Pacific Tourism Organisation Backs Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing in Tonga

The Pacific’s marine wildlife—majestic whales, playful dolphins, and graceful sea turtles—draws thousands of visitors each year to its pristine shores. But with growing popularity comes greater responsibility. Recognising the need to protect these marine icons and the delicate ecosystems they call home, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), has launched the Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines. These practical, science-based guidelines aim to ensure that tourism activities such as whale watching and swimming with marine wildlife are conducted in a safe, respectful, and sustainable manner—for the benefit of both nature and people.

Tonga, one of the Pacific’s most renowned destinations for whale watching, is at the heart of this movement. The country’s whale watching industry is a major tourism draw and a vital contributor to the national economy. However, concerns have surfaced in recent years regarding operator conduct and license issuance. In response, Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism is embracing the new Guidelines as a framework for better governance and environmental stewardship, ahead of the upcoming whale watching season in July.

To support this crucial shift, SPTO is participating in a whale-watching workshop hosted in Tonga, working closely with SPREP and other technical experts to train local operators and promote responsible practices. The workshop not only builds industry capacity but also prepares operators to meet visitor expectations while prioritizing marine conservation.

“Responsible marine wildlife tourism is not only about protecting nature—it’s about protecting livelihoods and the future of tourism in the Pacific,” said SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker. “These guidelines represent a shared commitment to ensuring our marine species are respected and preserved, while local communities continue to benefit from sustainable tourism opportunities.”

Beyond the workshop, SPTO’s visit to Tonga also serves as an opportunity to advance a series of strategic tourism initiatives in partnership with Tonga’s National Tourism Office. These include the Community-based Tourism Project, Pacific Ocean Litter Project, Gastronomy Initiative, Plastic Repurposing Workshop, and the Pacific Storytelling Initiative—each designed to strengthen sustainable tourism and cultural resilience across the Kingdom.

With growing visitor interest in authentic marine and cultural experiences, the time is now to balance tourism growth with environmental guardianship. SPTO’s continued leadership in this space

ensures the Pacific remains a region where wildlife is not only seen—but safeguarded for generations to come.