Strategies to shape the future of sustainable tourism development in the Pacific

SPTO’s Sustainable Tourism and Research Division have completed the development of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) and the Pacific Tourism Statistics Strategy, both of which were approved by the SPTO Board of Directors on 26^th and 27^th May, 2021.

The overarching vision of the PSTPF is “We are empowered by tourism that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive. It improves the wellbeing of our communities, protects, restores and promotes our cultures, islands and ocean ecosystems”.

In order to achieve as much the PSTPF sets out four (4) overarching Goals which are:

Goal 1: Prosperous Economies where tourism supports prosperous and resilient economies

Goal 2: Thriving and Inclusive Communities where tourism supports the empowerment and wellbeing of our communities

Goal 3: Visible and Valued Cultures where tourism amplifies and promotes our culture and heritage and

Goal 4: Healthy Islands and Oceans where tourism accelerates climate action, protects our ecosystems and supports resilience.

The PSTPF responds directly to the Sustainable Tourism Planning priority of the SPTO Strategic Plan 2020-2024 whilst also recognizing the synergies with the marketing and research and statistics priorities.

The PTSS, has a vision for “regular production of high quality, sustainable tourism statistics and indicators that are acknowledged as the key source for monitoring sustainable tourism in the Pacific Region”. 

Operating under the following five strategic objectives, the PTSS recognizes and will capitalize on the potential for synergies with the PSTPF. The PTSS is the first of its kind for the Pacific tourism industry and a milestone for SPTO:

1. Develop an agreed set of core indicators on sustainable tourism for countries to produce on a regular basis which will support the PSTPF, national and regional strategic plans and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
2. Build collaborations and partnerships between users and producers of tourism statistics, and national and regional organizations
3. Improve data management processes and procedures for the production, compilation and dissemination of statistical data
4. Improve the quality, timing, detail and coverage of national and regional information relating to the sustainability of tourism, including the evaluation of new sources and
5. Evaluate and improve statistical skills and competencies

Both policies underwent extensive consultation processes with a wide range of members, stakeholders, partners and experts so as to ensure that they are all encompassing, fit for purpose and Pacific owned strategies that are future focused and fluid enough to respond to opportunities and unforeseen crises. The PSTPF was developed by TRC Tourism and the PTSS was developed by IDEAA Group in collaboration with SPTO. SPTO acknowledges the contribution of its Member countries and all stakeholders who contributed to the development process and wishes to acknowledge the financial support of NZ MFAT, UNDP and PARIS21.