Pacific Tourism Organisation

🌏✨ Strengthening Responsible Tourism through Regional Collaboration ✨🌏 In a step towards fostering sustainable tourism and enhancing partnerships, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) hosted a high-level dialogue under the theme: “Enhanced Partnerships for Responsible Tourism Outcomes.” in collaboration with the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI), the Asian Development Bank, and supported by the Australian and New Zealand governments. This session celebrated the launch of SPTO's Strategic Plan 2025-2029, bringing together leaders from across the Pacific to align on priorities, share insights, and explore innovative strategies for regional collaboration. 🌺🤝 The dialogue served as a unique opportunity for SPTO and development partners to dive deep into the Strategic Plan, identifying synergies and pathways for cooperation. 🌺 Together, SPTO and its partners are working to ensure that tourism remains a driver for inclusive, sustainable growth across the Pacific, protecting our cultural heritage and natural wonders while enhancing economic resilience. 🌊💼 #PacificTourism #SustainableTourism #BluePacific #Partnerships #EconomicGrowth #SPTO #ResponsibleTourism #FutureOfTourism #RegionalCollaboration

🌱 Empowering Pacific Tourism through Environmental Sustainability As stewards of the Blue Pacific, we understand that tourism is a key driver of our economies, but it also has a profound impact on our natural environment. SPTO launched three resource guidelines at the 33rd Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting in partnership with Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the European Union and the Australia Government is a direct reflection of our commitment to integrating sustainability into every corner of the tourism sector. These tools are designed to equip our industry with practical, actionable guidelines and benchmarks that will foster long-term environmental responsibility. Here’s what was introduced today: Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing Guidelines Developed in partnership with SPREP and funded by the European Union, these guidelines are an essential step in ensuring that our marine life—whales, dolphins, dugongs, sharks, rays, turtles, and seabirds—are protected from harmful tourism practices. This initiative not only safeguards our diverse marine life but also ensures that our tourism experiences are sustainable. Standards to Phase Out Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) 🌿 In a region where plastic pollution threatens our pristine environment, this new framework offers the tourism sector a pathway to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics. With the rise of sustainable alternatives and substitutes, these guidelines will help businesses transition away from SUPs and reduce their environmental footprint. Funded by the Australian Government through the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), this initiative is especially important for our island nations where plastic waste has a profound impact on both local communities and the marine environment. By championing this initiative, we are not just cleaning up, we’re helping to enhance the resilience and sustainability of our islands and oceans, by reducing plastic pollution. Environmental Auditing Guidelines for Tourism Accommodations 🏨 These Environmental Auditing Guidelines are designed to help businesses assess their environmental performance and make improvements where needed. With funding from the EU under the ACP MEAs 3 project, this framework is a key resource for ensuring that all types of accommodation meet sustainable standards. Whether it’s energy use, water consumption, waste management, or conservation practices, these guidelines provide the tools necessary for hotels and resorts to reduce their impact and operate more sustainably. These resources are the result of collaborative efforts between SPREP and SPTO, funded by the European Union and Australian Government, demonstrating the power of partnerships in creating impactful solutions for the Pacific’s sustainable future. #SustainableTourism #PacificIslands #BluePacific #MarineConservation #ClimateAction #PlasticFree #SustainableTravel #EU #Australia #SPREP

📌 33rd Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting in Fiji The 33rd Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting, led by Fijis Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation as the incoming Council Chairman, got underway in Suva, Fiji. Fijis Deputy Prime Minister Mr Gavoka welcomed the attending Ministers and representatives from Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Nauru, People’s Republic of China, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Wallis & Futuna. In his opening remarks, Mr Gavoka acknowledged the outgoing Chair of the Council, His Excellency, Moetai Brotherson for his leadership over the past year and emphasized the vital role tourism plays across the Pacific, calling it “the backbone of our economy.” The 33rd Council of Ministers Meeting concluded with impactful decisions that will shape the future of tourism in the Pacific. Key highlights from the endorsed Communique include: ✨The report and presentation by KPMG on the SPTO’s Proposed Membership Restructure. Both the Council and Board noted the KPMG report with regards to the Government Membership Category which requires further consideration by the Secretariat and to liaise with member countries, with the outcome to be reported at the May 2025 Board Meeting. ✨ The Directors and Council approved the recommendations of the SPTO’s Proposed Membership Restructure report by KPMG with regards to the Industry Membership Programme and Development Partner Categories. ✨The proposed SPTOs Government Membership fee structure, the Council endorsed an 8.5% increase on the existing members fees, as of 1st January, 2026, as recommended by the Board of Directors. ✨The endorsement of SPTOs 2025-2029 Strategic Plan with its six key strategic focus areas. ✨Updates on the environmental sustainability projects, including newly launched guidelines for Responsible Marine Wildlife Viewing, standards for phasing out single-use plastics, and environmental audit guidelines for accommodations. ✈ Strengthening Tourism & Aviation Connectivity: Recognizing connectivity as a critical factor for Pacific tourism. 🌍 Commitment to Climate Action - the Ministers took a united stand on climate resilience, endorsing the Pacific Tourism Leaders’ Commitment to Climate Action. SPTO’s active participation in the inaugural Tourism Thematic Day at UNFCCC COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.. These resolutions highlight the Ministers’ dedication to a sustainable, inclusive future for Pacific tourism through environmental stewardship, connectivity, and regional collaboration. Samoa Tourism Kate Cook Vanuatu Tourism Office Papua New Guinea Tourism Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority Tonga Tourism Authority Tourism Solomons Nauru Tourism Corporation New Caledonia Tourism #PacificTourism #SPTO #TourismMinisters #SustainableTourism #ClimateAction #UNFCCC #OurPacific

📌 Empowering Women, Shaping the Future of Tourism | Inaugural Pacific Talanoa for Women in Tourism 🌺 Tourism industry leaders, advocates, and professionals gathered in Suva, Fiji, for the inaugural Pacific Talanoa for Women in Tourism, hosted by the Pacific Tourism Organisation. This landmark event united participants with a shared vision for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the tourism sector. In opening the event, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Salaseini Daunabuna, encouraged the talanoa session as a space to share perspectives, insights, and strategies that drive women’s empowerment in tourism. She emphasized, “Let us seize this opportunity to create meaningful progress that benefits not only women but also the broader industry. Together, we’re championing a tourism industry that supports women’s advancement, values their contributions, and addresses the unique challenges they face.” Tourism is not only about economic growth; it’s a transformative force that, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, can foster gender equality. Although women comprise a substantial part of the global tourism workforce, they frequently encounter barriers to leadership and equitable pay. Key Takeaways from the Talanoa: ✨ The essential role of women’s contributions in responsible tourism development ✨ Regional frameworks for gender equality ✨ The impact of the private sector and non-state actors ✨ Supporting National Tourism Offices in developing gender-sensitive policies The path forward is clear. Through collaboration, we can build a tourism sector that is inclusive, equitable, and a catalyst for sustainable growth. 🌐 #PacificWomenInTourism #Empowerment #TourismForChange #GenderEquality #SPTO

📌 Charting the Future of Pacific Tourism!! We concluded the High-Level Advocacy & Engagement Council of Ministers Sub-Committee meeting today. With the aim of strengthening governance, enhancing regional cooperation, and empowering local communities, SPTO is taking bold steps to shape a tourism industry that not only thrives but also preserves our islands’ cultural and environmental integrity. 📍 Redefining membership structures 📍 Advancing tourism and aviation connectivity, the discussions are setting the stage for a more inclusive and resilient tourism ecosystem in the Pacific. 📍 The ongoing commitment to sustainability, 📍 The upcoming UNFCCC COP29 Tourism Thematic Day, reaffirms the Pacific's leadership in global climate action and sustainable tourism practices. 📍The implementation of the SPTO 2025-2029 Strategic Plan As we continue to build a tourism framework that values people, planet, and prosperity, the future of the Pacific looks bright! 🌊💚 #PacificTourism #Adocacy #Sustainability #Leadership #SPTO #FutureOfTourism #StrategicPlan #COP29 #TourismNAviation

✨ Exciting News for Pacific Tourism! 🌺 Today, Pacific Tourism Organisation launched the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard—a powerful new tool developed with Trove Tourism Development Advisors Danny Cohanpour and backed by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade. This innovative platform gives Pacific countries access to critical insights on tourism performance and sustainability, including data on digital marketing and environmental impact. 🌐🌴 Quote: “This dashboard marks a transformative leap for tourism in the Pacific, allowing us to attract investments, refine strategies, and ensure sustainable growth for our islands,” shares Paul Davis, NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With KPIs that include paid media, social engagement, and sustainability metrics, this tool provides vital comparisons across the region, supporting a shared vision for sustainable, responsible tourism. 🌺💼 Stay tuned as we take Pacific tourism to new heights! 📈✈️ #PacificTourism #Benchmarking #Dashboard #Data #Insights #partnerships #SustainableGrowth #DigitalTransformation

Discover Wallis & Futuna: A Hidden Gem 🌟 - Uncover the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions of Wallis & Futuna. Plan your unforgettable trip. Read the blog below for more information! https://lnkd.in/eArb3in7 #SPTO #OursIsYours #PacificTourism #Blogs

📌 Empowering Pacific Women in Tourism!! Uniting Leaders, Inspiring Progress, and Building a Future of Inclusive and Thriving Communities! Look out for updates on the Pacific Women in Tourism Talanoa!   For more information, contact sustainable@spto.org.   #PacificTourism #SustainableTourism #OursIsYours #WomenInTourisn #PacificWomen

📌 Today our Pacific Tourism Family convenes in Suva, Fiji, for the SPTO Board of Directors Meeting !! With a robust agenda, the Board will dive into essential topics like governance, strategic planning, tourism-aviation connections, and operational updates—all set to guide Pacific tourism toward a sustainable and prosperous future ✈️ 🌴 . Co-hosted with the incredible support of the Fijian Government! This pivotal meeting is packed with discussions shaping the Pacific's tourism future, from sustainable growth to strategic aviation links that strengthen connectivity across our islands. ✈️🌺 Together, we’re shaping a future where Pacific tourism continues to inspire and empower. 🌺💪 #SPTOBoardMeeting #PacificTourism #SustainableFuture #DigitalTransformation #TourismInnovation

Fiji Airways has announced its third consecutive win of the APEX Five Star Major Airline Award for 2025. This prestigious recognition highlights the airline's commitment to exceptional service, safety, and comfort. Fiji Airways is one of only 40 airlines globally to achieve this status based on neutral, third-party passenger feedback and insights collected through APEX’s partnership with TripIt® from Concur®, the world’s most used travel-organizing app. Learn more about this achievement and the airline's plans for new routes, including a direct service to Dallas Fort Worth: https://ow.ly/H8pV50TZZMj #FijiAirways #AirlineAward #DallasFortWorth #APEXAwards #AirlineExcellence