Pacific Tourism Organisation delivers statement at 10TH Regional Meeting of Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services

Representing the 20 Pacific Island Member Countries of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), CEO Christopher Cocker delivered a powerful address at the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) 2025, reaffirming the vital connection between tourism, agriculture, and forestry in the sustainable development of the region.

Speaking on behalf of the SPTO Board of Directors at the joint meetings of the Pacific Heads of Agriculture and Forestry Services (PHOAFS) and Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (PMAF), Mr Cocker emphasized that the tourism sector is no longer the “new kid on the block,” but a rising force for economic growth and rural development in the Pacific.

“Our agriculture sector is the backbone of many of our island economies, but the tourism sector is showing promising potential in contributing to sustainable livelihoods. When tourism thrives, so must agriculture and forestry,” he stated.

Mr Cocker highlighted SPTO’s recent progress and outlook, noting that in 2024 the region recorded 1.9 million air arrivals and US$2.9 billion in tourism earnings—a 6.8% increase from 2019 earnings. He acknowledged that while full recovery is still underway, the sector is showing resilience and readiness to adapt.

Central to his remarks was the growing alignment between tourism and agriculture through SPTO’s Strategic Plan 2025–2029 and its Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework. He outlined that tourism’s sustainable growth hinges on the health of agricultural systems, forest ecosystems, and natural resources, noting that these sectors are interconnected in achieving the shared regional goals of prosperity, inclusion, and environmental health.

“SPTO is also committed to the development of a regional strategy to guide our collective efforts at the intersection of agriculture, forestry, and tourism. This strategy will provide the framework for all actors to participate and engage in the spirit of partnership in achieving our goals in the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. This will be a central focus of our sustainable tourism program, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Pacific Community (SPC), the agriculture and forestry sectors, industry stakeholders, farmers, and our development partners. With modern travellers increasingly seeking authentic, farm-to-table experiences and locally

sourced cuisine, the time is ripe to work together and deliver products that reflect our Pacific values,” said Mr Cocker.