Tuvalu Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework

In collaboration with tourism stakeholders Tuvalu’s Department of Tourism have made a long term commitment to sustainable tourism through the development of the Tuvalu Sustainable Tourism Policy (TSTP) which will lay the foundation for further strategic development for the industry. With funding from a partnership between SPTO, UNDP and the Enhanced Integrated Framework, the initiative has benefitted from the expertise of consultants Prof. Stephen Pratt and Mr. Tomu Hauma, who organized a validation workshop earlier this month to discuss the draft policy.
The TSTP will set out a clear national vision, key priorities and goals for developing tourism in Tuvalu. It builds on the Tuvalu National Tourism Development Plan 2015-2019 and will be guided by the country’s national priorities as articulated in the Te Kete – National Strategy for Sustainable Development 2021 – 2030.
The overall objectives of the TSTP are to:

• Provide strategic direction for the planning, development, promotion, and management of sustainable tourism in Tuvalu
• Strengthen the capacity of national stakeholders in monitoring and measuring sustainable tourism progress
• Provide a platform for multi-stakeholder support and engagement in implementing national level actions in advancing the sustainable development of tourism activities

The consultation process has now concluded and the consultants are hoping to finalize the TSTP by end of March following which the development of Tuvalu’s tourism legislation will commence.

Image: TSTP Validation Workshop (Source: Tuvalu Department of Tourism)