Pacific Women in Tourism Talanoa

Women in Tourism in the Pacific

The strength of the tourism industry throughout our Pacific Islands is deeply rooted in the contributions of women. Tourism uniquely positions us to involve women across its multifaceted services. Recognising that the round-the-clock nature of the sector brings development risks, which are common to industries with such a wide array of services, collaborative action is essential. Integrated into national and regional development programs and guided by the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework, regional initiatives are actively bringing stakeholders together to shape regional priorities in these crucial areas

Overview

The inaugural Pacific Talanoa for Women in Tourism was officially in November 2024, to bring together leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across the Pacific to address gender equity and equality in the tourism sector. Led by SPTO in collaboration with the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSD and the Pacific Community (SPC), the Talanoa offers a platform to share knowledge, promote inclusive tourism practices, and build momentum for gender-responsive policy action.

Tourism plays a critical role in the Pacific’s sustainable development, contributing to economic growth, cultural preservation, and community well-being. However, despite women forming the majority of the global tourism workforce, many continue to face systemic barriers to full participation—particularly in leadership, access to resources, and decision-making. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed vulnerabilities in the tourism industry, underscoring the urgency of building a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable sector.

The Talanoa aligns with the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF)—specifically Goal 2 on Thriving and Inclusive Communities—and recognises that inclusive tourism cannot be achieved without empowering women. Through dialogue, shared experiences, and evidence from the recent Gender Audit supported by PSDI, the event aims to drive collective action to mainstream gender across tourism policies, strategies, and organisational practices.

Objective

The Talanoa is designed to support regional cooperation and provide a structured space to explore the challenges and opportunities facing women in the tourism sector.

Key objectives are to:
• Bring together stakeholders to share best practices in gender mainstreaming, encourage learning across national contexts, and build a regional community of practice.
• Explore systemic challenges that limit women’s full participation in tourism—such as access to training, leadership roles, and financial resources—and identify strategies to overcome them.
• Highlight the value of diversity and inclusion in enhancing visitor experiences and organisational effectiveness, particularly in small island contexts.
• Showcase progress and opportunities identified through SPTO’s Gender Audit activity and ensure alignment with broader regional strategies on gender equality and sustainable tourism.
• Co-create a roadmap for the next 12 months and beyond, outlining practical steps, capacity-building needs, and policy commitments to support women’s leadership and economic empowerment in tourism.

The Talanoa and its associated outcomes such as the Gender Audit Synthesis Report and future Gender Action and Resourcing Plan are designed to benefit a wide range of tourism stakeholders, including:

• National Tourism Organisations (NTOs): To implement gender-inclusive strategies, align with regional goals, and report on progress through measurable indicators.
• Government Ministries and Agencies: Especially those working in tourism, gender equality, economic development, and planning, to incorporate gender into tourism policies and sectoral development efforts.
• Tourism Operators and Associations: To apply inclusive practices that strengthen their workforce, improve service delivery, and reflect the values of Pacific communities.
• Community Leaders and Women’s Organisations: To support advocacy, leadership, and local implementation of gender-responsive tourism development.
• Regional and Development Partners: To coordinate technical assistance, investment, and donor support in areas of policy reform, training, and programme delivery.
• Academics and Researchers: To document progress, gather data, and inform evidence-based policy on gender in tourism.

Through these efforts, the Talanoa aims not only to celebrate women’s contributions to the tourism sector, but also to ensure long-term institutional change, regional cooperation, and sustainable growth that benefits everyone in the Blue Pacific.