Home to more than 800 different cultures and countless activities, Papua New Guinea continues to attract a growing number of international travelers. In 2023, PNG received about 144,067 international arrivals by air and sea, an increase of 116% from the 66,776 arrivals the previous year.
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority cites the country’s diverse markets, festivals, and activities including diving, surfing, hiking, fishing as the top reasons behind the growing number of foreign visitors. Some of the popular spots include Port Moresby Nature Park, Balek Wildlife Sanctuary, Goroka Natural Habitat, and the Rainforest Habitat at UniTec Campus, according to the TripAdvisor website.
The bulk of foreign visitors come from Australia. In 2023, 8,445 Australians visited PNG, followed by China (1,218), and the United States (1,153). Meanwhile, the fastest-growing market in terms of foreign visitors in PNG goes to Japan. The year-on-year growth of Japanese tourists in PNG has consistently been exceeded 100% since 2022.
As the number of foreign visitors continues to grow, the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority has outlined its vision for the future via the Papua New Guinea Tourism Sector Development Plan 2022-2026 (PNG TSDP).
The PNG TSDP recognizes that tourism is a key contributor to the nation’s economy and requires a major reform to revitalize the industry. Its goal is to double the number of foreign tourists visiting PNG every five years.
“I remain optimistic for the future of the tourism industry of Papua New Guinea and know that through collaboration, strong partnership and mutual respect, we will drive tourism development into the next era for the benefit of all and generations to come,” said Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Isi Leonard.
There’s something for everyone in PNG, from cultural experiences, historical sites, adventure and diving tours. With the renewed commitment from the government and the public sector, visitors can expect better service and facilities in the near future.
