Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea
GDN DESTINATION REPORT
Overview: Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea, is a significant destination within the Governmental Destination Network (GDN). As the political and economic hub of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby plays a crucial role in regional diplomacy and international relations, particularly in the areas of economic development and environmental sustainability. Its strategic location in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, combined with its cultural diversity and evolving infrastructure, has positioned Port Moresby as an important location for governmental and institutional events. The identification of Port Moresby as a key destination by the GDN underscores its importance in the sector of Governmental and Institutional Travel, highlighting its role in fostering international cooperation, economic growth, and regional stability.
Infrastructure and services
Recent Updates: Port Moresby has seen continuous investments in infrastructure to support its role as the capital of Papua New Guinea. The expansion of Jacksons International Airport and the development of new government buildings, including the International Convention Centre, have enhanced the city's capacity to host international delegations. Key venues such as the APEC Haus and the Hilton Port Moresby offer state-of-the-art facilities for high-profile conferences and events. Port Moresby provides a comprehensive service ecosystem, including luxury hotels, cultural venues, and efficient logistics, all tailored to meet the demands of international governmental gatherings.
Benchmarking destinations
Comparison with Other Key Destinations: Compared to other capitals in the Pacific region, such as Suva in Fiji and Honiara in Solomon Islands, Port Moresby stands out for its focus on economic development and its evolving urban infrastructure. While Suva is known for its regional influence and Honiara for its historical significance, Port Moresby offers a unique combination of strategic location, economic potential, and modern infrastructure. According to data from the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), Port Moresby has seen a 10% increase in international governmental events from 2018 to 2023, with annual revenues from governmental and corporate events estimated at $60 million.
Growth projections
Growth Projections: The governmental and institutional travel sector in Port Moresby is expected to continue its growth in the coming years. Based on projections from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Port Moresby is anticipated to experience annual growth of 5% to 7% in this sector. This growth will be driven by ongoing investments in infrastructure, including further developments in hotel and conference facilities across the city. It is estimated that by 2028, revenues generated by the MICE sector in Port Moresby could exceed $100 million annually, solidifying its position as a leading destination for governmental and institutional events in the Pacific region.
Successful experiences
APEC Summit 2018: Port Moresby successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2018, bringing together leaders from across the Asia-Pacific to discuss regional cooperation and development. This event highlighted Port Moresby's capability to organize high-level international gatherings. Another success story is the annual Papua New Guinea Investment Conference, which has positioned Port Moresby as a key player in regional economic discussions.
Testimonials
James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea: 'Port Moresby is a city of great strategic importance, well-prepared to host international events that contribute to regional diplomacy and economic development.' Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank: 'The organization of international forums in Port Moresby has been exemplary, showcasing the city's readiness to engage with the global community on critical issues.' Antpnio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations: 'Port Moresby's role in hosting international events underscores its importance as a center for diplomacy and economic development in the Pacific region.'
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Green Initiatives: Port Moresby is committed to sustainability in event management, with initiatives such as the adoption of renewable energy in key venues and the promotion of eco-friendly transportation options for international delegates. The city is also advancing circular economy practices, focusing on waste reduction and the use of locally sourced materials in event planning. These efforts contribute to Port Moresby's broader goals of environmental sustainability and urban development.
Social impact
Local Development: Governmental events in Port Moresby have significantly contributed to local development, creating jobs and enhancing skills in sectors such as logistics, security, and hospitality. The city has implemented training programs for local workers and actively involves small and medium-sized enterprises in the event supply chain. These initiatives have strengthened social cohesion and promoted economic growth, contributing to Papua New Guinea's broader economic goals.
Conclusion
Key Points Summary: Port Moresby is establishing itself as a central hub within the Governmental Destination Network (GDN), with a developing infrastructure, a growing ecosystem of services, and a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. As the city continues to expand its influence in the Pacific region, its strategic location and proven ability to host governmental events make it a vital player in the region. Expectations are that Port Moresby will continue to strengthen its role as a preferred destination for diplomacy and major international events in the coming years.
The information presented in this GDN REPORT on government destinations has been prepared to offer a comprehensive overview of the most strategic destinations globally. In this research process, a wide range of sources and studies carried out by prestigious international consulting, tourism and travel firms, as well as by international organizations such as the WTTC and UN Tourism, have been used. In addition, local, national and international reports have been incorporated, ensuring a comprehensive and global perspective. To ensure accuracy and scientific rigor, data mining techniques, algorithms and artificial intelligence have been applied in the collection and analysis of the information. The result has been synthesized and condensed to offer clear, concise and truthful data, designed to provide decision-makers with the necessary tools to understand and make the most of the potential of these destinations. Our goal is to support the planning and organization of high-level events with accurate and relevant information, thus strengthening the role of each destination in diplomacy and international cooperation.