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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), has published its first-ever Community Attitudes Survey (CAS) Report in Papua New Guinea (PNG), providing critical insights into local perspectives on tourism development and its impact on the country. The survey is an initiative of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), currently overseen by SPTO.
The survey, conducted from March 25th to May 17th, 2024, targeted PNG citizens and non-citizen residents. The research partnership allowed for responses to be collected via various means, including SMS and promoted through social media, websites, and university partnerships. A total of 2,986 responses were initially received, with 2,684 valid responses analysed after data cleaning. The majority of respondents (70%) were from the National Capital District (NCD), with smaller representations from the Momase, Southern, Highlands, and Islands regions.
Key demographic insights show that most respondents were between the ages of 18-39 years, with 58% being male. 98% of the respondents were PNG citizens, while 2% were non-citizens. 93.8% of respondents agreed that PNG needs more tourists, citing tourism’s potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and support small businesses. 89.7% believed that tourism positively impacts the local economy, though concerns were raised about environmental degradation and cultural erosion.
Safety and security were major concerns, with many respondents pointing to law and order issues as potential challenges to tourism growth.
Respondents highlighted the importance of cultural exchange facilitated by tourism, while also expressing concern over the commercialisation of traditional cultures and potential environmental damage. The survey called for a focus on sustainable tourism practices to protect PNG’s natural resources and cultural heritage.
To address these findings, the following actions are recommended:
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo shared that these findings were invaluable to the efforts in advancing PNG’s tourism industry.
Mr Mossman Uvovo shared that the recommendations would assist align tourism growth with community interests, ensuring that development benefits all stakeholders while preserving PNG’s unique cultural and environmental assets.
“While there is a strong appetite for more tourists, we need to balance this with safeguarding our environment and cultural heritage. We are committed to taking these recommendations forward to enhance tourism for both our visitors and our people,” Mr Mossman Uvovo said.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker commended the insights provided by the survey, stating, that the findings from the survey played a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in PNG.
“It’s clear that tourism is not just an economic driver, but a vehicle for cultural exchange and community empowerment. However, the feedback on safety and sustainability highlights areas we must prioritize to ensure that tourism in PNG grows in a way that benefits all stakeholders,” Mr Cocker said
The Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) is a research project funded by the New Zealand Government. It collects and reports on tourism data from 10 Pacific Island countries, including PNG, supporting evidence-based planning and decision-making. In addition to the CAS, PTDI produces a bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS) and an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), all of which provide invaluable insights for tourism development.◼️
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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) conducted a week-long in-country workshop (May 13-17) focused on data initiatives and the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard under the Pacific Digital Transformation project. A crucial project focused on collecting and analysing tourism data to make informed decisions for sustainable tourism development.
The PTDI project supports evidence-based planning and decision-making. Its components include the creation of a bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report. These reports offer crucial insights into community awareness and attitudes toward tourism.
Papua New Guinea is among the ten countries (including Niue, Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and FSM-Yap) under the PTDI project aimed at collecting and analysing tourism data, funded by the New Zealand Government. The Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard Programme plays a vital role in SPTO’s monitoring and evaluation function, which is carried out in three components and sets standards for marketing and sustainable tourism indicators in the Pacific region.
Hosted at the Citi Boutique Hotel, Port Moresby, the workshop drew the participation of fifteen individuals who will be armed with the necessary tools to drive insightful research outcomes within PNG’s tourism sector.
In opening the workshop, PNGTPA’s Executive Manager for the Corporate Affairs Division, Claire Kupo, emphasised the importance of data and research in making informed decisions and developing public policies that contribute to sustainable tourism development in the region.
PNGTPA’s CEO, Eric Mossman Uvovo reiterated the significance of the collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) on initiatives like the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) project.
“The recent week-long in-country workshop focused on data initiatives and the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard shows the importance of collecting and analyzing tourism data for informed decision-making.
By working together with SPTO and other stakeholders, we are committed to using data-driven insights to drive sustainable tourism development in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific region. Through initiatives like the PTDI project, we aim to enhance our understanding of visitor behavior, preferences, and trends, ultimately shaping a vibrant future for tourism in our country and the region,” said Uvovo.
Echoing similar sentiments SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Cocker also stressed the importance of weaving together the power of data to contribute to informed decision-making and shape a sustainable and vibrant future for tourism in the Pacific.
“SPTO has been very fortunate to conduct an in-country visit to PNG to enhance the proficiency of research officers in utilising statistical analysis software (Survey Monkey, SPSS & NVIVO) through funding from the New Zealand government,” Mr. Cocker said.
“The workshop is pivotal for driving insightful research outcomes within the PNG tourism sector and data collaboration is key within the Tourism Industry Stakeholders in the implementation of the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard.”
Workshop participant PNGTPA Research & Statistics Officer Abigail Pangwinyen mentioned that the four-day workshop has greatly enhanced her skills in data analysis in the travel and tourism industry which has enabled her to understand customer behavior, preferences, and trends using the statistical analysis software.
Through conducting workshops and fostering collaborations with local partners, SPTO reaffirms its dedication to advancing sustainable tourism development in both PNG and the broader Pacific region.
Image: Standing from left to right: PTO’s Research & Statistics Manager, Prashil Parkas, TPA’s Research Officer for Domestic, Abigail Pangwinyen, PNG Air’s Marketing & Media Coordinator, Dalai Thomas, TPA’s Senior Partnerships & Industry Liaison Officer, Clare Atava, TPA’s Planning & Project Officer, Murray Variambu, Leo Ameua from the Central Provincial Office, TPA’s Data Analyst, Jephet Keako, PTO’s Senior Research Officer, Rovarovaivalu Vesikula,TPA’s Policy Analyst, Faith Kaupa and Air Niugini’s Executive Manager for Sales and Distribution, Floyd Smith.
Seated from left to right: Executive Manager for PNGTIA, Joybertina Piasinu, Lucy Miro from Kokoda Track Authority, Lavinia Fine Naivalurua from SPTO, Henna Esela from POM Business College, Imelda Atu from UPNG and Monalisa Kamuri from POM Business College during the conclusion of the workshop in Port Moresby.
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