
Samoa Strengthens Culinary Tourism through Regional Collaboration and Capacity Building
19 December 2025
Pacific Tourism Organisation and Tourism Solomons strengthen tourism through Gastronomy, Culture and Traditional Food
19 December 2025The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is pleased to welcome Jonty Crane, a Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) volunteer from New Zealand, who has commenced his assignment with the organisation.
Based within the Executive Division, Mr Crane will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work closely with SPTO Management. He assumes the responsibilities previously undertaken by the former VSA volunteer, Mary, and will further strengthen SPTO’s work in his role as Donor and Partnerships Advisor.
In addition to supporting donor engagement and strategic partnerships, Mr Crane will play a key role in initiating Strategic Focus Area 4 (SFA 4): Partner Coordination and Support, as outlined in the SPTO Strategic Plan 2025–2029, contributing to stronger collaboration and alignment across SPTO’s SFAs and partner network.
In addition, Mr Crane will develop a clear role description for the Partnership and Coordination Advisor and outline practical approaches through which SPTO can further support member countries in accessing and managing partnership and funding opportunities. Mr Crane’s assignment will run from 19 November 2025 to 21 August 2026.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker mentioned that Jonty’s role will be instrumental in enhancing coordination with our partners and kick start SFA 4 in SPTO’s current strategic plan.
“On behalf of SPTO, I am pleased to welcome Jonty to the team. Strengthening our donor relationships and strategic partnerships is critical to delivering on SPTO’s mandate and our Strategic Plan 2025–2029,” Crocker said.





