There is a workforce of close to two million people in a few different industries. Thre is high demand for skilled people but it is still difficult for women and men that are considered to be "unskilled" to find work. Many people have informal small businesses to make money.
festivals
The most popular activities for tourists here are festivals such as the The Sing-Sing performances at the annual Goroka and Mt. Hagen shows. During these shows, there are usually more than fifty ensembles that turn up. The festivals are competitive and the winning ensemble is rewarded by being invited to give concerts at many restaurants and hotels during the following year. This beauty and colorfulness of New Guineaâs festivals is both pleasing to watch for tourists and helps the locals financially.
birdwatching
This a birdwatching mecca with over 700 species of birds including many birds of paradise (http://en.wikipedia.org/w...). Definitely bring a pair of decent binoculars and ask in the villages for a volunteer to help you find the birds. An amazing experience!
scuba diving
Go scuba diving, using one of more than a dozen local scuba diving operators. The national Scuba Diving industry body (http://www.pngdive.com/) is a good starting point. Papua New Guinea has some of the very best tropical reef diving anywhere in the word.
fishing
Fishing is becoming increasingly popular. Species include Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellow Fin, Skipjack and Dogtooth Tuna and the Giant Trevally. Mahi Mahi Dolphin Fish, Mackerel and Wahoo. A particularly challenging fish is the black bass, which, pound for pound, is considered to be the toughest fighting fish in the world.
trekking
Another popular attraction here is trekking through the mountains, coastal lowlands and rolling foothills of the Kokoda and other trails. The Kokoda Track attracts many hundreds of walkers a year.