Pacific Tourism Showcases Pacific Cruise Potential at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026

The Pacific showed up with presence, colour, and purpose on the global stage—joining more than 500 exhibitors and thousands of industry leaders at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami this April.

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in partnership with the South Pacific Cruise Alliance (SPCA), once again championed the region at the world’s largest cruise trade event, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Pacific booth—coordinated by SPCA—brought together Tonga, American Samoa, Tahiti, Vanuatu, and SPTO, while Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Fiji amplified regional visibility through their own showcases across the floor.

SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker underscored the strategic value of the platform: “Seatrade Cruise Global is a critical gateway for the Pacific to engage with the global cruise industry. Together with SPCA and our member countries, we are ensuring our destinations remain visible, competitive, and ready to capture opportunities in this fast-growing sector.”

SPTO’s presence reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships, supporting member countries, and tracking global cruise trends—particularly as cruise and yachting development remains a priority under its strategic agenda.

A major outcome from Seatrade 2026 signals a shift in regional leadership. SPTO will co-coordinate with SPCA in 2027 Seatrade participation as a transitional process and assume full responsibility from 2028—ensuring stronger alignment and continuity for the Pacific’s global engagement. Members endorsed this direction, while confirming SPCA’s continued role as an association. To improve accessibility, a streamlined 400 sq. ft booth has been secured for 2027, alongside new measures—including a 50% deposit requirement—to reduce last-minute withdrawals and strengthen planning certainty.

Beyond the exhibition floor, SPTO engaged in the SPCA Annual General Meeting, strategic side meetings, and a Small Ships breakfast session—where insights confirmed small ships as the fastest-growing segment in the cruise market, presenting new opportunities for Pacific destinations.

Cocker noted that leading Seatrade coordination from 2027 positions SPTO to elevate regional impact while exploring more cost-effective engagement opportunities closer to home. Participation remains essential—not only to maintain visibility, but to deepen partnerships and pave the way for future initiatives, including SPTE 2027.

“Cruise tourism presents a significant growth opportunity for the Pacific. Strengthening our role at Seatrade ensures our islands remain competitive and compelling on the global stage. This is about positioning the Pacific as a distinctive, sustainable cruise destination while delivering real value for our members.”

SPTO extends its appreciation to thes SPTO Chair, Marketing Division, Fiji Airways, and the South Pacific Cruise Alliance for their continued collaboration in showcasing the Pacific to the world.