The Pacific Leader’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment is inspired by the Pacific nations, industry, Civil Society, Development Partners, and Global Agencies who are committed to advancing sustainable tourism across the Pacific by 2030.

Pacific values and practices have ensured the sustainability of natural resources for hundreds of years and will continue for generations to come. We want to instil these philosophies into the way we plan for, develop and manage tourism operations in order to preserve the future of our destinations.

The Council of Tourism Ministers representing the 20 member countries of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) commit to elevate sustainable tourism as a regional priority for environmental, socio-cultural and economic development. The Council is committed to making tourism in the Pacific a force for good by adopting the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework to put the sector and our communities on a path to sustainable recovery by 2030.

Strategic regional cooperation and coordination is critical, but to be most effective, we must demonstrate leadership at the national level.

Tourism by its nature involves a destination as a whole not only industry businesses, but also its ecosystems, natural resources, cultural assets and traditions, communities, aesthetics, and built infrastructure. Our approach must be integrated.

The SPTO member countries will work with development partners and international finance institutions to build understanding about the need to obtain sustainable and green financing mechanisms to support sustainable tourism development and to provide accessible funding for small to medium enterprises.

As we journey together on the road to tourism recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, we will ensure that tourism brings positive change to the lives of our people and the quality of our environment so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come. We will work together to rebuild or economies, provide decent work opportunities, reduce poverty, enhance social inclusion, and protect our natural and cultural assets.

Through our work and our partnerships our goals is to make our tourism sector resilient, prosperous and inclusive.

The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework encompasses our vision and the policies and actions to support it. It provides a pathway for the tourism sector to play its part in support of the Pacific’s global, regional and national commitments.

Our islands and oceans fundamentally underpin the health, wellbeing and prosperity of Pacific peoples and are the foundation upon which tourism depends. We acknowledge the interdependent crisis of biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and climate change combined with the health and economic crises that impact every corner of the globe. Transformative change is needed; we cannot simply carry on as before.

For tourism to be resilient, prosperous, and inclusive, we need to ensure:

• We are united as a region an work together to advance sustainable tourism through partnerships and collaboration
• We prioritize green investments to support tourism growth and work with our partners to mobilize resources
• We offer our visitors high quality, authentic, accessible and sustainable experiences that reflect our own country’s uniqueness
• We create enabling legislation and policies for tourism businesses to adopt sustainable tourism practices
• Our communities are empowered by tourism and benefit from it. We protect the vulnerable and provide opportunities for young people and women
• Together we build resilience to climate change and transition to a low emission resource efficient sector.