Pacific Tourism Organisation Strengthens Pacific Voice at 2026 SIDS Global Business Network and Island Investment Forums

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) reinforced the Pacific’s voice on sustainable and resilient tourism at the 2026 Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Global Business Network (GBN) Forum and Island Investment Forum, held in Malé, Maldives, and convened by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS).

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker participated as a panellist in the Resilient Tourism session, where he shared Pacific perspectives on strengthening tourism destinations to withstand the growing impacts of climate change, connectivity constraints and economic pressures.

Mr Cocker highlighted the importance of tourism development that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient, while recognising the need for stronger partnerships, investment and locally driven solutions to ensure tourism delivers lasting benefits for Pacific communities.

His participation further positioned SPTO as a key regional voice in advancing sustainable tourism development and advocating for the priorities of Pacific Small Island Developing States.

The Forum brought together a diverse group of international and regional stakeholders, including UN agencies such as UN-OHRLLS and UNIDO, development and donor partners, international financial institutions, impact investors, Ministers and senior government officials from SIDS, regional organisations, tourism investors, private sector leaders and National Tourism Organisations.

A key feature of the programme was the launch of the Island Investment Forum, which provided a dedicated platform for SIDS to showcase investment opportunities, foster business partnerships and mobilise financing in support of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS).

For SPTO, the Forum provided an important platform to promote Pacific tourism as a driver of resilient, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, while strengthening relationships with UN agencies, investors and development partners.

The engagement also created opportunities to explore potential financing and investment partnerships aligned with the SPTO Strategic Plan 2025–2029, particularly in areas supporting sustainable tourism, community-based development and impact-driven initiatives across the Pacific.

Reflecting on the Forum, Mr Cocker said the engagement was an important opportunity to strengthen collaboration and elevate Pacific priorities on the global SIDS agenda.

“It was a privilege to represent SPTO at the GBN Forum and Island Investment Forum. Platforms such as these are vital for strengthening the Pacific’s voice, building meaningful partnerships and advancing the priorities of our Strategic Plan 2025–2029. The Pacific remains committed to tourism that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable, while ensuring that investment delivers meaningful benefits for our communities and destinations.”

SPTO extends its appreciation to UN-OHRLLS, UNIDO, and the Government and People of Maldives for convening and hosting the Forums, and acknowledges Fiji Airways for its support towards the CEO’s travel.

The participation reflects SPTO’s continued commitment to strengthening international partnerships, mobilising resources and ensuring that Pacific tourism remains central to discussions on sustainable development, resilience and investment among SIDS.