Papua New Guinea's tourism sector contributed an estimated US$244 million (PGK1 billion) to the economy in 2025 as international visitor arrivals continued to recover, although average spending per traveller declined, according to the latest International Visitor Survey.
The survey, released by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), found international visitor arrivals rose to 103,881 in 2025 from 100,223 a year earlier, reflecting continued recovery supported by targeted marketing campaigns, improved air connectivity and government initiatives to strengthen the country's tourism sector.
The annual survey analysed 4,827 responses from 5,139 questionnaires collected, representing about 7 per cent of total visitors and a 19 per cent response rate.
The report found that 41 per cent of respondents were first-time visitors, while the average household income of travellers ranged between US$80,000 and US$99,999.
Natural attractions, cultural diversity, business opportunities, visits to family and friends, and the country's Second World War heritage were among the main reasons visitors travelled to Papua New Guinea.
Average spending per visitor was US$2,352 per trip, including US$2,087 in prepaid expenditure and US$995 spent within Papua New Guinea. Around 65 per cent of prepaid spending, equivalent to US$1,356 per visitor, flowed directly into the local economy.
Despite the increase in arrivals, average visitor spending declined from 2024 as travellers stayed for shorter periods, averaging 10 nights, while the visitor mix shifted towards lower-spending segments.
The report said the trend reflected changing travel behaviour but also highlighted opportunities to increase tourism value through higher-yield markets and improved visitor experiences.
Visitor satisfaction remained high, with an overall rating of four out of five. About 92 per cent of respondents said they would return to Papua New Guinea, while 88 per cent said they would recommend the country as a travel destination.
Visitors identified the friendliness of local communities, the country's natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage among Papua New Guinea's strongest attractions. However, they also cited safety and security, infrastructure, air transport reliability and travel costs as areas requiring further improvement.
PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said the survey provides valuable evidence to help refine tourism marketing strategies, strengthen partnerships and improve tourism products and services.
"The International Visitor Survey provides critical insights into the motivations, behaviours and experiences of our visitors," Uvovo said.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said the findings would support evidence-based tourism planning in Papua New Guinea while contributing to broader efforts to strengthen sustainable tourism development across the Pacific.
Papua New Guinea is one of 10 Pacific island countries participating in the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, which is funded by the New Zealand Government and provides tourism data to support policy-making and industry development across the region.
