Pacific Tourism, Forum Secretariat, and University of the South Pacific Share Work Progress Updates at Seventh Culture Ministerial Meeting in Hawaii

Speaking at the Seventh Culture Ministerial meeting for the Pacific in Hawaii, organised by the Secretariat of the Pacific as the Council of Regional Organisations from in the Pacific (CROP), the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) CEO Christopher Cocker called on its regional partners Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Member Countries to strengthen partnerships with their National Tourism Organisations to develop sustainable cultural tourism policies and programs.

In Session 7, Mr Cocker and fellow panelists from the CROP agencies—Pacific Islands Forum and the University of the South Pacific—shared updates, insights, ideas, and the cultural impacts of their work programs.

Mr Cocker shared insights into supporting the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) and regional cultural tourism initiatives. He highlighted the invaluable assets of the Pacific—its land, oceans, people, and culture—stating, “Without these assets, we have no tourism in the Pacific.”

Endorsed in October 2021, the PSTPF aims to enhance the well-being of Pacific communities while protecting and promoting cultural and ocean ecosystems. Goal 3 of the Framework focuses on protecting and promoting culture and heritage and fostering prosperous cultural and creative industries.

“Our culture is our Pacific’s Unique Selling Proposition. SPTO’s regional tourism branding ‘Ours is Yours’ embraces our shared cultural art of weaving. The brand idea of ‘Weaving Positive Futures’ highlights the importance of crafting deep and meaningful connections between our people, places, and visitors. It captures the warmth and optimism inherent to our people,” said Mr. Cocker.

“It is focused on sustainably developing our region and building a legacy that our future generations can benefit from and be proud of. This drives destination and product differentiation.”

Mr. Cocker also mentioned that the Pacific Cultural Tourism Guidelines were launched at the May SPTO Board of Directors Meeting in Fiji.

He highlighted that these guidelines initiatives, funded by NZ Maori Tourism, provide a pathway for SPTO and its Member Countries to develop cultural tourism initiatives and strategies.

“It encourages the growth of cultural tourism as the comparative advantage of the Pacific region and individual countries,” Mr Cocker said