Pacific Tourism Stakeholders Emphasize the Significance of Research and Data Collection for Resilient Tourism

The importance of research and data collection in achieving resilient tourism and fostering collaboration between various sectors of the community were the key topics discussed during the Regional Stakeholders Consultation held at the Tokatoka Resort in Nadi. The session facilitated by Tau’ili’ili Alise Faulalo-Stunnenberg, explored strategies for bridging the gap in understanding the value of data and research for the future of tourism.

Ms. Faulalo-Stunnenberg emphasised that research and data collection are vital for both industry professionals and National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) to effectively plan. However, she highlighted the dilemma posed by a lack of comprehension among the private sector and grassroots level regarding the significance of data and research.

“Data collection and conducting of research is not solely for government knowledge. It is equally essential for the private sector and grassroots to understand what is expected of them and why. By fostering this understanding, we can encourage their cooperation in providing valuable information, such as occupancy rates, to facilitate proactive planning,” Ms Faulalo-Stunnenberg

Attendees engaged in productive discussions at the Regional Stakeholders Consultation, hosted at Tokatoka Resort in Nadi

Acknowledging the challenges identified during the breakout sessions of the workshop, Ms. Faulalo-Stunnenberg called for a more reactive approach from NTOs to ensure effective communication with grassroots stakeholders. She stressed the need for NTOs to revise their mandates, if necessary, to ensure that tourism development plans align with the evolving needs of the Pacific communities. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of simplifying communication to bridge the gap between NTOs, the private sector, and grassroots participants, facilitating mutual understanding and collaboration.

Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Paul Davis, Senior Tourism Adviser from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the increasing complexity of data collection and research in the evolving tourism landscape.

A moment captured from the Regional Stakeholders Consultation at the Tokatoka Resort in Nadi, showcasing an array of participants actively involved.

Mr Davis highlighted the importance of aligning donor support with the identified priorities and attitudes of Pacific peoples, as well as understanding the expectations of local communities.

“To ensure our support is most effective, we have undertaken an information-gathering exercise to better comprehend the needs and priorities of tourism stakeholders. This project, led by Pacific voices, aims to assess global trends in the tourism sector, including climate change, sector resilience, COVID recovery, regenerative tourism, and community involvement,” Mr Davis mentioned.

The Regional Stakeholders Consultation served as a significant platform for fostering collaboration and understanding among tourism stakeholders in the Pacific region. By emphasizing the importance of research and data collection, the event aimed to pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for tourism in the Pacific.