The Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) and its subsidiaries are progressing major tourism infrastructure developments across Papua New Guinea, with Kikori leading the rollout of new Heritage Hotels designed to stimulate local economies, create jobs, and showcase toursim in the districts.
As part of its 2026–2027 development program, MRDC is advancing the rollout of new Heritage Hotels in project areas, including the launched Hela Heritage Hotel in Tari to open in 2028, the Kikori Heritage Hotel opening in March 2026, the , and the Kutubu Heritage Hotel opening in May 2026 and Kerema Heritage Hotel opening in July 2026.
The construction of the Kikori Heritage Hotel is approaching completion, with opening planned for the first quarter of 2026. The development is part of MRDC’s broader hospitality and tourism expansion across project-impacted areas and is among several Heritage Hotels built using modular construction techniques, including new hotels in Kerema and Kutubu.
The Hela Heritage Hotel is one of the province’s most substantial new investments and forms part of a wider suite of projects that include power and health partnerships aimed at improving local livelihoods.
MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano said the company’s strategic push into tourism reflects its belief in the sector’s potential to generate broad-based and sustainable economic returns for local communities.
“In 2026, MRDC will be focused on investment in the tourism sector, which we believe has the potential to transform our economy if coordinated properly between the State and Private Sector,” Mr Mano said. He noted that MRDC is already heavily invested in hotels and aviation, and that the multiplier effects of tourism create broader long-term community benefits.
At the national level, MRDC is also progressing the Star Mountain Plaza Stage 3 development in Port Moresby, which remains on schedule for completion in 2027. The expansion will feature an eleven‑storey complex combining commercial, retail, and entertainment facilities, including office spaces, food‑and‑beverage outlets, retail shops, a state‑of‑the‑art cinema, and a dedicated performing arts theatre. Once completed, the development will further enhance Port Moresby’s appeal as a growing tourism and investment destination.
Mr Mano emphasized that for tourism to be transformative, Papua New Guinea must achieve a critical mass of investment supported by clear incentives and coordinated efforts across government and the private sector. He confirmed that MRDC is in ongoing discussions with national agencies including NAC, the Tourism Promotion Authority, Internation Trade and Investment on special economic zone hubs and relevant provincial governments to establish an integrated tourism hub capable of driving long-term sector growth.
MRDC is also providing support to the National Tourism Conference, working in partnership with the Tourism Promotion Authority to advance strategic conversations around sector development. This includes MRDC’s backing of the Information Paper submitted to the National Executive Council, which outlines key policy and investment frameworks required to unlock tourism as a major economic driver for Papua New Guinea.
