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A funding arrangement to support sustainable tourism development and digital marketing in the Pacific has been signed by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
The grant funding arrangement totaling NZ $390,000 for the period November 2020 to June 2021 will include support for SPTO capability development, COVID-19 recovery, digitalization of Pacific tourism, development of climate resilient and sustainable tourism and sector insights.
In the long term it is envisaged that this support will enable SPTO to solidify its role as a robust and highly effective CROP agency, supporting sustainable tourism development and digital marketing in the Pacific.
SPTO Chief Executive, Christopher Cocker, acknowledged the importance of the funding provided by MFAT particularly in light of the challenges presented by COVID-19.
“The Pacific tourism industry has without a doubt been one of the hardest hit sectors. We anticipate a long road to recovery and welcome this funding support which will help us lay a solid foundation for the long term recovery efforts of our industry”, he said.
“We are extremely grateful to the Government of New Zealand, which through the New Zealand Aid Programme has shown commitment to helping the Pacific tourism industry rebuild from the devastating impacts of COVID-19. This is the first time MFAT has committed to regional tourism funding and as the mandated regional agency for tourism, SPTO is privileged to be partnering with MFAT. We hope that this is the beginning of a long term partnership between our organisations”.
The activities to be pursued under this arrangement were informed and will be guided by the Digital Economy Tourism Initiative Report, SPTO COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, SPTO National Tourism Office Needs Assessment and Pacific Tourism COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Scenario Development and Recovery Pathways Report.
(Pacific Tourism Organisation Press Release – 11.9.2020)
