Pacific Tourism Organisation Strengthens Education and Tourism Links through Chinese Student Visits

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) welcomed a visiting delegation of Chinese university students to its Suva headquarters this month (February) as part of an educational study tour aimed at deepening understanding of Pacific tourism development and regional career opportunities. The visit is a direct result of the Chinese delegation that attended SPTE 2025.

The visiting group, consisting of 18 students accompanied by a teacher and support staff, engaged in an interactive session with SPTO officials to learn about the organisation’s mandate, regional tourism trends, and emerging employment pathways for young graduates within the Pacific tourism sector.

The study tour reflects growing educational and cultural exchange partnerships between China and the Pacific region. The initiative was developed following engagements at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2025, where industry collaboration led to the design of a tailored study tour programme focused on Pacific tourism, sustainability, and cultural immersion.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said youth engagement, people-to-people and knowledge exchange are critical to building a resilient and future-ready tourism workforce.

“Providing opportunities for young people to learn about Pacific tourism helps nurture the next generation of industry leaders and strengthens global understanding of the Pacific as a diverse and culturally rich destination,” said Mr Cocker.

“This visit demonstrates the growing interest from international students in the Pacific tourism sector and highlights the importance of partnerships that promote skills development, education exchange, and cross-cultural learning.”

SPTO acknowledged the ongoing support of international education and tourism partners whose collaboration continues to create opportunities for student tourism, youth engagement, professional development, and stronger people-to-people connections between China and Pacific Island Countries.

SPTO remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote education, industry collaboration, and sustainable tourism growth across the region