Mālō from the SPTO Division of Sustainable Tourism

August proved to be a landmark month for the SPTO Division of Sustainable Tourism, filled with milestones, partnerships, and inspiring stories from across the Pacific.

The month began with the launch of the Sustainable Tourism Enhancement in the Pacific (STEP) Online Learning Exchange Series, a new platform designed to spotlight progress and share lessons among Pacific nations and partners. The inaugural webinar featured Kiribati and Samoa, drawing strong interest. The success of this first session has set the tone for a continuing series of exchanges that will strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing across the region.

At the same time, SPTO advanced two key regional initiatives: continuing work on the Pacific Tourism Climate Change Action Plan in partnership with Griffith University, and finalising the Pacific Gender and Inclusive Tourism Action Plan (GITAP).

This month’s country spotlight turned to Wallis & Futuna, where tourism remains small scale, community focused, and deeply rooted in local traditions. With a strong emphasis on environmental protection, the territory prioritises low impact tourism that safeguards its natural landscapes, marine ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Opportunities are emerging in eco tourism, cultural experiences, and locally led initiatives that support livelihoods while respecting customary practices. Strengthening capacity, infrastructure, and regional collaboration will be key to ensuring long term benefits for communities and the environment.

Among the highlights from Wallis & Futuna were the Kulu’ui initiative, progress made on the Tourism Strategy 2020–2030, and vibrant displays of heritage through weaving, tapa making, and traditional clothing at the Aka’aka Market. The formalisation of the Customary Marine Protected Area (AMPC) in the northeastern lagoon stood out as a milestone achievement, blending conservation with cultural stewardship.

SPTO also released its Resource of the Month: the newly published Gender Mainstreaming in Pacific Tourism: Regional Synthesis Report, produced by PSDI. This report draws together the findings from the gender audits completed in nine Pacific National Tourism Organisations and SPTO, offering practical insights to guide inclusive tourism development.

From other news, we spotlight the appointment of Andrew Nihopara as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Solomons, marking an exciting new chapter for the Solomon Islands tourism sector. We warmly congratulate Mr. Nihopara on his appointment and are delighted to welcome him back into the Pacific tourism family.

Acknowledgement: SPTO extends heartfelt gratitude to the PSDI team—including Dr. Sara Currie, Alcinda Trawen, Matthew Capper and the entire PSDI Tourism team and experts who supported the work on advancing gender and inclusive tourism development in the Pacific. Thank you for your  contribution and we wish you well.

Stay tuned for the upcoming special edition of Newsbeat to celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27, highlighting achievements under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence: Redesigning Tourism.”

For queries or further information, please contact sustainable@spto.org.