Pacific Tourism Organisation Appoints Petero Manufolau As New Chairperson

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Petero Manufolau as its new Board Chairperson. The SPTO Board of Directors endorsed the announcement of Mr Manufolau, CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, as the new Chairperson at its Board meeting today.

Mr Manufolau has previously held senior management positions in both private and regional tourism organisations, specialising in destination and resort marketing, with a passion for promoting and developing Small Island States and sustainable tourism initiatives.

In acknowledging the confidence of the SPTO Board Mr. Manufolau noted the importance of the opportunity, especially for a Small Island State like Kiribati. 

“Though we are a small island state with a minute contribution to regional tourism, rest assured that we are determined to work collaboratively and innovatively with SPTO, its membership and key stakeholders to ensure sustainable, resilient, inclusive and prosperous tourism reactivation in the Pacific”. 

Mr Manufolau also thanked outgoing SPTO Acting Chair Samoa’s, Faamatuainu Suifua, CEO Samoa Tourism Authority, for his grace and guidance over the past few months.

SPTO CEO, Christopher Cocker, in acknowledging the appointment and the importance of the role, added that Mr. Manufolau was no stranger to the tourism industry in the Pacific.

“We are very pleased to have Petero take up the role as Chairperson. He brings extensive public and private sector experience and has also worked at SPTO which gives him valuable institutional knowledge. I look forward to working closely with him for the benefit of our members”.

Mr. Manufolau hold post- graduate qualifications from the University of the South Pacific and has also completed a Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows Program at the East West Centre in Hawaii.