PACER Plus partners with SPTO to promote sustainable tourism in the region

VAVA’U, Tonga – The PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) provided funding support and took part in the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) meetings held in Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, from 20 to 22 October 2025.

The three-day gathering included the SPTO Board of Directors Meeting, the Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting, and the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit 2025.

The meetings brought together Pacific tourism ministers, national tourism directors, private sector representatives, and youth delegates to discuss how the region can build a tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient.

As the Pacific’s only trade agreement that covers trade in services, PACER Plus played a vital role in highlighting the importance of trade in services, investment, and labour mobility — all critical enablers of a thriving and sustainable tourism sector.

“Trade in services is the backbone of the global economy, accounting for over 60 percent of global GDP, and it’s growing faster than trade in goods,” said Dr Alisi Kautoke Holani, Labour Mobility Specialist and Trade in Services and Investment Lead at the PPIU.

“In the Pacific, tourism has become an engine of growth. But to stay strong, it needs to be sustainable, inclusive, and resilient. Creating the right policy environment is key, and this is where PACER Plus can make a real difference.”

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Mr Christopher Cocker shared this view, thanking PACER Plus for their support and saying that tourism must continue to deliver more than economic benefits.

“For tourism to fulfil its full potential across our Blue Pacific Continent, it must not only generate economic value but also reinforce our cultures, empower our youth, and protect our natural environment,” he said. “The policy landscape must support this — enabling connectivity, investment, community-led enterprises, and digital access. Together with partners like PACER Plus, we can ensure that tourism remains an engine of inclusive growth, resilience, and regional identity.”

Through its participation, PACER Plus strengthened collaboration with SPTO, Pacific governments, and other development partners to enhance the enabling environment for trade in services and investment. The partnership also supports efforts to improve policy coherence and promote sustainable and digital transformation initiatives across the region.

This engagement will contribute to the implementation of the Pacific 2030 Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework and advance shared regional goals under PACER Plus — helping to build stronger, more connected, and more resilient Pacific economies through sustainable tourism and inclusive trade.