3rd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit Hosted in Vava’u, Tonga

The 3rd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit held on the 20th to the 21st of October 2025 at the  Puataukanave Hotel, Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, under the theme Midway to 2030: Realigning, Reaffirming and Recommitting to Sustainable Tourism. The Summit marks a pivotal moment for the region’s tourism sector as it reaches the halfway point toward the 2030 goals outlined in the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework.

The Princess Royal, Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, Patron for Tourism in Tonga, delivered the opening address, warmly welcoming delegates to the sanctuary of Vava’u—home to the majestic humpback whales and a symbol of the region’s natural beauty and fragility.

Princess Pilolevu called for bold recommitment to the four goals of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework: Economic Prosperity, Thriving and Inclusive Communities, Visible and Valued Cultures, and Healthy Islands and Oceans. She urged leaders to look beyond economic metrics and embrace tourism as a vessel for diplomacy, wellbeing, and cultural pride.

“Tourism is a vessel for diplomacy and does not exclude anyone. I urge our industry to look at it as an opportunity to foster better connections with people from all over the world. Let our Pacific islands teach the world about humanity, the real sense of love and care for people and place,” she said. “Our concept of family, community, and respect (faka’apa’apa) is our most priceless export, achieving the goal of Visible and Valued Cultures.

“The presence of the humpback whales in Vava’u reminds us that true tourism resilience must include the well-being of nature.  Championing Sustainable Destination Management, one of the five strategic focus areas of the SPTO Strategic Plan, is not a choice; it is a necessity for the survival of our Islands and oceans. Let us commit to regional collaboration built on trust and shared purpose. Tourism is not a zero-sum game; it is a rising tide, and the strength of the collective ‘Ōfa we share across our islands must guide our actions.”

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Cocker, extended SPTO’s appreciation to the PACER Plus and the Kingdom of Tonga for the warm hospitality and generosity shown in hosting the Pacific Tourism Ministers and delegates. “We are deeply honoured by the gracious welcome extended by The Princess Royal, Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, whose presence and support added immense significance to this important gathering. Mālō ‘aupito to the Government and people of Tonga for creating an environment of true Pacific spirit — one of unity, warmth, and shared purpose. Your kindness and cultural pride have made these meetings both memorable and inspiring as we continue to advance sustainable tourism across the Blue Pacific,” Cocker said.

The Summit brought together high-level representatives and builds on the legacy of previous gatherings in Rarotonga (2022) and Tahiti (2023), and reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration, sustainable destination management, and youth leadership.

Princess Pilolevu also called on donors and development partners to renew their commitment to SPTO and support the full implementation of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework through coordinated, accessible funding.

The 4th Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit will be held in 2027.