In the rugged, densely forested highlands of Papua New Guinea (PNG), a region long marked by tribal conflict and violence, a quiet transformation is under way as tourism begins to shift both local economies and international perceptions of this often-feared part of the Pacific nation. Once seen primarily through the lens of instability and danger, parts of the highlands are now drawing visitors from around the world, drawn by the promise of cultural richness, spectacular scenery and a level of safety that many had not expected in what has traditionally been labelled PNG’s most troubled region.
At the heart of this shift is Ambua Lodge, a well-established accommodation perched amidst the lush hills of Hela province, one of the country’s poorest and most conflict-affected areas. Despite decades of tribal fighting across parts of the highlands, the lodge has successfully welcomed tens of thousands of international guests, demonstrating that meaningful engagement can occur even in regions long overshadowed by security concerns. Government figures are now actively promoting such ventures as catalysts for positive change. In late 2025, Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, visited the lodge to commend its four decades of “safe and successful investment” and urged both local and foreign investors not to be discouraged by the negative narratives that have long surrounded Hela and its neighbouring provinces.
Trans Niugini Tours, the company that operates Ambua Lodge and other tourism initiatives in PNG’s highlands, attributes its success in part to deep involvement with local communities. Operators like Jayesh Naduvil emphasise that hiring local guides and drivers, who possess intimate knowledge of the terrain and social dynamics, has helped ensure tourists avoid areas where tensions might be higher. This community-centred approach has meant that incidents involving foreign visitors are virtually unheard of, even as tribal fighting continues sporadically across the region.
The highlands tourism story extends beyond Hela province. In the Western highlands, Rondon Ridge, another lodge managed by Trans Niugini, operates in close partnership with the Melpa tribe, whose members maintain deep cultural ties to their ancestral lands while also embracing the economic opportunities offered by tourism. This blending of tradition and enterprise provides visitors with immersive experiences that highlight PNG’s extraordinary cultural diversity — ancient customs, traditional music and dance, and connections to the land that have been sustained for thousands of years.
Tourism figures reflect this budding potential. Data from the Pacific Tourism Organisation show that international arrivals to PNG grew by 9.3% in the first half of 2025, with a significant proportion of visitors coming from Australia (39%) and Asia (35%). PNG’s Tourism Minister Belden Namah has described the sector as a “sleeping giant” with immense untapped potential, but has also cautioned that more investment and government support are needed to fully capitalise on emerging interest and overcome persistent challenges.
Another noteworthy destination contributing to this broader narrative is Betty’s Place, a scenic lodge near Mount Wilhelm, PNG’s highest peak, founded in the 1990s and now run by founder’s daughter Ruth Higgins. Despite early obstacles like lack of basic infrastructure, the lodge has grown into a base for climbers and cultural travellers alike, showcasing highland traditions, endemic wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors frequently praise the warm hospitality and authentic experiences that belie outside perceptions of risk.
Even as some structural issues — from unreliable water and power supplies to the need for enhanced government backing — persist, those involved in PNG’s growing tourism industry argue that the benefits are tangible and far-reaching. They say that successful tourism not only generates vital income for local communities and promotes cultural preservation, but also offers a fresh image of a nation that is often misunderstood. With a concerted effort to build on this momentum, Papua New Guinea’s highlands may yet redefine themselves in the global travel market, not as zones of fear, but as destinations of authentic cultural exchange and spectacular natural beauty.
, a region long marked by tribal conflict and violence){kind=link}