Exciting Updates from the SPTO Division of Sustainable Tourism – November 2024 Issue

Bonjour from the SPTO Division of Sustainable Tourism!

November was a vibrant month for the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), marked by milestone events and groundbreaking initiatives driving sustainable tourism development across the region.

The SPTO hosted its annual Council of Ministers meeting and the bi-annual Board of Directors meeting in Suva, Fiji. These meetings were complemented by the inaugural Pacific Talanoa for Women in Tourism, where inspiring voices shaped the future of women in tourism.

The event also saw the launch of the SPTO Strategic Plan 2025-2025 and the introduction of the Pacific Tourism Environmental Sustainability Initiatives, setting the stage for collective efforts in the responsible development of tourism. November also marked the official start of the Sustainable Tourism Enhancement in the Pacific (STEP) Project, in partnership with SWITCH-Asia. Funded by the European Union, the initiative aims to align national tourism policies with the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standards, with a particular focus on Circular Economy and Sustainable Consumption and Production practices.

The national streams of the project are being implemented in four countries: Vanuatu, Kiribati, Samoa, and Fiji—countries at various stages of national tourism standard development. Their progress will serve as adaptable models for other Pacific nations with similar tourism contexts. In November, the STEP Project officially commenced its in-country assessment in Port Vila, Vanuatu.

This months’ country of focus is New Caledonia, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Natural Park of the Coral Sea. Learn about New Caledonia’s efforts in advancing sustainable tourism through:

• The New Cal Specialist Programme for tourism excellence
• Sustainable cruise tourism initiatives
• The sustainability leadership of Hôtel Gondwana Nouméa

Check out the Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines, recently launched to support eco-friendly marine tourism. Dive into the Newsbeat for more details! Stay informed on the latest in sustainable tourism from around the Pacific and the world through our Newsbeat updates.

We extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support in advancing sustainable tourism. Together, let’s make 2025 another year of meaningful progress toward our shared vision for 2030.

For more information, contact sustainable@gmail.org

Merci, and have a restful holiday!

Photo Credit: Nouvelle Calédonie Tourisme