The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) commended the governments of Cook Islands and French Polynesia on the announcement of the first inaugural commercial flight from Rarotonga (RAR) to Pape’ete (PPT) this month.
In welcoming the announcement, SPTO CEO Mr Christopher Cocker congratulated the island nations for their commitment to tourism in the Pacific. Adding that this was a positive outcome, following a series of high-level intergovernmental engagements and partnerships with the private sector including Air Rarotonga, Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti.
He mentioned that the pandemic had allowed many island nations to rethink, re-strategize, and restart their respective tourism industries through improved governance, infrastructure, and communications to name a few.
“These are exciting times. More Pacific island nations are opening up to the world for tourism and travel. Fiji, Cook Islands, and French Polynesia have been leading tourism recovery in the region. This is an incredible opportunity to pave a new way forward for tourism in the Pacific and we must embrace it,” Mr Cocker said.
“Tourism is an industry where experience is everything. Going the extra mile and working together to give tourists the best possible service will translate into stellar reviews and glowing recommendations for all parties involved.” Mr. Cocker also extended his congratulatory remarks to the resumption of Solomon Airline services into Vanuatu after a lapse of two years due to the pandemic
