SPTO Farewells EU Ambassador Andrew Jacobs

The Chief Executive Officer of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Chris Cocker and the management of SPTO presented a gift to the outgoing Ambassador of the European Union, Andrew Jacobs this week as a token of appreciation for the EU’s ongoing support towards SPTO.
Presenting the gift at the EU office in Suva, Mr Cocker reflected on the history of the partnership between SPTO and the EU that dates back to the early1980’s when the founding member countries had come together to set up the then Tourism Council of the South Pacific, for the purpose of marketing the Pacific region and to encourage tourism.
“The countries came together to also find access to funding as a regional organisation and the EU was the first donor to support and fund its regional programme under Lome 1 & 2 conventions” he said.
Handing over the gift of Tonga tapa Mr Cocker highlighted its significance representing respect, appreciation as well as reconcilliation and was symbolic of the long standing relationship between the EU and SPTO.
“The tapa is of great significance to many of our Pacific Island cultures. This is a Tongan tapa but it is presented to represent the Pacific Tourism Industry. The tapa celebrates and recognizes Pacific women’s skills, art & craft, culture and shares our history and stories. We specifically thank you Ambassador Jacobs for your friendship and commitment to SPTO and the Pacific Tourism Industry” Mr Cocker said.
“We look to keeping this partnership and friendship between the EU and SPTO and wish you and your family all the very best on your new endeavour and that you will continue to support tourism in the Pacific region.”
Ambassador Jacobs leaves Fiji in September after completing a four and half year term serving the Pacific region.
The Chief Executive Officer of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation, Chris Cocker and the management of SPTO presented a gift to the outgoing Ambassador of the European Union, Andrew Jacobs this week as a token of appreciation for the EU’s ongoing support towards SPTO.
Presenting the gift at the EU office in Suva, Mr Cocker reflected on the history of the partnership between SPTO and the EU that dates back to the early1980’s when the founding member countries had come together to set up the then Tourism Council of the South Pacific, for the purpose of marketing the Pacific region and to encourage tourism.
“The countries came together to also find access to funding as a regional organisation and the EU was the first donor to support and fund its regional programme under Lome 1 & 2 conventions” he said.
Handing over the gift of Tonga tapa Mr Cocker highlighted its significance representing respect, appreciation as well as reconcilliation and was symbolic of the long standing relationship between the EU and SPTO.
“The tapa is of great significance to many of our Pacific Island cultures. This is a Tongan tapa but it is presented to represent the Pacific Tourism Industry. The tapa celebrates and recognizes Pacific women’s skills, art & craft, culture and shares our history and stories. We specifically thank you Ambassador Jacobs for your friendship and commitment to SPTO and the Pacific Tourism Industry” Mr Cocker said.
“We look to keeping this partnership and friendship between the EU and SPTO and wish you and your family all the very best on your new endeavour and that you will continue to support tourism in the Pacific region.”
Ambassador Jacobs leaves Fiji in September after completing a four and half year term serving the Pacific region.
 

 
ENDS
About SPTO
Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. Its 18 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and the People’s Republic of China. In addition to government members, the South Pacific Tourism Organisation enlists a private sector membership base.
 
ENDS
For more information, contact:
Alisi Lutu, Marketing Manager
South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
Email: alutu@spto.org or +679 3304177
 
(Source: South Pacific Tourism [SPTO] Press Release 11 August 2017)