N.America, Europe biggest spenders in PNG: Report

NEW research shows visitors from North America and Europe are the biggest holiday spenders in Papua New Guinea.
Europeans spend US$3600 (about K11,959.74) and North Americans spend US$$4000 (about K13,288.60) per trip on average.
The figures were released by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in partnership with the PNG Tourism Association at the 2018 Lukim PNG Nau, this year’s tourism expo showcasing the country.
The research, compiled from the International Visitor Survey, shows travel agents play a key role in North Americans deciding to travel to PNG, while Europeans tend to use travel guides and the internet to plan and book their trips independently online. “The findings indicate that a strong internet presence is vital for Papua New Guinea to grow the tourist market from coming from Europe,” IFC’s resident representative for PNG, John Vivian, said.
“The research highlights the potential for attracting more adventure travellers from Europe, as it shows that visitors from Europe tend to be younger males and generally stay longer in the country than other visitors.”
Drawing on data from six months, the research reveals North Americans are primarily interested in cultural activities and tours, while the market is also an important one for bird watchers.
For the North American market, PNG is likely viewed as a holiday destination for a “once in a lifetime trip” with the majority of travellers over 60 years of age. “With North American tourists primarily interested in cultural activities and tours, it highlights the need for the local tourism industry to look across the broad spectrum of services to ensure visitors in the older age brackets can access and enjoy all the experiences Papua New Guinea has to offer,” said Jessie McComb, IFC’s tourism expert.
“Otherwise the country risks losing this high yielding market.”
Previous studies have highlighted the importance of PNG growing its tourism by developing niche markets such as cultural, adventure and historical tourism.
Overall PNG is heavily reliant on the Australian market for tourists, with Australia making up 48 percent of total visitors in the first six months of this year.
The Australian holiday market is predominately a mature male market with most visitors between 40 and 70 years of age, and highly interested in active and adventure holidays.
The findings highlight that diving is an important activity for Asian travellers to PNG, with potential to increase arrivals to the country from tourists interested in dive and World War Two experiences
Overall, the first six months of this year saw more than 34,600 visitors to PNG, contributing some K260 million (US$78 million) to the country’s economy.
That number is set to be overtaken in the second half of the year with Papua New Guinea hosting Apec – the Asia Pacific Economic Forum.