Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, and former APEC 2018 Summit Chair, has officially welcomed delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea, who are here for the 68th APEC Tourism Working Group (TWG68) meeting held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby from the 13th to 15th October 2026.
This marks the first time since 2018 APEC that the Tourism Working Group has convened a meeting in PNG, highlighting the nation’s commitment to positioning tourism as a central pillar of economic diversification.
During his opening remarks, Chief Secretary Pomaleu emphasized Papua New Guinea’s role as a host of “A Million Different Journeys.”
He noted that for PNG, tourism is more than an industry; it is a vital strategy for inclusive economic growth, employment, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“Tourism remains a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s development agenda,” Mr. Pomaleu said. It has the potential to drive inclusive economic growth, empower women and young people, and preserve the cultural heritage that makes our nation like no other.”
The TWG68 meeting is guided by the APEC Tourism Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and aligned with the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2024 and the Aotearoa Plan of Action.
Mr. Pomaleu emphasized PNG’s response to the APEC Tourism Strategic Plan by highlighting four key priorities:
1. Digital Transformation: Showcasing PNG’s progress in building a national tourism register and a “Tourism Super App” to streamline the visitor experience.
2. Human Capital Development: Highlighting the success of the Tourism Business Incubation Centre Project, which has trained over 500 local stakeholders.
3.Travel Facilitation: Dialogues on renewing Bilateral Air Service Agreements to open more direct routes into the country; and
4. Sustainable and Inclusive Growth: Advocating for the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions in the digital age.
Also, participants will have high-level panel discussions on tourism resilience, focusing on connectivity for remote areas and disaster response preparedness.
In addition, they will participate in a special session which is focused on regional best practices and structural reforms for the PNG Tourism sector, followed by a technical tour of the Port Moresby Nature Park.
Mr. Pomaleu urged delegates to experience the local hospitality first hand. “Beyond the meeting room, I urge you to walk through our markets and taste our food. Let your host show you why we say there are a million different journeys in this remarkable country.”
The TWG68 meeting will conclude on October 15 with the selection of the Lead Shepherd for 2027-2028 and a handover to the incoming host economy, Viet Nam, for TWG69.
Hence, the TWG68 meeting is held in parallel with the National Tourism Summit and Exhibition, also happening at the APEC Haus.