Pacific Tourism Organisation Strengthens Regional Tourism Industry Voice with Approval of Revitalised Industry Membership Programme

The Pacific tourism private sector is set to gain stronger regional representation, greater collaboration opportunities, and enhanced access to industry support following the approval of the revised Industry Membership Programme (IMP) by the Pacific Tourism Organisation Board of Directors last week in Nadi.

The approval marks a significant step in SPTO’s efforts to deepen engagement with tourism operators, businesses, associations, and industry stakeholders across the Pacific—placing the private sector at the centre of regional tourism development and decision-making.

The revised programme introduces a more targeted and action-oriented approach designed to strengthen partnerships between SPTO, National Tourism Offices (NTOs), and the wider tourism industry. It also reinforces SPTO’s commitment to ensuring Pacific tourism businesses are better connected to regional opportunities, advocacy platforms, sustainability initiatives, and market development programmes.

The Board also encouraged Member Countries to formally support the in-country promotion of the revised programme in partnership with SPTO, recognising that stronger national engagement will be critical to expanding industry participation and impact.

Importantly, the revised IMP aligns with SPTO’s broader strategic priorities, including sustainable tourism development, climate resilience, private sector empowerment, and regional integration. By creating stronger links between regional policy and industry realities, the programme is expected to support tourism businesses in responding to emerging challenges while unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

The Board further directed the Secretariat to continue engagement with Member Countries and provide progress updates at the next Board Meeting, signalling ongoing commitment to strengthening industry participation at both national and regional levels.

As Pacific tourism continues to rebuild and reposition itself in an increasingly competitive global market, the revitalised Industry Membership Programme represents a clear investment in the sector’s long-term success—ensuring businesses across the Blue Pacific have a stronger voice, stronger networks, and a stronger role in shaping the region’s tourism future. For enquiries on the Industry Membership Programme, please contact Natasha Ram at members@spto.org.