Pacific Tourism Organisation calls on Pacific Leaders to Strengthen Independence, Champion Tourism for Resilience

At the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Dialogue with heads of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) in Honiara, Solomon Islands, Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker made a compelling call to action: position tourism not as a vulnerability, but as a strategic tool for resilience, sustainability, and Pacific-led prosperity.

“Tourism remains vulnerable to climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and geopolitical shocks,” Mr Cocker stated. “Yet its greatest untapped potential is in its ability to protect communities, ecosystems, and cultural heritage—if we choose to lead with vision.”

Addressing regional leaders in Honiara, Mr Cocker highlighted air connectivity as a key obstacle to growth. “Aviation and tourism are interconnected. Improving air links will unlock economic opportunities across our Blue Pacific. But this must be complemented by coordinated efforts to address infrastructure pressures, ecosystem degradation, and cultural erosion.”

Mr Cocker emphasized the potential of digital platforms to empower tourism operators—particularly small and community-based businesses. “Without targeted support, digital transformation risks leaving our smallest operators behind. Inclusion must be deliberate.”

He also called on leaders to strengthen SPTO’s independence and operational capacity. “To fulfill our mandate, SPTO must stay agile, inclusive, and aligned with regional development goals. Our stakeholders are engaged, our structure is solid, and our impact is growing.”

“Honourable Leaders,” Mr Cocker continued, “Tourism is more than an economic driver. It bridges cultures, communities, and economies. The Pacific is not just a destination—it’s a vibrant mosaic of ocean-bound identities. Guided by Pacific values, tourism can be a force for resilience and inclusive prosperity.”

He urged a transition from extractive models to regenerative ones, grounded in climate-resilient policies, cultural integrity, and fair benefit-sharing. “Sustainable tourism is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.”

As the leading regional body for Pacific tourism, SPTO continues partnering with UN Tourism and other global organizations to promote sustainable tourism. As an independent CROP agency, SPTO facilitates, coordinates, and drives regional action—highlighting Pacific priorities on the global stage alongside Caribbean and Indian Ocean tourism bodies.

“Our work is collaborative, not siloed,” Mr Cocker affirmed. “We work across sectors—agriculture, fisheries, connectivity, environment, and culture—to realize tourism’s full potential.”

As the region shapes the future of Pacific tourism, SPTO urges Leaders to maintain strong political leadership and cross-sector collaboration. “Tourism must remain a pillar of resilience, prosperity, and identity for generations to come,” Mr Cocker concluded