Pacific Tourism Organisation Elevates Regional Voice at Beijing’s Premier Tourism Forums

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker, recently participated in two landmark events in Beijing: the WTCF Beijing Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit 2026 and the 2026 Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference. .

As a panellist at the Cross-border Smart Tourism Forum, jointly organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), Cocker joined global leaders to discuss how digital transformation and smart tourism are reshaping visitor experiences worldwide. Under the theme “Smart Tourism, Better Future”, the Summit convened mayors, tourism boards, airlines, investors, academia, and industry stakeholders to explore artificial intelligence, innovative visitor experiences, recovery strategies, cultural integration, and sustainable practices.

Cocker highlighted the lessons learnt from the NZ funded Digital Transformation project and the Pacific’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration. In particular, sharing perspectives on how technology and digital transformation are shaping the future of Pacific tourism. He noted that these engagements provided valuable opportunities to network with key overseas trade and media partners—potential media and buyers for SPTE 2027—and to meet with the Ministry of Tourism & Culture in China on important SPTO matters.

At the Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference, co-hosted by the International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, delegates explored Beijing’s unique blend of ancient heritage and modern tourism offerings. The conference spotlighted emerging tourism trends, innovative cultural experiences, and B2B networking opportunities designed to strengthen cooperation between domestic and international operators.

I was honoured to be the sole representative from the Pacific Islands at these two significant events,” said SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker. “Being part of such prestigious forums allowed us to share Pacific perspectives on how technology, innovation, and digital transformation are shaping the future of tourism in our region. It also created valuable opportunities to connect with Asian markets and engage potential buyers for SPTE 2027.

“The hospitality and collaboration extended by our partners in Beijing reaffirm the Pacific’s place in the global tourism dialogue. These engagements strengthen our ability to position Pacific tourism as resilient, sustainable, and culturally distinctive.”

Significance for Pacific Tourism

SPTO’s participation highlights the Pacific’s growing relevance in Asia’s tourism landscape:

· Regional Cooperation: Strengthening ties with Asian tourism leaders and institutions.

· Innovation Adoption: Leveraging smart tourism tools to enhance visitor experiences.

· Global Visibility: Positioning Pacific tourism as a contributor to international sustainability and cultural tourism agendas.

· Market Access: Direct engagement with overseas media and buyers to boost participation in SPTE 2027.

Please end by acknowledging WTCF, PATA, International Exchange and Cooperation Bureau of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism for hosting me and FJ for support with my travel.