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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) now has a new Strategic Plan 2025-2029, developed with support from PSDI. The plan was endorsed by the SPTO board and launched at a press event during the SPTO board and council of ministers meetings in Fiji last week.

The Strategic Plan 2025-2029 provides a roadmap for strengthening collaboration among SPTO member countries, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to advance responsible and sustainable tourism aligned with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christopher Cocker, shared that the Strategic Plan was developed through extensive consultation with all shareholders in the industry, saying “this strategic plan reflects our commitment to leading responsible tourism that resonates with the unique cultural and environmental strengths of our Pacific nations.”

“Through sustainable practices and meaningful partnerships, we aim to support the wellbeing of our communities and drive economic opportunities across our member countries. I am grateful to our partners from PSDI, whose expertise has been invaluable in shaping a plan that places people, culture, and sustainability at its core.”

The plan adopts a partnership approach and centers around six strategic focus areas designed to elevate tourism as a sustainable, inclusive, and economically vital sector for the region: (i) sustainable destination management, (ii) marketing support and events, (iii) research coordination and insights, (iv) partner coordination and support, (v) capacity building and training, (vi) connecting tourism and aviation.

PSDI also on 14 November 2024 held a workshop as part of a development partner high-level dialogue at the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat. The workshop brought together representatives from SPTO leadership and development partner organizations, including Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, USAID, International Finance Corporation, PACER Plus, the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the Market Development Facility, and others. Discussions focused on identifying regional tourism priorities, exploring opportunities for closer partnership, and strengthening coordination to advance responsible tourism in the context of the new plan.

The dialogue also included a presentation on the Strategic Plan by the SPTO’s CEO followed by a panel discussion, where development partners, Pacific ministers of tourism, and representatives from Pacific national tourism organizations discussed tourism as a driver for development and their experiences of engaging with SPTO and the tourism sector.

Launch of the SPTO 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. L-R: Adela Issachar Aru, SPTO Chair and CEO of Vanuatu Tourism Organisation; Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka; Christopher Cocker, SPTO CEO. Photo courtesy of the Pacific Tourism Organisation.

High-Level Dialogue and workshop to discuss the SPTO 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. Photo courtesy of the Pacific Tourism Organisation.

High-Level Dialogue and workshop to discuss the SPTO 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. Photo courtesy of the Pacific Tourism Organisation.

High-Level Dialogue and workshop to discuss the SPTO 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. Photo courtesy of the Pacific Tourism Organisation.