Cook Islands and American Samoa affirms Commitment to Improving Regional Tourism

The Cook Islands and American Samoa affirmed their commitment to being part of the regional sustainable tourism cohesion as they signed the Pacific Leader’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment at the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit in the Cook Islands last week.

The Cook Islands and American Samoa become the 12^th and 13^th Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) members to formalize its endorsement, joining the Islands of Tahiti, Federated States of Micronesia, Samoa, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Niue, Vanuatu, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Solomon Islands, and Tonga.

The Statement of Commitment re-enforces Pacific values and practices that support improved planning, development, and management of sustainable tourism to preserve the future of Pacific destinations for future generations of the Blue Pacific.

While signing the Commitment Cook Islands Associate Minister of Tourism Tingika Elikana mentioned with the right recognition and long-term support, the Pacific tourism industry can build back better to be more resilient, inclusive and sustainable.

“We are moving towards a unified approach here in the Pacific and I encourage those countries who have not signed on to sign on. We must commit to driving the required changes,” Hon Elikana said.

Cook Islands Associate Minster for Tourism-Tingika Elikana

American Samoa’s Executive Director of the American Samoa Visitor Bureau Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia, highlighted that commitment to sustainable tourism development is outlined in the country’s Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework.

“This is a step forward in the right direction as our country advances its reopening plans. This is a significant step for us and it signifies our commitment to our shared vision for a better future for our people and planet through sustainable tourism,” Ms Tuia said.

“At the national level we are revitalizing our efforts towards greater sustainability and inclusivity in the tourism sector. We are pleased to be supporting these same sentiments at the regional level through the Pacific Leader’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment.”

In acknowledging Cook Islands and American Samoa’s official endorsement SPTO CEO Mr. Christopher Cocker noted that the ongoing support for the Commitment was encouraging.

“A successful recovery for the industry will require well-informed, targeted, and coordinated efforts. To achieve as much, SPTO is prioritizing the implementation of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework, endorsement of the Statement of Commitment and regional forums such as the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit, which provided a platform for countries to share and learn from each other’s sustainable tourism journeys”.

“Having member countries re-affirming their support for a sustainable and more resilient recovery at the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit is great not only for these countries but also to encourage the other member countries who have yet to reaffirm their commitment and map out the way forward as we work towards positively contributing towards the 2030 agenda”, said Mr. Cocker.