Papua New Guinea received the Best Booth award in the National Tourism Organisation category at the 2026 Travel Madness Expo held in Manila, Philippines, from July 10 to 12, 2026. The event gathered over 170 participants including national tourism organisations, airlines, hotels, resorts, and travel agencies from the Philippines and across Asia.
Papua New Guinea’s Showcase and Partners
The Papua New Guinea exhibition booth featured extensive displays of the country’s cultural diversity, landscapes, and visitor experiences. Air Niugini and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) represented the nation, supported by tourism operators and hospitality partners such as Kokopo Beach Bungalow, Karanas Tours, Dynasty Seafood
Restaurant, Alibi Bar & Grill, Akura, Daikoku Japanese Restaurant, Cuppa Cafe, Asia Aromas, and PNG Coffee. The team promoted diving sites, birdwatching spots, trekking routes, cultural festivals, island escapes, coffee, traditional artefacts and authentic tourism experiences.
Official Statements on the Award
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said the award demonstrated the achievements possible through cooperation between Air Niugini, PNGTPA, and tourism operators. Milne stated, “This recognition is a wonderful achievement for Papua New Guinea. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when the national airline, PNGTPA and our tourism operators work together to showcase our country as a vibrant, welcoming and authentic destination.”
Joshua
Koh, Air Niugini’s Regional Manager Asia who coordinated the airline’s participation, called the Best Booth Award an unexpected but special recognition. He credited the collaborative effort of all contributors including PNGTPA, tourism operators, hotel partners, and the Air Niugini team. Koh said, “Winning the Best Booth Award was something we never expected, making this recognition even more special. This award belongs to everyone who contributed to the Papua New Guinea stand. It shows that by working together, we can stand alongside much larger destinations and leave a lasting impression.”
Travel Promotion and Future Events
The Travel Madness Expo is a prominent consumer travel event in
Asia, providing a platform for destinations to promote their tourism products, strengthen industry partnerships, and attract travelers. Following the Manila expo, Air Niugini and PNGTPA planned ongoing promotion of Papua New Guinea at upcoming events in Asia, including the NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore scheduled from August 21 to 23, 2026, and the Holiday and Travel Expo in Hong Kong from September 25 to 27, 2026.
