Pacific Workshop to Promote Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism

UN Tourism, in partnership with the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), will officially launch the “Development of Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism Itineraries and Value Chains in the Pacific SIDS” project in Nadi, Fiji.

Taking place from June 30 to July 2, 2025, the Regional Workshop will bring together a diverse group of Pacific tourism operators, local producers, policymakers, and sustainability experts. The program aims to promote knowledge sharing and develop practical strategies for inclusive, gastronomy-focused growth across the Pacific.

This milestone event marks the official launch of the regional project titled “Development of Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism Itineraries and Value Chains in the Pacific SIDS”—a joint initiative led by UN Tourism and the Mountain Partnership Secretariat at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The project seeks to connect agrifood systems with tourism by co-creating experiences that highlight local cuisine, support small-scale producers, and foster resilient, culturally rooted communities.

At the core of the project is a specialised regional workshop conducted across seven Pacific Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Palau. The initiative addresses the increasing need for food security, economic diversification, and the preservation of culinary traditions. By improving value chains and supporting sustainable tourism offerings, the project transforms farmers and food artisans into key storytellers of their environment and culture.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker mentioned that SPTO recognised the immense value of forging stronger connections between the tourism and agriculture sectors. Tourism in the Pacific is more than leisure — an

opportunity to foster respect, share knowledge, and create meaningful human connections. At the heart of this is our people’s sacred bond with the land — the vanua or fanua — which guides our collective responsibility to uphold ethical, sustainable practices in both tourism and agriculture.

“Tourism is about connection — to people, place, and purpose. In the Pacific, our deep bond with the land shapes how we approach both tourism and agriculture. I’m pleased this workshop will explore a Gastronomy Tourism Strategy, which is essential to ensure our efforts are coordinated and impactful. SPTO is grateful to our partners, UN Tourism and the FAO Mountain Partnership, for funding and supporting this important initiative,” said Mr. Cocker.