Pacific Tourism Organisation and Market Development Facility Launch Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in partnership with the Market Development Facility (MDF), has officially launched the Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030, following its approval by the SPTO Board.  The strategy is a landmark regional roadmap aimed at positioning the Pacific as a world-class and sustainable yachting destination.

Developed through extensive consultation with Pacific governments, maritime authorities, private-sector operators and local communities, the Strategy provides a coordinated framework to grow the Pacific’s yachting industry, while ensuring economic, social and environmental benefits are shared across the region.

The Strategy is informed by economic impact studies undertaken by MDF in Vanuatu, Tonga and Kiribati in 2023, together with previous research conducted in Fiji, providing a robust evidence base on the economic contribution, market dynamics and long-term development potential of yachting tourism in the Pacific.

Aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the SPTO Strategic Plan 2025–2029, and broader regional sustainable tourism priorities, the Strategy outlines a collaborative approach to unlock opportunities across SPTO member countries and strengthen the Pacific’s position within the global yachting market.

The Strategy is built around five strategic pillars:

1. Marketing Development and Promotion – positioning the Pacific as a premier yachting destination.
2. Policy, Regulation and Infrastructure – strengthening governance frameworks and visitor facilities.
3. Private Sector and SME Development – enabling local enterprises to benefit from yachting-related opportunities.
4. Sustainability and Community Benefits – ensuring tourism growth protects cultural heritage and marine environments.
5. Regional Coordination and Partnerships – fostering collaboration across governments, industry and communities.

Yachting tourism already contributes significantly to several Pacific destinations, including Fiji, French Polynesia, Vanuatu and Tonga. Studies show that visiting yachts generate substantial expenditure on marina services, maintenance, fuel, food and beverage supplies, domestic transport, accommodation, flights, tours and recreational activities, creating direct economic benefits for communities and local businesses.

Recognising the evolving nature of the tourism industry, the Strategy has been designed as a living document that can adapt to changing market conditions, emerging opportunities and sustainability priorities over time.

“The Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy represents a bold step towards diversifying our tourism niche segments and economy, while ensuring that growth remains inclusive, sustainable and community-focused,” said SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker. “By working together across the region, such as with MDF, we can strengthen the Pacific’s appeal to yachts and superyachts, showcase our unique cultures and environments, and create lasting opportunities for Pacific communities.”

“MDF congratulates SPTO in launching the Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026-2030. The yachting economic impact studies supported by MDF found that yachting contributed more than USD 8.7 million in direct expenditure and over USD 18 million in total economic impact across Vanuatu, Tonga, and Kiribati in 2023. With approximately 950 yachts visiting the three countries annually, the industry is generating substantial economic returns despite relatively low visitor numbers, making it a high-yield tourism market for the Pacific. By working together, Pacific countries can attract more yachts, unlock greater investment, and ensure tourism growth delivers lasting economic opportunities including job creation and improvement of livelihoods within local communities,” said MDF Regional Director (Pacific), Nicholas Wolf.

SPTO would like to thank MDF for the support and join MDF in acknowledging and thanking the many organisations and individuals who contributed to the development of the Strategy, including National Tourism Organisations (NTOs), National Statistics Offices (NSOs), customs and immigration agencies, maritime authorities, marina operators, yacht clubs, tourism businesses and community representatives. Their valuable insights, gathered through surveys, workshops, interviews and technical consultations, have helped ensure the Strategy reflects Pacific realities and supports country-led implementation.

The Pacific Tourism Yachting Strategy 2026–2030: click here