
Turning Trash into Treasure: PTWAI Empowers Vava’u Communities
25 November 2025
Tonga Advances Efforts on Sustainable Tourism and Plastic Free Future
25 November 2025On Monday, 20 October 2025, a major milestone was reached for tourism in the Pacific. During the SPTO Board of Directors Meeting in Vava’u, Tonga, the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Portal (PSTP) was officially launched—marking a bold step forward in regional collaboration and innovation.
The launch was held at the Puataukanave Hotel Conference Room, the launch was witnessed by the SPTO Board of Directors and partners from across the Pacific. Developed by SPTO’s Division of Sustainable Tourism with support from WebMedia, the Portal is a dynamic digital platform designed to promote knowledge-sharing, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate sustainable tourism development across member countries.
The PSTP serves as a one-stop online hub offering access to resources, data, tools, and real-life stories from across the region. It supports governments, tourism operators, and communities in adopting sustainable tourism practices and advancing climate action. By showcasing best practices and unlocking funding and partnership opportunities, the Portal also promotes innovation and inclusive growth.
Aligned with the 2030 Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), the Portal reflects the region’s commitment to building a tourism sector that is resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible. It complements broader regional strategies such as the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy, the Cleaner Pacific Strategy, and the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific.
The development of the portal is structured over a one-year timeline and consists of two phases: (1) site development and (2) content collection. With the first phase successfully completed, the SPTO team is currently engaged in gathering and creating content for the portal. This second process is a crucial phase ensuring that the portal meets the needs of member countries, industry partners, and communities.
With this launch, the Pacific is embracing a digital future—where tourism is not only about travel, but also about protecting cultures, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing the well-being of communities across the region.
TO ACCESS THE PACIFIC SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PORTAL, CLICK THE LINK BELOW:
https://southpacificislands.travel/sustainable/
ENDS.





