Pacific Tourism Organisation Completes Inaugural Aviation and Tourism Board Governance Training, Paving the Way for Future Collaboration

Members of the Pacific Tourism Organisation Board (SPTO) successful completed it’s first-ever Aviation and Tourism Board Governance Training in Canberra, Australia. The four-day training, provided essential insights into modern Board practices, strategic decision-making, and risk management, aligning SPTO with international standards.

Representing SPTO at the workshop were Deputy Chair Mr. Viliami Takau (Tonga) and Board member Mr Francis Carlos Domnick (Republic of the Marshall Islands), alongside SPTO’s Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker. The training offered a unique opportunity to engage with tourism and aviation specialists, fostering meaningful discussions and networking.

The training focused on key areas, including the role of Board Directors, contemporary governance practices, risk management, and legislative compliance. A highlight of the training was the opportunity for facilitated sessions where Board members could collaborate on the development of a formal Board Charter.

This training was supported by the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) under DFAT funding and offered an invaluable platform for Board members, management, and industry stakeholders to enhance their governance knowledge and skills.

SPTO CEO Mr Cocker shared that the training would also be beneficial for new SPTO BOD members and management.

“The training offered SPTO ideas to assist in the overall improvement of conducting future BOD meetings. This inaugural training was the first of its kind, offering an ideal platform for Tourism and Aviation specialists and stakeholders to engage and network in constructive discussions and learnings. DFAT and SPTO   are planning to hosti a similar training session for the SPTO Board of Directors (BOD) and Management in 2025.,”Mr Cocker said.

“The insights gained from this training will help strengthen our governance capabilities, ensuring that SPTO is better equipped to align its strategies with international standards. The collaboration with DFAT is just the beginning of a long-term partnership to enhance connectivity and tourism potential across the Pacific.”