Pacific Tourism Organisation participates at PNG National Tourism Conference & Expo 2025
16 April 2025
Elevating Hospitality and Events
17 April 2025
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) represented the tourism sector at the Goal 1 Solutions Lab for the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity (UBPP) initiative, held from April 2nd to 5th in Palau. Hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC) the Lab brought together regional experts, the Council of Regional Organisation in the Pacific (CROP) agencies, Non-Government Organisations, and key stakeholders to explore the future of ocean governance and sustainable development in the Pacific.
Framed by the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the UBPP initiative is steering bold efforts toward 100% ocean management, resilient food systems, and sustainable financing. Now entering its second phase, UBPP focuses on refining strategies and mobilising large-scale investment to support Pacific-driven goals.
As the sole tourism voice at the table, SPTO offered critical insights on how tourism can contribute to ocean conservation and inclusive economic growth. As a sector largely dependent on the ocean and ocean resources, tourism has a significant responsibility in safeguarding Pacific ecosystems and natural and cultural heritage.
Discussions also delved into the complexities of regional governance arrangements, competing priorities, shared challenges, and diverse mandates and systems across sectors like fisheries, conservation, and tourism. Despite such complexities, the Lab was an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with CROP agencies on oceans and environmental sustainability as well as connecting with philanthropic partners like the Bezo’s Earth Fund, development partners,
Non-Government Organisations who are championing conservation initiatives with communities across the region.
The Lab also allowed participants to gain insights on regional progress on global ocean governance frameworks, including the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. Adopted in 2023, the BBNJ aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national borders and is closely aligned with regional frameworks like the Noumea Convention.
SPTO’s participation ensured that the tourism sector remains a visible and proactive stakeholder in shaping the Pacific’s sustainable ocean future
