solely for planning and development purposes.”

Speaking at the workshop, NCDC Economic and Business Development Manager Mr Busa Jeremiah Wenogo highlighted the broader significance of the initiative for Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry.

“Port Moresby is not only the nation’s administrative and business capital, but also a destination that encourages visitors to stay longer, experience our culture and hospitality, and use the city as the gateway to explore the rest of Papua New Guinea. When we strengthen tourism in the National Capital District, we also strengthen tourism opportunities for every province.”

The survey will develop an accurate inventory of accommodation establishments, assess accommodation capacity, support tourism investment and destination planning, identify accommodation availability for major events, including the PNG Chiefs Rugby League Games 2028, and strengthen tourism planning, emergency preparedness and visitor information services.

The Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey reflects the shared commitment of PNGTPA and NCDC to improving tourism intelligence, enhancing visitor experiences and supporting the sustainable growth of Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry through strong partnerships and informed planning.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — 8 June 2026

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has noted recent public statements by the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) regarding the collection of approximately K2.7 million in Green Fees from international travellers since October 2025.

PNGTPA wishes to make it clear that it was not consulted on the introduction and implementation of the Green Fee policy and does not support the current Green Fee mechanism in its present form.

As the statutory authority responsible for the promotion and development of tourism in Papua New Guinea, PNGTPA believes that any charge imposed directly on international visitors should be subject to proper consultation, economic impact assessment, industry engagement, and whole-of-government policy coordination before implementation.

LACK OF CONSULTATION

PNGTPA was neither involved in the development nor implementation of the Green Fee policy.

To date, there has been:

IMPACT ON TOURISM COMPETITIVENESS

Papua New Guinea remains one of the most unique and rewarding destinations in the world, but it is also widely recognised as a relatively high-cost destination compared with many competing destinations in the Pacific and Asia-Pacific regions.

PNGTPA is concerned that imposing additional costs on international travellers without adequate consultation or clear demonstration of benefits may negatively impact visitor perceptions and destination competitiveness.

CONCERNS OVER REVENUE MANAGEMENT

PNGTPA notes statements that approximately K2.7 million has been collected through the Green Fee mechanism, while no projects have yet been funded.

CALL FOR A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY REVIEW

PNGTPA respectfully calls on the National Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the Green Fee policy and its implementation arrangements, with consultation involving PNGTPA, tourism stakeholders, airlines, accommodation providers, provincial governments, and business representatives.

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THROUGH PARTNERSHIP

PNGTPA supports responsible environmental management and recognises the importance of protecting Papua New Guinea’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. However, environmental initiatives that directly affect visitors and tourism businesses must be developed through transparent, evidence-based, and consultative processes.

CEO STATEMENT

“PNGTPA was not consulted on the Green Fee policy and does not support the current mechanism in its present form. While we recognise the importance of environmental conservation, any charge imposed on international visitors must be properly assessed, transparently governed, and developed through meaningful consultation with the tourism industry and relevant stakeholders.

Papua New Guinea is already a relatively high-cost destination. Policies that directly impact visitor travel decisions should support, not hinder, our efforts to grow visitor arrivals, create jobs, and strengthen tourism’s contribution to the national economy.’

 

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is a statutory body wholly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and established under the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Act 1993.

For further information, contact the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, Office of the CEO: lesley.timothy@papuanewquinea.travel

Website: www.papuanewguinea.travel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pnqtourismpromotionauthority/

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) officially launched its Financial Policy & Procedures Manual (FPPM), PNG Marketing Strategy 2025–2028, and the PNGTPA Staff Housing Policy & Procedures Manual on Thursday 4 December 2025 at the Holiday Inn, Port Moresby.

The event was attended by the staff from TPA, representatives from the private sector, academic institutions, government departments, financial institutions, tourism industry members and TPA’s new board who witnessed the unveiling of the three major documents that will guide the organization’s internal governance, financial management, marketing direction, and staff welfare over the next several years.

The Financial Policy & Procedures Manual formalizes TPA’s financial governance compliance system as a self-accounting statutory body fully funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea. The manual aligns with the TPA Act 1993, the Public Finance Management Act 1995, the 4th Edition of the Public Service, the Audit Act 1989, and other relevant government regulations. It is an internal governance tool that the organization expects all staff and management to comply with.

The PNG Marketing Strategy 2025–2028 reflects the agency’s renewed commitment to repositioning Papua New Guinea as a leading destination for adventure and cultural tourism. Developed through nationwide stakeholder consultations and informed by global travel trends following the COVID-19 pandemic, the strategy’s ambition is to position PNG as the world’s emerging destination for meaningful, transformative, high-value experiences.

The Staff Housing Policy & Procedures Manual introduces a comprehensive and equitable system designed to ensure TPA staff have fair access to affordable housing opportunities. Guided by the motto “Providing Affordable Housing for All,” the policy sets the goal for all staff to own homes before exiting TPA. The policy is supported by an annual implementation budget that covers all necessary equity assistance and suspensory loans. It is managed by the Housing Committee, which was established in May 2021 and has played a central role in the formulation, consolidation and review of the policy.

Speaking during the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of TPA, Mr. Eric Mossman Uvovo, said the three documents collectively represent a new era for the organization’s internal systems and external mandate.

“The launch of these documents demonstrates our alignment with best practice and our commitment to transparent and accountable management of public funds. Good governance is the foundation of a strong and resilient tourism sector, and we are lifting the standard for how we operate as a government agency,” said Uvovo.

Uvovo added that the Marketing Strategy reflects the aspirations of both the industry and the nation.

“This strategy is a bold step toward repositioning Papua New Guinea globally. It reflects the voices of stakeholders from across the country and signals that we are ready to welcome travelers, ready to compete internationally, and ready to redefine what adventure and cultural tourism truly mean. Let the work begin,” said Uvovo.

The CEO also emphasized the importance of staff welfare as part of TPA’s long-term transformation.
“Our people are at the heart of our mission. The Staff Housing Policy ensures stability, dignity and long-term security for our employees and their families. When we invest in our staff, we strengthen the very foundation of our work and the future of the tourism sector,” said Uvovo.

TPA extended its appreciation to the Board, management, staff, the Housing Committee, the Corporate Affairs and Finance Divisions, partners, former committee members, and all stakeholders who contributed to the development of these documents.

The launch of these three major documents marks a critical milestone in strengthening TPA’s internal systems and guiding the organization’s strategic direction for the years ahead. With improved governance, a clear marketing vision, and enhanced staff welfare structures, PNGTPA is positioned to lead the rebuilding and growth of Papua New Guinea’s tourism sector with renewed confidence and purpose.

Papua New Guinea Introduces 20-Year Tourism Policy to Strengthen Industry and Communities 

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) officially launched the Papua New Guinea National Tourism Policy (NTP) 2025–2045 on Tuesday 18 November at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby

The launch signifies the culmination of more than a year of extensive nationwide consultations across the public and private sectors, academia, non-governmental organizations, and community representatives. 

Developed with the support from Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), an Asian Development Bank technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the governments of Australia and New Zealand, the review of the NTP 1995 was conducted in December 2022, followed by Key Informant Interviews and regional consultations in 2023. An Issues Paper was developed to guide the policy drafting and a National Tourism Policy Stakeholder Validation workshop was facilitated in December the same year. Following the validation, the draft NTP 2025-2045 was put through numerous rounds of technical vetting before obtaining endorsement from the National Executive Council in August 2025. 

The NTP 2025-2045 serves as a guide for whole-of-government efforts to achieve a multistakeholder shared tourism vision. It will be implemented through the Tourism Sector Development Plans (TSDP) convened by the Authority every five years, outlining specific agreed medium term strategic actions for all public, private and community stakeholders. The NTP 2025-2045 is framed around fifteen (15) Policy Areas comprising five (5) cross-cutting themes and ten (10) tourism enabling functions. 

Policy Areas by Cross-cutting Themes -1) Environmental Sustainability, 2) Cultural Heritage Preservation and Promotion, 3) Empowerment of Resource Custodians, 4) Inclusive Economic Growth and 5) Resilience Building. 

Policy Areas by Tourism-enabling Functions – 6) Tourism Sector Governance, 7) Air Connectivity, 8) Hub-based Destination Development, 9) Niche-based Visitor Experience Development, 10) 

Investment in Tourism Supply, 11) Public Infrastructure and Services, 12) Tourism Industry Standards, 13) Workforce Development, 14) Destination Marketing and 15) Visitor Entry and Safety. 

TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo, described the policy as a transformative roadmap for tourism in Papua New Guinea. 

“The launch of the National Tourism Policy marks a new chapter in our tourism journey as a nation. 

This policy provides the strategic direction needed to position Papua New Guinea as a leading nation in tourism, a country that celebrates its rich cultural diversity, pristine natural environment, and authentic adventure experiences,” said Uvovo. 

Mr. Uvovo emphasized that the policy’s implementation will focus on strengthening partnerships between government agencies, provincial authorities, tourism operators, and local communities. 

He also highlighted the importance of building resilient tourism infrastructure, promoting investment, and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the tourism industry.

The launch event was officiated by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Honorable Belden Norman Namah and attended by senior government officials, industry leaders, development partners, and representatives from across the country.

The PNG National Tourism Policy 2025–2045 provides a long-term vision to ensure that tourism contributes meaningfully to national development, creates employment opportunities, supports cultural preservation, and enhances the well-being of communities throughout the country.◼️  

For more information and a copy of the PNG NTP 2025-2045, please email: psp@papuanewguinea.travel 

National Tourism Policy Launched
Standing L-R: Deputy Board Chairman, Captain. James Pima, PSDI’s Tourism Expert, Jennifer Bartlet and TPA’s Executive Manager for Policy & Strategic Planning, Ingrid Kuman. Seated L-R: ADB’s Port Moresby Resident Mission and Officer in Charge, Soon Change Hong, Minister for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Hon. Beldan Namah and TPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo.

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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