The Pacific Tourism Organisation has graduated 21 participants from its Online Pasifika Cultural Tourism Training programme, marking a step forward in efforts to strengthen cultural tourism across the region.
Participants from eight Pacific countries — Papua New Guinea, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, Samoa, Solomon Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia — completed the course, which combined online modules, live sessions, assignments and supporting materials. A minimum score of 70 percent was required to pass.
Launched on World Tourism Day in September 2025, the initiative aims to build the capacity of tourism operators and stakeholders to deliver authentic, high-quality cultural tourism experiences rooted in Pacific traditions. It also seeks to support community-led tourism by equipping participants with practical skills aligned with local cultural values.
The programme was facilitated by SauVaka Culture Consultancy’s Simione Sevudredre and Peni Jeffrey and delivered via SPTO’s digital learning platform, Tovuti. Training modules covered storytelling, visitor engagement, product development and core principles of cultural tourism, while live sessions enabled peer learning and mentorship.
SPTO chief executive officer Chris Cocker said the programme demonstrates how digital learning can enhance cultural tourism while preserving authenticity.
“The successful completion of this training by twenty-one participants is a powerful example of how digital learning can strengthen cultural tourism across the Pacific while ensuring our traditions, stories and heritage are shared with authenticity and respect,” Cocker said.
He added that strengthening cultural tourism is central to the region’s broader tourism agenda, noting that equipping practitioners with the right skills supports communities in creating meaningful visitor experiences while generating sustainable livelihoods.
