TPA Not Consulted on CCDA Green Fee

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:

• No formal consultation with PNGTPA;
• No structured policy engagement with the tourism sector;
• No tourism impact assessment presented to PNGTPA;
• No agreed governance framework involving tourism stakeholders; No mechanism for tourism industry participation in the management or oversight of the fund.

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/