Air Niugini and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) have proudly made a historic debut in Singapore, jointly showcasing the vibrancy of Papua New Guinea at two prestigious promotional platforms — the NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) Travel Fair (15–17 August 2025) and the Changi Jewel Destination Awareness Campaign (17 August 2025).
Under the theme “Experience the Splendour of PNG with Air Niugini,” this marks the first-ever collaboration between Air Niugini and PNGTPA at the two Asian travel events, reinforcing PNG’s growing presence in the region. The initiative stems from a strategic partnership between Air Niugini and Changi Airport Group (CAG), with the aim of positioning PNG as a must-visit new destination for Asian travellers.
The three-day NATAS Travel Fair, one of Asia’s leading travel exhibitions, drew more than 106,000 visitors and provided an excellent platform to highlight PNG’s stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and premium tourism offerings. Through the participation also of leading PNG hoteliers and tour operators such as Kokopo Beach Bungalow, The Stanley Hotel, and Country Tours, visitors were introduced to bespoke holiday packages tailored to showcase Papua New Guinea’s adventure, culture, and hospitality. Also present were other tourism boards, airlines, and reputable travel agencies, including Disney Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.
Air Niugini’s Chief Commercial Officer Mr. David Glover said “Participation in these events strengthen PNG’s brand visibility in Asia, creating opportunities for Air Niugini to forge partnerships, increase bookings, and position itself as the preferred carrier connecting Singapore and Asia with Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.”
“At the same time, PNGTPA has amplified the country’s profile as a destination that offers unique cultural encounters, pristine adventure, and organic treasures like world-renowned coffee and cocoa.”
Air Niugini Chairman Mr. Karl Yalo also attended the event, “Air Niugini is forging new pathways to develop the PNG tourism experience. I am immensely proud of our achievement in Singapore. Primarily, we aim to increase demand for our services from the Asia market into PNG. We have tremendous untapped potential – our new fleet offers the opportunity to bridge the gap.”
At the iconic Jewel Changi Airport, the Galomarubu Kitoro Cultural Group from Central Province, together with Asaro Mudman and representation from Southern, Western and Chimbu Provinces, delivered a breathtaking performance at the world-famous Rain Vortex — the tallest indoor waterfall globally. Their ancestral war dances, kundu drum beats, and traditional songs created a vibrant spectacle, captivating audiences and sharing the spirit of PNG with Singapore. This was their first international performance, coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, and it brought powerful cultural storytelling to one of Asia’s busiest travel hubs.
Leading up to these events, Air Niugini and PNGTPA hosted 20 Singaporean travel agents on a familiarization tour across Port Moresby, Mt. Hagen, and Rabaul. Agents experienced firsthand PNG’s stunning landscapes, coffee plantations, organic produce, and warm hospitality — experiences that are now being translated into tour packages for Singaporean travellers.
The joint participation drew significant media attention from outlets including Channel NewsAsia, Travel Guide Singapore, The Travel Intern, and Changi Airport Now Boarding. These features elevated PNG’s visibility, portraying the nation as a unique and authentic destination.
“This is a proud and historic moment for Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Glover. “Our collaboration with PNGTPA and Changi Airport Group demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and highlights the incredible experiences Papua New Guinea has to offer.”
As Air Niugini and PNGTPA continue to work hand-in-hand, their shared commitment is clear: to position Papua New Guinea as a premier tourism destination in the Asian region, inviting travellers to experience its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and the warm spirit of its people.”
