Pacific Tourism Organisation Strengthens Research and Data Skills in Kiritimati Islands

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has completed a five-day (February 12-18) intensive training program in the Kiritimati Islands, equipping key stakeholders with critical research skills and technical expertise to enhance tourism data collection and analysis. The initiative emphasizes SPTO’s commitment to fostering data-driven decision-making to support sustainable tourism growth in the Pacific.

The training brought together representatives from government ministries, conservation groups, the National Tourism Office (NTO), and the National Statistics Office (NSO), ensuring a collaborative approach to strengthening the region’s tourism sector.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating: “Data is the foundation of informed policy and strategic planning. By investing in the capacity of our stakeholders, we are empowering them with the tools and knowledge needed to make evidence-based decisions that drive sustainable tourism growth.”

Participants engaged in interactive workshops that emphasized the significance of accurate, reliable data in shaping tourism policies and improving market insights. The training also introduced key survey initiatives under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), such as the International Visitor Survey (IVS), Community Attitude Survey (CAS), and Business Confidence Index (BCI), which are critical in tracking tourism trends and economic impact.

Ministry of Tourism officials in Kiritimati Islands welcomed the initiative, recognizing its role in bridging data gaps and fostering stronger collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.

One of the major outcomes of the training was the identification of key tourism indicators to monitor sustainable tourism development. These indicators cover environmental factors such as energy efficiency and waste management, socio-cultural impacts including local employment and heritage preservation, and economic aspects such as tourism revenue and investment trends.

Mr Cocker further emphasized: “Sustainable tourism is not just about attracting visitors; it’s about creating long-term benefits for communities, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting the environment. Through this training, we are laying the groundwork for stronger, data-driven tourism management in Kiritimati Islands.”

The training also served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, fostering stronger inter-agency collaboration. Stakeholders engaged in discussions on data-sharing protocols, best practices in tourism research, and strategies for enhancing visitor experiences.

As a result of this initiative, stakeholders in Kiritimati Islands have committed to implementing data-driven decision-making, maintaining open collaboration, and supporting the sustainable development of the region’s tourism sector.

This training program is part of SPTO’s ongoing efforts, supported by the New Zealand Government, to enhance tourism data collection and analysis across the Pacific region, ensuring a more resilient and competitive tourism industry.