Magical place': tourists see another side of Papua New Guinea's most troubled region

"In the lush hills of Papua New Guinea's highlands, Ambua Lodge sits in picturesque but troubled surrounds. From this region one of the country's poorest and most dangerous the hotel is attempting to carve another path for Hela province, which has long been beset by tribal fighting. Despite a history of conflict in the area, the hotel has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world, and the country's leaders want to attract even more tourists to this hard-to-access location."

"In December, Papua New Guinea's prime minister, James Marape, visited Ambua Lodge to highlight its four decades of safe and successful investment in the area. I encourage other Papua New Guineans and potential investors, both local and international, not to be discouraged by negativity, Marape said. Jayesh Naduvil from Trans Niugini Tours, which runs Ambua Lodge, says tensions and conflict in the region have not presented problems for visitors, many of whom come for the Huli Wigmen, birdwatching and nature trails."

"Tribal fighting is not unusual in parts of PNG, but in recent years conflict in the highlands region including in Enga and Hela provinces has become more deadly as more sophisticated weapons have become available. Trans Niugini also operates Rondon Ridge in the Western province of the highlands, a luxury hotel with connections to the local Melpa tribe. The tribe remains deeply connected to the land and cultures practised for thousands of years, but in more recent years have also embraced business."

Ambua Lodge is located in the highlands of Hela province and has welcomed tens of thousands of international visitors despite regional poverty and tribal fighting. The lodge features thatched-roof rooms overlooking valleys and draws visitors for the Huli Wigmen, birdwatching and nature trails. Local drivers and guides from the community manage visitor safety by avoiding areas with tensions, and operators report no law-and-order issues for clients. Papua New Guinea's prime minister highlighted four decades of safe investment and encouraged further investment. Local tribes such as the Melpa have embraced tourism and related business opportunities.

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