New Zealand Māori Tourism Joins SPTE 2026 as Silver Sponsor, Strengthening Pacific Vaka Connections

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) proudly announces New Zealand Māori Tourism as a Silver Sponsor for the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2026, to be held from 25–26 March 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Resort & Spa, Nadi.

Under the theme “Tourism that Connects: Culture, Climate, Community,” SPTE 2026 will celebrate the Pacific as a shared ocean of cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems — connected through the enduring spirit of the Pacific vaka, symbolising unity, navigation, and collective progress. The event will showcase the region’s diverse tourism experiences while elevating emerging and lesser-known destinations, ensuring inclusive participation across Pacific Small Island States and territories.

New Zealand Māori Tourism’s sponsorship reflects a strong cultural kinship and shared custodianship of land, ocean, and heritage across the Pacific region. Their support will also create opportunities for Small Island States and territories to participate and strengthen their visibility and market presence at SPTE 2026.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker welcomed the partnership, noting that the collaboration represents more than sponsorship — it reflects a shared regional journey grounded in cultural connection and collective growth.

New Zealand Māori Tourism has been a valued partner of SPTO, previously supporting SPTE 2023, which was hosted at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch, New Zealand, helping to reconnect Pacific tourism operators with international markets following the reopening of global travel.

“The Pacific has always navigated its future together, guided by our vaka traditions and collective stewardship of our cultures, environment, and communities. We are honoured to welcome New Zealand Māori Tourism as a Silver Sponsor for SPTE 2026. Their partnership reflects the strength of our ancestral ties and our shared commitment to tourism that protects our cultural identity, supports climate resilience, and strengthens community livelihoods across our Blue Pacific continent.”

Mr Cocker added that New Zealand Māori tourism continues to demonstrate how indigenous-led tourism models can successfully balance economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental guardianship.

New Zealand Māori Tourism Chief Executive Officer Pania Tyson-Nathan emphasised the importance of maintaining indigenous connections across the Pacific and working collectively to shape a resilient tourism future.

“Our shared whakapapa binds us across the Pacific Ocean. Through SPTE 2026, we continue to paddle the same vaka — strengthening indigenous voices, protecting our environment, and supporting community-led tourism that honours our traditions while creating sustainable opportunities for future generations. Supporting SPTE is a natural extension of our commitment to uplifting our Pacific whānau and celebrating our collective identity through tourism.”

As the Pacific’s premier regional tourism marketplace, SPTE 2026 will bring together tourism operators, international buyers, development partners, and media representatives to strengthen partnerships, create business opportunities, and showcase authentic Pacific experiences rooted in culture, sustainability, and community well-being.

SPTE continues to play a vital role in advancing sustainable tourism development and promoting the Pacific as a region united by shared values, traditions, and aspirations for a resilient tourism future.