Palau's commitment to eco-tourism and reconnecting with the world
By Minister Ngiraibelas TmetuchL
TmetuchlPalau has become well-known for our proactive stance on protecting our lands, our oceans and natural resources while also promoting eco-conscious travel. It’s a balance that is not easily found as other nations are aware. Visitors are informed of our intent when they first arrive, and Immigrations Officers stamp their passports with the Palau Pledge — a call to respect our environment and to leave it as they found it.
In line with finding that balance of protection and production, we aim to attract visitors who share our goal of protecting our resources, which are more than a tourist attraction, these waters and lands have also sustained Palauans for a millennium.
To help us reach this goal, we are looking to build a tourism industry that focuses less on quantity of tourists and more on high-value tourists. President Whipps was just in Australia to promote our Palau Paradise Express route served by Qantas. Qantas started the service a little over a month ago. Discussions are already underway regarding additional flights during the week.
In the last few years, following COVID-19, President Surangel S. Whipps Jr.’s objective was to reconnect Palau with the world. When we took office in 2021 the nation, and the world, was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitor numbers had plummeted from an average 150,000 annually to zero.
We were able to start a tourism bubble with Taiwan that, while short-lived, was an illustration of what could be possible if we worked hard and were willing to think outside the box. Following that, we were blessed to see United Airlines return and relatively quickly resume a nearly daily flight schedule. China Airlines, Nauru Airlines, and, of course, Qantas also operate regular services. China Airlines increased its flight frequency based on high occupancy rates from Taiwan. Cambodia Airways and Hong Kong Airlines operate charter flights.
We’re also looking forward to direct flights to Japan. United Airlines’ direct flights to Japan are expected to begin in May. Japan Airlines is also planning to begin charter flights from Narita to Palau in March.
We continue to cultivate our markets, working with our private sector partners. Just recently, Palau Visitors Authority attended the Boot Düsseldorf 2025, the world’s largest exhibition for yachting, diving, stand-up paddling, and other watersports to promote Palau as a premier destination for travelers. The nine-day exhibition featured approximately 1,500 exhibitors from around the world. Held at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, it attracted more than 250,000 people. The attendance marked Palau’s return to Boot Düsseldorf after a long absence, making it a significant moment in PVA's international marketing efforts.
PVA's delegation included Mr. Jackson Doktok, chairman of the Board; Mr. Kadoi Ruluked, managing director; Ms. Katarina Mad, State & Community manager; Ms. Sharrise Ngiraked, strategic planning manager; Ms. Mika Onodera, PVA JICA expert; and Mr. Tibey Ongalibang, digital marketing representative.
Joining PVA at the event were representatives from Fish n' Fins and Hotel Indigo, and Sam’s Tours exhibited right next to PVA's booth. Together, these partners highlighted Palau's unparalleled marine experiences, from world-class diving to sustainable tourism initiatives.
While there Doktok and Ruluked, along with the PVA members, met with China Airlines' Frankfurt office to plan future familiarization tours to Palau and discuss potential collaborations to enhance travel accessibility and attract more visitors from Europe. European travelers, particularly Germans, are drawn to Palau due to connections like the Frankfurt-Taipei route on China Airlines.
Working with our industry partners, we are focused on helping to connect the North and South Pacific through island-hopping routes, similar to a Euro Pass that allows people to travel between various European countries with ease.
Pushing forward, we are also focused on ensuring we provide our visitors with a Pristine Palau experience that they can’t get anywhere else. Aside from our world-renowned rock islands with the famous jellyfish lake, we have been working hand-in-hand with state governments on developing cultural tourism with an offering of our unique Palauan heritage. In the states of Airai, Ngaraard, Ngarchelong, Ngiwal and Melekeok, for example, are a variety of activities that a family can enjoy both on land and on rivers. Visitors can enjoy a day of where they visit a bai, traditional meeting house, or visit historical sites. They can visit centers where mechas, our elderly women, will show them how to weave traditional crafts like baskets and grass skirts. Our visiting family can also enjoy a lunch that includes traditional local cuisine as well as a mix of other regional favorites. Or they can choose to paddle up a river that takes them to a picnic spot that’s just a short hike to a gorgeous waterfall.
The Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development also works closely with state leaders and local cultural leaders to rehabilitate old bathing holes and other areas that provide a glimpse into Palau’s past.
We know there are other areas that can be built on and we continue to speak with potential investors about other activities, including a golf course and other activities. In 2023, we held our first internationally certified marathon, which saw over 500 runners from around the world. We’ve also been able to grow our baseball presence, working with our partners in Taiwan, hosting the 1st Palau International Baseball Classic 2024.
This summer, Palau is proud to host the 12th Pacific Mini Games, showcasing athletic excellence and Palauan hospitality across our stunning archipelago.
Palau is dedicated to charting a course where tourism and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. We welcome conscious travelers to experience our pristine paradise, contribute to our vision, and help us protect Palau for future generations. mbj
— Minister Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl leads the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development. He be contacted at tngirai@gmail.com.
