Update from the Division – September 2022
10 October 2022
Paradise in our backyards
10 October 2022
7th October, 2022
In joining the World Tourism Day festivities this year, the SPTO staff organised an internal competition to celebrate its Member Countries and their efforts in Rethinking the future of Tourism. Each of the five divisions decorated their workspaces according to the countries they were assigned with some of the teams going the extra mile by turning up in their ‘kalavata’ (matching uniform) and colourful Pacific wear.
The Division of Sustainable Tourism (DST) emerged as the winner of the competition having impressed the judges with their presentation of the beautiful islands of American Samoa, Niue, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. Important messages from the Division’s corner included the use of local resources that are synonymous with these four countries, the depiction of sustainability initiatives including strengthening policy frameworks in tourism planning, and the recognition of the vulnerability of Tuvalu to sea level rise and climate change impacts. The team also celebrated Niue’s achievement in being the first country to have Dark Sky recognition and showcased the strong focus on cultural tourism in American Samoa. The efforts of the Solomon Islands in promoting the sustainable use and management of ocean resources as a novel dive destination were also recognised.
Backed by an all-women team, the Division of Sustainable Tourism in their showcase also recognised that plastic pollution is a global crisis that needs urgent action including by the tourism industry. The Research and Statistics Division was the runner-up. The DST team takes this opportunity to wish all SPTO Member Countries a Happy World Tourism Day, especially to American Samoa, Niue, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu!
Photo Caption: Group photo of the DST team
