Pacific Tourism Shifts Gears toward a Connected, Investment-Ready Future

Pacific tourism is entering a new era—one driven by connection, collaboration, and collective ambition. Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Viliame Gavoka, highlighted this shift, urging the region to move beyond fragmented growth toward a unified, investment-ready tourism future.

He further highlighted the critical role of improved air connectivity—both internationally and within the region—and the need for closer alignment between aviation and tourism stakeholders. He also stressed the importance of robust crisis management frameworks to ensure the sector remains resilient in the face of global disruptions.

Speaking at the official opening of the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, Mr Gavoka described the Exchange as the Pacific’s premier tourism marketplace—connecting the region to global markets while strengthening partnerships within the tourism ecosystem.

“The Pacific is not a collection of small, isolated markets, but a region of collective strength, diversity, and opportunity,” Mr Gavoka stated.

Chair of the SPTO Board, Adela Issachar Aru, reaffirmed SPTE’s position as the Pacific’s premier tourism B2B marketplace—where partnerships translate into real business outcomes and sustained regional growth.

She highlighted the under the theme “Tourism that Connects: Culture, Climate, Community,” SPTE 2026 showcased the region’s unique value proposition, while introducing key initiatives such as Industry Day and the Women in Business programme to strengthen capacity, inclusion, and sector resilience.

Ms Issachar Aru also acknowledged the critical role of partners, including Fiji Airways and New Zealand Māori Tourism, emphasising that strong public–private collaboration remains central to positioning Pacific tourism as connected, competitive, and future-ready