Tourism
From The Report: Papua New Guinea 2014
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As a country of over 600 islands, 800 languages and unmatched biodiversity, culture and nature are the primary attractions for visitors to Papua New Guinea. Although the country has a long history of tourism, the sector has remained largely undeveloped and accounts for only a small part of PNG’s economy. As the costs of travel are falling, thanks to factors such as an increase in hotel rooms and the depreciation of the kina, PNG is becoming a more attractive destination. Airport infrastructure is being upgraded and the country’s main airports are under renovation. The National Airports Corporation is also looking at the possibility of linking more of the regional airports to international destinations. Meanwhile, cruises are becoming a popular way to see the country and an increasing number of cruise operators are adding PNG to their itineraries. Still, PNG faces many challenges; given its terrain and environment it will be difficult for the country to beat neighboring Thailand and Indonesia in terms of sheer visitor numbers. However, with selective investments and the right policies, the country could find itself with a strong and growing local tourism industry. This chapter contains an interview with Tony Honey, Owner, Tufi Resort.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Efforts are being made to increase options for travellers
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A country with great tourism potential, Papua New Guinea has significant attractions in terms of culture, history and nature, and is recognised globally as one of the more exotic and undiscovered destinations. The nation appeals to everyone from adventure travellers to beach lovers, and is unique in that it offers a level of diversity found in few if any other countries. Significant challenges for the sector do exist, however, and have held back the growth of tourism. Costs are high, transportation…

Interview

OBG talks to Tony Honey, Owner, Tufi Resort
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Interview:Tony Honey What potential is there for Papua New Guinea to become an international tourism destination? TONY HONEY: Anybody who has the chance to visit this country, especially outside the main cities, will see that PNG has great potential for tourism. Everything is here, from unique cultures to pristine reefs and virgin forests. Unfortunately, the country suffers immensely from a bad international image, and this continues to be the main deterrent to growth in the industry. There…

Analysis

Making the sector more competitive
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The Papua New Guinea government has a number of ongoing programmes to promote and encourage the development of tourism that have proven successful. Visitor arrivals have almost quadrupled since 2002, and many destinations have been opened and improved. Yet the country remains primarily of interest to higher-end tourists. Travel is difficult and expensive so PNG is less a place for budget travellers and spontaneous travel and more one for expeditions and adventurers seeking out the rare and unique. Large…

Analysis

The government aims to use tourism projects to develop rural areas
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Tourism – along with mining, fisheries and agriculture – has been identified as a priority investment sector by the government of Papua New Guinea. It is both clean and sustainable, and takes advantage of the natural strengths of the country. It also has the potential to bring income and employment to remote areas of PNG that are in need of development and can help preserve the country’s many cultures and traditions. Because the tourism industry is so attractive and beneficial to the economy,…