Papua New Guinea Unveils Groundbreaking National Tourism Policy 2025–2045, Paving the Way for Sustainable Growth and Cultural Preservation – Travel And Tour World

Report on the Launch of Papua New Guinea’s National Tourism Policy 2025–2045

Introduction: A Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development

Papua New Guinea has officially launched its National Tourism Policy 2025–2045, a strategic document designed to guide the development of a sustainable and dynamic tourism sector. The policy aims to leverage tourism as a key driver for long-term national economic development, in direct alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The policy was developed following a comprehensive review of the 1995 National Tourism Policy and extensive nationwide consultations.

Policy Development and Collaborative Partnerships

An Inclusive Process Reflecting SDG 17

The formulation of the policy was characterized by a highly inclusive and collaborative process, exemplifying the principles of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The process, which commenced in December 2022, involved gathering input from a wide array of stakeholders:

• Government agencies
• Private sector operators
• Non-governmental organizations
• Academic institutions
• Local community groups

This multi-stakeholder engagement was supported by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), an Asian Development Bank program delivered in collaboration with Australia and New Zealand. The final policy received endorsement from the National Executive Council after a national validation workshop and rigorous technical vetting, ensuring it reflects a national consensus on the future of tourism.

Core Themes and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Five Pillars for Responsible Tourism Growth

The National Tourism Policy is structured around five central themes, which are intrinsically linked to achieving global sustainability targets. These themes provide a holistic framework for ensuring that tourism growth is both responsible and beneficial for the nation.

1. Environmental Sustainability: This pillar directly supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by prioritizing the protection of Papua New Guinea’s pristine ecosystems, including its tropical rainforests and coral reefs.
2. Cultural Protection: In line with SDG 11.4 (Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage), the policy emphasizes the preservation of the nation’s rich indigenous cultures and traditions.
3. Community Empowerment: This theme contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that local communities are active participants in and beneficiaries of tourism development.
4. Inclusive Economic Growth: By focusing on creating sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities within the tourism sector, the policy is a direct mechanism for achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
5. Resilience: This pillar aims to build a robust tourism sector capable of withstanding economic and environmental shocks, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Policy Areas for Strategic Implementation

Building a Competitive and Sustainable Tourism Industry

The policy identifies 15 key areas for targeted action to build the necessary capacity and infrastructure for a thriving tourism sector. These areas are critical for enhancing Papua New Guinea’s competitiveness as a leading destination for authentic and sustainable travel experiences.

Priority Areas for Development:

• Governance: Strengthening institutional frameworks to ensure effective policy implementation, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Destination Development: Strategically developing tourism hubs while preserving their unique natural and cultural characteristics.
• Industry Standards: Improving service quality and safety to meet international expectations.
• Workforce Training: Enhancing human capital through targeted education and training programs, contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Visitor Safety: Implementing robust measures to ensure a safe and secure environment for all visitors.
• Air Connectivity: Strengthening air transport links to improve accessibility, a key component of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Conclusion: A Vision for a Sustainable Future

The National Tourism Policy 2025–2045 represents a landmark commitment by Papua New Guinea to unlock its tourism potential responsibly. As stated by Eric Mossman Uvovo, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Promotion Authority, the policy sets a clear direction for the sector. By embedding the principles of sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment into its core, the strategy ensures that tourism will serve as a powerful tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The coordinated, whole-of-government approach outlined in the policy will be crucial for positioning Papua New Guinea as a world-class destination renowned for its unique cultural heritage and pristine natural environments, thereby securing long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits for the nation.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in Papua New Guinea’s National Tourism Policy

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

   The article on Papua New Guinea’s National Tourism Policy 2025–2045 highlights several issues that directly connect to a range of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The policy’s core themes of sustainability, economic growth, cultural preservation, and community involvement align with the global development agenda.

   • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The policy’s primary goal is to build a “sustainable, dynamic tourism sector that will contribute to the country’s long-term economic development.” It focuses on “inclusive economic growth,” which directly addresses SDG 8’s aim to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
   • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The policy places a strong emphasis on “cultural protection” and “cultural preservation.” This aligns with SDG 11, particularly its goal of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by safeguarding cultural and natural heritage.
   • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The article repeatedly mentions “sustainability” and “sustainable tourism practices.” This connects to SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. The policy itself is a framework for developing sustainable tourism.
   • SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land): The policy aims to protect Papua New Guinea’s “pristine natural environment,” including its “diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and coral reefs to expansive mountains and untouched beaches.” This commitment to environmental preservation directly supports the conservation and sustainable use of marine and terrestrial ecosystems as outlined in SDGs 14 and 15.
   • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The development of the policy was a highly collaborative process involving “government agencies, private sector operators, non-governmental organizations, academics, and community groups.” Furthermore, it is supported by international partners like the “Asian Development Bank,” “Australia,” and “New Zealand,” which exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships promoted by SDG 17.
   • SDG 4: Quality Education: The policy identifies “workforce training” as a key area for development. This focus on enhancing skills within the tourism sector is directly related to SDG 4’s goal of ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities, especially those related to vocational skills for employment.
   • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article states that the policy aims to “build the necessary infrastructure” and focuses on “strengthening of air connectivity.” This aligns with SDG 9, which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

   The article’s content points to several specific SDG targets that the National Tourism Policy aims to achieve.

   • Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.” The entire “National Tourism Policy 2025–2045” is a direct example of this target in action, as its purpose is to create a framework for sustainable tourism that drives economic growth and celebrates Papua New Guinea’s unique culture.
   • Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” The policy’s central themes of “cultural protection” and preserving the “rich cultural diversity and pristine natural environment” are a direct reflection of this target.
   • Target 12.b: “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism…” The policy itself serves as a strategic tool to guide and manage the development of sustainable tourism in Papua New Guinea, aligning with the objective of this target.
   • Target 14.2 & 15.1: “Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems” and “ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.” The policy’s commitment to “environmental sustainability” and the preservation of “coral reefs” and “tropical rainforests” while developing tourism directly addresses these conservation targets.
   • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The article explicitly details the “collaborative and inclusive development process” involving a wide range of national and international stakeholders, which is the essence of this target.
   • Target 4.4: “By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.” The policy’s identification of “workforce training” as a key area for development directly supports this target by aiming to improve the skills of the local population for the tourism industry.
   • Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.” The policy’s focus on “strengthening infrastructure” and improving “air connectivity” is a clear effort to meet this target to make the country more accessible for tourism.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

   While the article does not list specific quantitative indicators, it mentions or implies several qualitative and process-based indicators that can be used to measure progress.

   • Indicator for Target 8.9 & 12.b (e.g., Indicator 8.9.2, 12.b.1): The existence and implementation of the “National Tourism Policy 2025–2045” itself is a primary indicator. The article states it “sets a clear direction for the tourism sector,” implying it will be the main tool for measuring the development of a sustainable tourism strategy. Progress could be measured by the degree of its implementation.
   • Indicator for Target 11.4: The policy’s focus on “cultural protection” and “environmental preservation” implies the development of specific plans and resource allocation for safeguarding heritage sites. An indicator would be the establishment of management plans for cultural and natural sites promoted for tourism.
   • Indicator for Target 17.17: The article describes the “collaborative approach” and partnerships with the PSDI, Asian Development Bank, Australia, and New Zealand. The continued engagement and financial/technical support from these partners serve as an indicator of successful multi-stakeholder collaboration.
   • Indicator for Target 4.4: The policy’s emphasis on “workforce training” implies the creation of vocational programs. An implied indicator would be the number of training programs established and the number of individuals trained in tourism and hospitality services.
   • Indicator for Target 9.1: The focus on “strengthening of air connectivity” and building “necessary infrastructure” suggests that progress can be measured by investments in and completion of tourism-related infrastructure projects, such as airport upgrades or new air routes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

   SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
   SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth	Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.	The existence and implementation of the “National Tourism Policy 2025–2045” to foster “inclusive economic growth.”
   SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.	The policy’s central theme and planned actions for “cultural protection” and preservation of “rich cultural diversity.”
   SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production	Target 12.b: Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism.	The “National Tourism Policy” itself serves as a strategic tool for promoting “sustainable tourism practices.”
   SDG 14 & 15: Life Below Water & Life on Land	Target 14.2 & 15.1: Sustainably manage and protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems.	The policy’s commitment to “environmental sustainability” and the preservation of “coral reefs” and “tropical rainforests.”
   SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals	Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.	The “collaborative and inclusive development process” involving government, private sector, NGOs, and international partners (ADB, Australia, New Zealand).
   SDG 4: Quality Education	Target 4.4: Substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills for employment.	The policy’s identification of “workforce training” as a key area for development.
   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure	Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.	The policy’s aim to “build the necessary infrastructure” and strengthen “air connectivity.”

Source: travelandtourworld.com