Forging Resilient Tourism: Leaders Gather in Nadi to Drive Sustainable Change

Tourism, climate, and conservation practitioners gathered in Nadi to share experiences and develop actionable practices aimed at building climate resilience in the sustainable and regenerative tourism sector.

Hosted by NOAA in partnership with the Local2030 Islands Network, Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), and The Ocean Foundation—with support from the U.S. Department of State—the four-day Building Island Climate Resilience and Sustainable Tourism Workshop seeks innovative strategies for Pacific resilience.

In his opening remarks, Fiji’s Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, highlighted the workshop as a critical opportunity for collaboration toward actionable solutions, emphasizing the need for solutions that balance enjoyment and stewardship of Pacific resources.

He reiterated that tourism, as a major economic driver, can also serve as a powerful tool for climate resilience and environmental protection.

“We need solutions that support our collective goals of climate resilience and sustainable tourism. This gathering is a powerful reminder that while we enjoy the bountiful gifts of our islands, we are also bound by a shared responsibility to protect them. As island nations, we are on the frontlines of climate change. Its impacts, whether through rising sea levels, extreme weather events, or coastal erosion, are challenges we live with every day,” Mr Gavoka shared.

SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker echoed this, underscoring that regenerative tourism, a practice rooted in Pacific values, has long aligned with climate resilience goals.

“Today, we discuss a critical link how regenerative tourism can serve as a tool for climate resilience. The Pacific tourism sector recognizes the importance of responding decisively to the challenges posed by climate change, not just to protect our industries, but to safeguard our communities, cultures, and ways of life. Regenerative tourism, while gaining global recognition, is not new to us. It is deeply embedded in our Pacific values and practices—where living harmoniously with nature and fostering respect for our environment have always been at the core of who we are. It’s encouraging to see that the rest of the world is now catching up with what our ancestors have practiced for generations,” Mr Cocker said.

“This workshop is key to aligning our actions with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and preparing for SPTO’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2029. I extend our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of the United States of America, particularly the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for their generous support in making this workshop possible. Their partnership is crucial to our continued efforts toward building a climate-resilient and sustainable tourism sector in the Pacific Islands expressing gratitude for NOAA and U.S. State Department support in furthering Pacific climate resilience and sustainability in tourism.”