## Papua New Guinea Embraces Tourism Growth, But Calls for Sustainability and Safety
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) have released the findings of their inaugural Community Attitudes Survey (CAS) in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This groundbreaking survey, part of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), aimed to understand local perspectives on tourism and its impact on the country’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.
The survey, conducted between March 25th and May 17th, 2024, gathered responses from over 2,684 participants, predominantly from the National Capital District (NCD). It also included input from other regions, including Momase, Southern, Highlands, and Islands. The majority of respondents (70%) were aged between 18-39, with 58% being male.
The results revealed a strong desire for increased tourism in PNG, with a staggering 93.8% of respondents expressing support for its growth. This widespread support highlights the perceived benefits of tourism, including its potential to boost economic growth, create jobs, and empower small businesses. However, the survey also unearthed concerns about the potential downsides of unchecked tourism.
Respondents raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased visitor numbers, fearing potential degradation of natural resources and the erosion of PNG’s rich cultural heritage. They also recognized the need for safety improvements, citing law and order as a significant challenge to tourism development. While acknowledging the potential of tourism to foster cultural exchange, respondents expressed concern about the commercialization of traditional practices and the risk of cultural dilution.
In response to these concerns, the report offers key recommendations to ensure responsible and sustainable tourism development in PNG. These include:
*
Enhancing tourism education
to foster a greater understanding of the industry’s impact on communities and the environment.*
Strengthening environmental and cultural protection
to safeguard PNG’s unique natural and cultural treasures.*
Improving infrastructure and safety
to provide a more welcoming and secure environment for visitors.*
Promoting regional participation in tourism development
to ensure equitable benefits and empower communities across PNG.Eric Mossman Uvovo, CEO of PNGTPA, emphasized the importance of aligning tourism growth with community interests. “While there is a strong appetite for more tourists, we need to balance this with safeguarding our environment and cultural heritage. We are committed to taking these recommendations forward to enhance tourism for both our visitors and our people,” said Uvovo.
Christopher Cocker, CEO of SPTO, commended the survey for providing valuable insights into shaping PNG’s tourism future. He highlighted the role of tourism in fostering cultural exchange and community empowerment while prioritizing sustainability and safety. This survey serves as a critical step in guiding evidence-based tourism strategies that prioritize community welfare while promoting sustainable tourism growth in Papua New Guinea.