Pacific Tourism Organisation Builds Research Capacity through Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) Workshop

Tourism research and data experts from across the Pacific gathered in Nadi this week for a landmark three-day workshop aimed at strengthening tourism research and analytics across the region. The event, titled “Strengthening Tourism Research & Data Analytics: Building Sustainable Capacity for PTDI Surveys,” is part of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), a regional flagship program managed by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and funded by the New Zealand Government.

In his opening remarks, SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker highlighted tourism as a vital economic pillar for many Pacific Island Countries (PICs), supporting employment, national income, and the preservation of Pacific cultures and identities. He stressed that for tourism to grow sustainably, policy decisions must be based on reliable, timely, and locally owned data.

The PTDI was developed to address longstanding data gaps in the region through three key survey tools: the International Visitor Survey (IVS), the Business Confidence Index (BCI), and the Community Attitudes Survey (CAS). These tools provide crucial insights into visitor behavior, business sector sentiment, and community perceptions—information that is essential for effective tourism planning and development.

A core outcome of the workshop is the formal introduction of Research Champions—nominated representatives from each participating country who will lead national PTDI research activities. These champions will play a pivotal role in data analysis, reporting, and internal capacity building, serving as both

national focal points and trusted collaborators with SPTO’s Research and Statistics Division.

“This workshop is about building the leadership and technical expertise of our Pacific researchers so they can independently manage, interpret, and use tourism data to inform national strategies,” said Cocker. “It’s also about preparing for a future where Pacific nations are not just consumers of data, but leaders in data production. We are very fortunate to have the continued support of the New Zealand Government, whose investment in PTDI is helping to build strong and sustainable national tourism data systems across the region.”

The training focuses on developing advanced skills in implementing PTDI Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), along with technical sessions in SPSS for quantitative data analysis and NVivo for qualitative data interpretation. These sessions are designed to equip participants with the tools to navigate complex datasets, derive meaningful insights, and improve the quality and relevance of national tourism reporting.

Cocker noted that in today’s rapidly changing world—marked by shifting economies, evolving travel patterns, and increasing environmental pressures—Pacific nations cannot afford to make decisions in the absence of reliable evidence. “PTDI is not just a project—it’s a regional commitment to informed decision-making, led by local experts who understand the context and aspirations of their own countries.”

He reaffirmed SPTO’s commitment to member countries throughout this transitional phase, promising continued technical support, advocacy for sustained investment in tourism data systems, and efforts to ensure that Pacific tourism research has a strong voice in global conversations.