Organisational Structure

The structure of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) consists of the Council of Ministers of Tourism, Board of Directors and Management.

Council of Ministers of Tourism

The Council of Ministers of Tourism, comprising a “Minister or his authorized representative from each Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) member country”, meet annually. The Council’s main responsibilities include monitoring and reviewing SPTO policies, strategies, work programme activities and budgets, providing comments, recommendations and guidance on these matters. The Council is also tasked with “using its best endeavours to secure funding from donors for the activities of the Pacific Tourism Organisation”.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors consists of one representative from each of the 21 member governments, and 5 members representing the private sector. The Board meets a minimum of twice a year.

Its main responsibilities include:

• approval and monitoring of SPTO’s annual core and work plan budgets
• approval and monitoring of operating policies and strategies
• supervision of the implementation of SPTO’s work programmes
• reviewing and monitoring operating rules, procedures and regulations in the financial and administrative matters of SPTO
• advising on other matters as may be required by Management.

Chief Executive Officer

A Chief Executive, appointed by the Board, carries out the day-to-day administrative functions of SPTO and is supported by a number of professional and administrative staff as well as technical advisors.

Divisional Structure

The SPTO has five (5) divisions within its organisational structure:

CEO’s Office

Mandate

The CEOs Office is responsible for the management of the organisation and achievement of the organisational objectives, through the development and implementation of the five-year Business Plan and Annual Divisional Work Plans.

Goal: To effectively manage SPTO as the regional tourism industry advocate and leader in tourism development and marketing

Key Responsibilities

The CEOs Office is responsible for the operational and financial management of the organisation including staff recruitment and performance monitoring.

The CEOs office is also responsible for growing the SPTO country membership base and increasing the funding base of the organisation.  The CEOs office is also responsible for advocacy, stakeholder management and Board and corporate communications.

Key Functions:

• Advocacy
• Strategic Management
• Human Resource Management
• Stakeholder Communications
• Partnership Development
• Governance and Reporting
• Membership Management

Marketing Division

The division plays a vital role in promoting the Pacific region as a preferred tourism destination. It serves as the face of SPTO, coordinating and producing all materials representing it. The division works closely with trade partners, development partners, creative agencies and/or the community. Such collaborations are critical to the success of the Marketing division and SPTO as a whole.

Goal: To increase the awareness of the Pacific as a tourism destination.

Key Functions:

• Building Digital capability of SPTO and its member countries
• Cruise & yachting sector development
• Tourism Human Resource Development through regional partnerships
• Pacific Brand Management
• Marketing Planning
• Trade show coordination
• Marketing the region in key long haul, short haul and emerging markets
• Creating awareness of Pacific niche market products
• Managing the Pacific Storytelling Specialist Programme
• Managing the Industry Membership Programme
• Strengthening the Trade & Tourism Promotion Programme in partnership with SPTO Korea
• Providing technical assistance to its members
• Partnering with research agencies to strengthen SPTO’s Data-driven Marketing efforts.

Research and Statistics Division

This Division is responsible for supporting the sustainable development of tourism in the Pacific through the collection and dissemination of information and research and the facilitation of sustainable tourism development policy and programs.

Goal:   To be the focal point for tourism-related research, information and regional tourism planning

Key Functions:

• Tourism Statistics
• Tourism Resource Centre
• Research Publications
• Ad hoc research
• Planning and Policy Support
• HRD Liaison and NTO Attachment
• Project Design and Development
• Technical Assistance

Sustainable Tourism Division

This Division is responsible for supporting the sustainable development of tourism in the Pacific in terms of the Environmental, Socio-Cultural and Economic aspects.

Goal:   To provide support to the Sustainable Development of Tourism in the region.

Key Functions:

• Capacity Building
• Technical Assistance on Sustainable Tourism issues through SPTO Partnerships
• Advisory Capacity on National Plans & Policies relative to Sustainable Tourism Development

Finance and Operations Division

The Finance and Corporate Services Division is responsible for profiling the support services function for SPTO, including accounting, ICT and human resources.

Goal:   To ensure that the SPTO accounting, ICT and human resource systems enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation through accurate and timely records and reports.

Key Functions:

• Accounts and Audit
• Internal HRD
• Board Papers/Logistics
• Asset Management
• ICT Support Management