Pacific Tourism Organisation and Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority Release Key Findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) and in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), has published the 2024 Papua New Guinea Annual International Visitor Survey (IVS) Report. Covering the period from January to December 2024, the report provides critical insights into visitor demographics, spending patterns, and overall experiences of Papua New Guinea (PNG) international tourists. These findings will support evidence-based planning and enhance PNG’s tourism offerings to align with evolving visitor expectations.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker highlighted the significance of the PTDI in shaping sustainable tourism growth across the Pacific.

He said SPTO remains committed to working closely with TPA and other member countries to ensure the PTDI continues to deliver meaningful insights that drive sustainable tourism development across the Pacific.

“As the leading hub for Pacific tourism research, SPTO is committed to equipping our member countries, including PNG, with reliable data to inform strategic decisions. The PTDI is a vital resource that enables governments and industry stakeholders to make informed choices that strengthen regional tourism development,” he said.

TPA CEO Eric Mossman Uvovo acknowledged the value of the IVS findings, highlighting their role in improving visitor experiences and positioning PNG as a competitive destination.

“These insights are instrumental in shaping the future of tourism in PNG. We appreciate SPTO’s collaboration in delivering these reports, which will guide our strategies for sustainable tourism growth,” said Uvovo.

The survey ran from January to December 2024, analyzing 3,701 responses from 3,775 collected, with a 24% response rate. 42% of respondents were first-time visitors, with an average household income of USD 86,074.

Australia recorded the highest visitor arrivals into PNG at 39%, Asia at 35%, and Europe at 8%. The dominant age group was 40-59 years old. 48% traveled to PNG for business, 23% traveled for leisure and 18% visited PNG to visit friends and relatives (18%).

Key attractions included nature, cultural heritage, business opportunities, and family visits. World War II heritage sites were a major draw for historical tourism. Visitors appreciated the warmth and hospitality of the local people.

The average prepaid visitor spending was USD 2,613, with 65% (USD 1,699) benefiting the local economy. In-country spending averaged USD 1,385 per trip, with an average stay of 10.2 nights. Visitors contributed USD 309 million to PNG’s economy, a 9% increase from the previous year.

Overall satisfaction was 4 out of 5, with 86% recommending PNG and 89% willing to return. Visitors rated hospitality, tours, handicrafts, accommodation, and activities highly. Areas for improvement included safety, travel costs, domestic flights, infrastructure, cleanliness, and security.

Since transitioning to SPTO’s management in October 2023, the PTDI continues to serve as an essential resource for tourism data across the Pacific. Funded by the New Zealand Government, the PTDI supports ten Pacific Island nations—Cook Islands, Niue, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and FSM-Yap—in evidence-based planning and decision-making. The initiative produces a bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), an annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and an annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS) report to strengthen regional tourism strategies.