Pacific Tourism Organisation Outlines Strategic Vision at 53rd Pacific Islands Leaders Forum: A Future of Resilient, Sustainable Tourism

On August 27, 2024, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) joined fellow Heads of Agencies from the Councils of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) at the 53rd Pacific Islands Leaders Forum dialogue. The discussions centered on regional priorities, the progress of the 2050 Strategy, and the Review of the Regional Architecture, all aimed at building a resilient Pacific.

Speaking on behalf of SPTO, Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker highlighted the organization’s achievements post-pandemic and unveiled the path forward of responsible tourism through the SPTO 2025-2029 Strategy, aligned with the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy. He emphasized that SPTO’s journey has been about Resetting, Rethinking, and Rebuilding to ensure regional tourism is in harmony with the 2050 Strategy across key thematic area

Mr. Cocker highlighted SPTO’s commitment to People-Centered Development, cultural identity, and sustainable tourism across the Pacific. He cited the launch of the Pacific Cultural Tourism Guidelines and the pilot geoparks in four island countries as examples of SPTO’s active role in shaping the future of Pacific tourism.

In the Resource and Economic Development thematic area, SPTO has been instrumental in the development of the Pacific Roadmap for Economic Development (PRED), working closely with PIFS on initiatives related to sustainable tourism management.

Additionally, SPTO’s collaboration with SPREP in the Oceans and Environment thematic area includes establishing Environmental Auditing Guidelines for tourism accommodations, Marine Wildlife Watching Guidelines, and developing single-use plastic standards and certification programs.

The pandemic has accelerated digital transformation in the tourism sector, with SPTO contributing to the Technology and Connectivity thematic area through the SPTO Pacific Tourism Digital Transformation Project, funded by the New Zealand Government. This initiative supports online marketing, digital upskilling, and enhancing the digital presence of Pacific tourism.

Mr. Cocker also emphasized SPTO’s dedication to measuring sustainable tourism through the establishment of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Indicators Framework, the Pacific Tourism Research Cooperation Framework, a digital dashboard for benchmarking, and the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative research project through funding and support by the New Zealand Government.

“Looking ahead, our new 5-year Strategic Plan (2025-2029) will focus on sustainable destination management, research, partnerships, capacity building, and stronger connections between tourism and aviation. Together, we can create a future where responsible tourism thrives, benefiting both people and the planet,” he stated.