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Papua New Guinea, located in the southwestern Pacific, is a country known for its rich cultural diversity and stunning natural landscapes. Comprising the eastern half of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands, it boasts over 800 languages and vibrant indigenous cultures. The terrain is a mix of dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches, offering a haven for biodiversity. The capital, Port Moresby, is a bustling city with modern amenities. Visitors are drawn to its unique wildlife, including the iconic Bird of Paradise, and its rich history, visible in traditional villages and archaeological sites. Papua New Guinea is a true gem for adventure and culture enthusiasts.
Papua New Guinea’s real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to decline by a total of 1.4 percentage points between 2024 and 2029. This decrease is not steady, as there is an exception in 2028. By 2029, the GDP growth is expected to be 3.11 percent.
In 2022, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority reported 69,376 total arrivals, including 5,675 holidaymakers or bona fide tourists, predominantly from Australia and Asia. Adventure travel emerges as the largest niche market, with an estimated 238 million travelers globally spending over US$469 billion, and 15,400 of them visiting PNG annually. Cultural tourism also represents a significant sector, attracting 184 million travelers globally who spend over US$452 billion each year, with 11,000 of those tourists traveling to PNG annually. Post-pandemic, the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority prioritizes international marketing, especially targeting the Australia and New Zealand markets.
According to the TPA’s 2023 Visitor Arrival Report and PNG International Visitor Survey Report, over 140,000 visitors arrived in Papua New Guinea via air and sea routes. The reports highlight that 34 percent of these visitors came for employment, 20 percent for business, 22 percent were cruise ship visitors, and 11 percent were holidaymakers. Visitors for events and those visiting friends and relatives constituted 7 percent of the arrivals.
There was a notable increase in arrivals via air and sea transportation. Air arrivals surged from 5,675 visitors to 16,113, while cruise visitors increased from 2,600 in 2022 to 31,321 in 2023, marking a 184 percent rise.
Visa Free Country
Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
E-Visa
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cap Vert
Cote D’Ivoire
Gambie
Ghana
Guinee-Bissau
Liberia
Mali
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Togo
Beautiful Tourist Spots
Kokoda Track: The Kokoda Track offers a hike through history and nature. Hikers encounter thick jungles, stream crossings, and stunning mountain views. This route provides an opportunity to meet locals and learn about the track’s significant role during World War II.
Rabaul: Despite its history of volcanic eruptions, Rabaul possesses an enchanting charm. The city features several wartime bunkers in the surrounding hills. Visitors can witness Mount Tavurvur’s explosive displays and explore the fiery landscape that defines the island.
Lake Kutubu: The area around Lake Kutubu boasts dense rainforests teeming with wildlife, including the magnificent Raggiana bird-of-paradise and hornbills. The tropical paradise of Kitava Island offers picture-perfect white sand beaches, tranquil blue waters, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Port Moresby Nature Park: This premier zoological and botanical garden in Papua New Guinea showcases over 150 species of animals, including kangaroos, cassowaries, birds of paradise, parrots, pigeons, and reptiles. The park also features Port Moresby’s only rainforest road, where visitors can admire beautiful native plants such as orchids.
Lusancay Islands: Located in the Milne Bay region on the eastern side of the mainland, the Lusancay Islands are an unspoiled archipelago with stunning reefs and white sandy beaches, offering a true slice of paradise.
Discover Papua New Guinea’s Top Attractions
Embark on the Kokoda Track: As Papua New Guinea’s top tourist attraction, the Kokoda Track offers an unparalleled multi-day trekking experience renowned for its challenging terrain and historical significance.
Experience Scuba Diving in Madang: During a memorable day at Madang Resort, we embarked on an adventure to explore several WWII wrecks under the sea. It was Josh’s inaugural scuba dive, marked by a thrilling fun dive.
Island Hopping in Kimbe Bay: The island hopping adventure in Kimbe Bay stands out due to its exclusivity. With only one tour operator available, you can enjoy a serene and personal experience with nature without the crowds.
Explore Underwater Wonders in Kimbe Bay: Based at the Walindi Plantation Resort, we accessed some extraordinary dive sites around Kimbe Bay. The area offers pristine conditions for snorkeling, free-diving, and scuba diving, showcasing vibrant marine life.
Snorkel in Transparent Waters: Even if diving isn’t your preference, you can still observe the underwater world from above. In the regions around Kimbe Bay, you can either hire a boat or a kayak and snorkel in the clear sea waters.
Accommodations in Papua New Guinea
Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residences: This complex forms part of the Star Mountain Plaza, encapsulating the lifestyle and heritage of the local culture. It combines 212 guest rooms and suites with 180 fully equipped residences, ensuring a stay that’s both productive and memorable.
The Stanley Hotel & Suites: Located in Waigani, Port Moresby, this hotel is integrated with the Vision City Mega Mall, offering convenient access to amenities such as a bank, nightclub, cinema, supermarket, and restaurants. Guests enjoy a hearty English/Irish breakfast each morning.
Airways Hotel: Set against a mountainous backdrop within its own botanical gardens, Airways Hotel offers spectacular views stretching from the crystal-clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic Owen Stanley Ranges.
Loloata Island Resort: This luxury boutique resort on Loloata Island integrates seamlessly with its tropical surroundings, providing an exclusive getaway.
Tawali Leisure & Dive Resort: Perched on a limestone bluff and surrounded by lush rainforests, Tawali offers a premier leisure and dive experience in the Milne Bay Province, overlooking the serene waters of Milne Bay.
Air Niugini, the national airline of Papua New Guinea, operates from its main hub at Jacksons International Airport (POM) near Port Moresby. It serves around 25 domestic routes and 10 international destinations, including Australia, Indonesia, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Singapore, Japan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong.
The airline’s fleet, which currently consists of Boeing 737 aircraft, handles both domestic and international flights. Plans are underway to incorporate the new Airbus A220 into the fleet starting late 2025. Air Niugini has been operating the popular route between Port Moresby and Hong Kong for over 30 years.
Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby is the largest in Papua New Guinea in terms of operation volume and has the capacity to support international flights. Several domestic and international carriers operate out of this airport, with frequent flights by Air Niugini Pty, Papua New Guinea, Sunstate Airlines /Qantaslink, and Viking Airlines.
Five airlines—Air Niugini, PNG Air, Hevilift (PNG), Tropicair (Papua New Guinea), and Asia Pacific Airlines (Papua New Guinea)—have received authorization to operate flights.
Currently, flights from countries including Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Nauru, the Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Samoa, Palau, and Niue are permitted to land exclusively at Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport.
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