Resilience and Adaptation in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in PNG’s Madang Province during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This In Brief analyses the socio-economic impact of the 2020–22 COVID-19 pandemic based on a qualitative study of 20 tourism and hospitality businesses in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). The study found that all the businesses surveyed were affected by COVID-19. Most experienced a lack of customers due to the travel restrictions imposed by the PNG government. This resulted in less or no income, with some businesses taking drastic measures to cut down on costs. Others aggressively promoted and marketed domestic rather than international tourism to help sustain their operations. The majority of businesses managed to operate during the COVID-19 period without any support from the PNG government. According to the study findings, none of the businesses benefited from the government stimulus package. The study also noted resilience strategies for tourism and hospitality businesses and made recommendations in the event of future pandemics or natural disasters.