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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) CEO observed the 2nd Regional Aviation Ministers Meeting (RAMM) this past week. Chaired by the Cook Islands, the RAMM provided a valuable opportunity for Ministers and stakeholders to discuss critical issues regarding the resumption of travel post-pandemic.
Agenda items included the revised Pacific Island Civil Aviation Safety and Security Treaty (PICASST), a review of the first full draft of the Regional Aviation Strategy and an assessment of the COVID-19 impact and recovery for aviation in the Pacific.
Improving air access and route development is addressed under innovative partnerships in the SPTO Strategic Plan 2020- 2024. This was the rationale behind the development of the Aviation and Tourism in the Pacific report, commissioned by SPTO ahead of the 2021 RAMM.
Acknowledging the critical links between aviation and tourism, Mr. Cocker noted that improved regional air access and route development is vitally important for the future of the Pacific Tourism industry. He added that the greatest obstacle for the growth of tourism in the majority of Pacific Island Countries is air access because of our remoteness from major tourist markets such as Europe, Asia, Middle East and North America. In comparison he noted that the Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands have strong air access from the above major markets.
“Strong air connectivity between the islands of the region is vital if we want tourism to thrive in our region. It is an area that has great potential but lacks significant long-term support for development and improvement. It would help attract niche segments from long- haul markets as it offers a lot more value for money”.
“Our Blue Pacific is a very special destination but unfortunately poor regional connectivity continues to stand in the way of visitors experiencing the unique offerings of many of our islands”, he said.
SPTO recognizes the RAMM as an important platform for further strengthening the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between SPTO and the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) in 2019.
