The Pacific Tourism Organisation Board of Directors approves the Toolkit to Help Pacific Tourism Eliminate Single-Use Plastics

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors has taken a bold step towards sustainability, approving a new Certification Framework and Implementation Toolkit to support Pacific Island countries in phasing out single-use plastics (SUPs) from their tourism sectors.

The decision, made during its May Board meeting in Nadi, marks a major regional commitment toward a more sustainable, resilient tourism future and paves the way for stronger national action and private sector engagement across the region.

The endorsement builds on the Standards for Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics, launched in November 2023, and was developed in close partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) through the Australian Government-funded Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP) and the SPTO.

The partnership marks a shared commitment to reimagining tourism in the Pacific, not just as an economic engine, but as a force for environmental protection, cultural preservation, and long-term resilience.

“We all recognise the vital role tourism plays in the economic development of our island nations. It’s a cornerstone of livelihoods and a driver of progress. However, we are also acutely aware that development must be mindful and sustainable,” said SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker.

“Change, while often positive, can bring about shifts in our way of life, our culture, and, critically, our environment. This is precisely why the Pacific Ocean Litter Project initiative, focusing on phasing out single-use plastics within our tourism industry, is so crucial. It’s not just about mitigating negative impacts; it’s about proactively shaping a more sustainable future for our islands.”

Developed under the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), the Standards, Framework, and Toolkit provide practical pathways for governments and businesses to transition away from single-use plastics. With clear benchmarks and a progressive structure, the Framework supports national certification programmes that align with global best practices.

SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra welcomed the move, noting its alignment with broader environmental priorities.

“As we confront the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this initiative shows that Pacific leadership on sustainability is real and growing,” he said.

“Through the POLP project and this partnership with SPTO, we’re equipping one of the region’s most important sectors with tools to protect our environment, support livelihoods, and build lasting resilience.”

About the Initiative

• The Standards, launched in 2023, guide the phase-out of single-use plastics in Pacific tourism by establishing performance benchmarks and encouraging industry-wide adoption. Read the Standards
• The Certification Framework, launched today, outlines a 10-year pathway for tourism businesses to meet progressively higher sustainability milestones and attain national and international certifications.
• The Toolkit provides templates, examples, and resources to help stakeholders implement the standards and navigate the four-tiered certification process. View the Toolkit

This initiative highlights a broader regional momentum toward regenerative tourism, with sustainability embedded at the heart of recovery and growth strategies.