Pacific Tourism Leaders Commit To Sustainable Tourism Transformation

Tourism ministers from across the Pacific have endorsed the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), committing their long-term support to rebuild and transform Pacific tourism so that it is resilient, prosperous, and more inclusive.

Supported by 20 countries in the region, this signals the ambition of Pacific leaders to use tourism to support the wellbeing of Pacific people and their island and ocean resources and ecosystems. This commitment is further bolstered by support from a coalition of tourism leaders including the industry, community, and development partners.

The PSTPF recognizes that tourism has the potential to bring about positive change to the lives of Pacific people and the quality of their environment so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come. It acknowledges tourism as an avenue to rebuild economies, provide decent work opportunities, reduce poverty, enhance social inclusion, and protect natural and cultural assets.

In that regard, SPTO CEO, Mr. Christopher Cocker, noted the importance of leaders’ recognition of tourism as a force for positive change.

“We see tourism as a Vaka, the vessel we use to navigate towards greater sustainability and the resilience of our people, our islands, and our ocean,” he said.

“Our shared vision is that by 2030 we are empowered by, and benefitting from tourism that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive and certainly with COP26 currently underway, this commitment couldn’t have come at a better time”.

“Through the PSTPF, SPTO and its membership are showing the world that the Pacific region is standing up and taking action to transform tourism in our region”, said Mr. Cocker.

Whilst discussing the Framework at SPTO’s Council of Tourism Ministers meeting last week, the Council acknowledged that responsibility for implementation of the Framework will be a joint effort, requiring a partnership between governments, industries, civil society organisations, development partners, and the community.  

Moreover, it was noted that implementing the policies and actions within this Framework will enable the SPTO and its partners to contribute to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals as well as other global, regional, and national commitments.

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Acknowledgment

The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Framework (PSTPF) was developed by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) on behalf of its members, including the governments of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna and Rapa Nui and over 200 private sector members from all parts of the tourism industry throughout the Pacific.

SPTO deeply appreciates the efforts of the many members, partners and individuals who actively contributed to the development of the Framework to advance to sustainable tourism across the Pacific. SPTO extends its gratitude to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Nations Development Program for their financial assistance to support development of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework. We thank them for their