Preparation of National Tourism Plan for Papua New Guinea and Provincial Tourism Development Plans for the Provinces of East New Britain and Milne Bay
- Client: Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
- Partners:
- Project Duration: October 2019 – October 2020
Project Overview: Placed among over 600 islands, Papua New Guinea is an unrealized gem in the South Pacific. A significant WWII battleground hidden by time, the region is one where unique history and diverse culture mix to create one of the most extraordinary experiences on the globe. Visitors to the island are immediately introduced to a land that provides expansive treks, rich cultural displays, breathtaking diving, stunning natural wonders, and deep historical significance.
While certain islands in the South Pacific, such as Fiji, have made a significant tourism industry for the area, Papua New Guinea has a small share in it. It currently makes up only 5% of regional arrivals in the South Pacific, and growth has been slow. PNG also shows a market gap on holiday tourism, making up only 2% of holiday visitors to the South Pacific. In 2018, only 30% of travelers to PNG were on holiday compared to 70% at other Pacific destinations.
Although the unique history and culture of the islands is its largest tourism factor, there is fear that these historic sites are not sustainable. Lack of proper preservation methods has led to deterioration which, if gone unchecked, could result in the eventual loss of one of the country’s most valuable attractions.
In close collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority and provincial governments, Solimar is now completing a five-year National Tourism Plan (2021-2026). We are also preparing two Regional Tourism Development Plans to stimulate private sector investment and define public sector investment opportunities to be pursued through a WB tourism loan. Stakeholders have been fully integrated into the process, through six regional planning workshops (more than 350 participants), two national surveys, and national plan validation workshop. Anticipated results of the plan include Improved tourism services in targeted destinations,; enhanced marketing and public relations, to overcome negative perceptions of the country in primary source markets; greater awareness of and appreciation for the economic development potential of the industry; increased airlift and lowered travel costs; and promoting investment in tourism-related services.
Major Activities:
- Complete a ‘Tourism Sector Assessment’ comprising:
- A desktop analysis of the National Tourism Master Plan (2007-2017) Review;
- A supply inventory and associated situation analysis of the current tourism sector landscape in Papua New Guinea broadly, and East New Britain and Milne Bay in detail.
- Develop five-year tourism plans for PNG and selected provinces, specifically:
- A new National Tourism Master Plan for PNG for the period 2020-2025;
- A Provincial Tourism Development Plan (each) for East New Britain and Milne Bay for 2020-2025.
Anticipated Results:
- Improved tourism services in targeted destinations through strengthening institutional and policy frameworks at the national, provincial and local levels; and supporting the development of integrated tourism destinations in Milne Bay and East New Britain.
