Update from Research & Stats: July 2021

1. Regional Tourism Resource Center (RTRC) Upgrade

Upgrading work for the RTRC has commenced with ACTON Fiji taking the lead on the project.  The upgrade supports SPTO’s efforts in ensuring that access to tourism-related information, research and statistics is improved and a wider range of stakeholders can be reached. The project is expected to be completed by October, 2021.

2. Pacific Tourism Statistics Strategy (PTSS) implementation planning phase

Work is underway in detailing the 3 Year Work Plan for SPTO, resourcing and budget as well as a Communication Plan for the Pacific Tourism Statistics Strategy.  This is especially crucial in ensuring the key objectives of the PTSS are achieved and sufficient resources are secured to support the implementation of activities at both national and regional levels. Designed to be a living document, the PTSS incorporates new opportunities in developing tourism statistics systems and capacity at national and regional level and monitoring progress towards 2030. The PTSS can be accessed here.

3. 63^rd International Statistics Institute (ISI) World Statistics Congress (Virtual)

SPTO was invited by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to participate as a speaker at the UNWTO Session on An integrated statistical framework for measuring sustainability: the case of tourism which was held as part of the 63rd International Statistics Institute (ISI) World Statistics Congress.  Sustainable Tourism and Research Manager, Ms. Christina Leala Gale, represented SPTO, speaking on the topic, Implementation of MST: Regional sectoral approach to Governance and Policy Arrangements for Measuring Sustainability – the experience of the Pacific Region. This event supports the SPTO’s efforts in raising awareness of the Pacific’s journey and leadership in setting up the regional policy frameworks required for the measuring of sustainability in the tourism sector. Also sharing their experiences in measuring sustainability in the tourism sector were the National Statistics Offices of the Republic of the Philippines and Mexico.  The event was held on 16 July 2021 and attended by multiple stakeholders including academics, government and National Statistics Office representatives from around the world.  The presentation can be accessed here.

5. Interested in learning about the trends in the key source markets of the Pacific Islands? Read the June 2021 update of the Market Watch, which brings you information on outbound market trends by clicking here to access the report