The Pacific Tourism Organisation has selected Fiji as the host of the South Pacific Tourism Exchange, or SPTE, in 2027 following a vote by the organisation’s Board of Directors during a meeting in Nadi last week.
The decision came after the board considered expressions of interest from Fiji and Tahiti Tourisme to host the Pacific region’s flagship tourism trade event.
According to the SPTO, the board approved in principle Fiji as the venue for SPTE 2027 and directed the organisation’s secretariat to continue engagement with Fiji on final arrangements.
The outcome reinforces Fiji’s standing as a regional tourism hub and reflects industry confidence in the country’s ability to stage one of the Pacific’s largest tourism business events.
SPTE is regarded as the Pacific’s leading tourism marketplace, bringing together international buyers, tourism operators and national tourism offices from across the region. The annual event is aimed at strengthening partnerships, expanding visitor demand and generating business opportunities for Pacific tourism stakeholders.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker said the board’s decision highlighted Fiji’s continued leadership in regional tourism development.
“SPTE is one of the Pacific’s most important tourism platforms, and Fiji has consistently demonstrated its capability to host high-quality regional events that deliver real value to the tourism industry,” Cocker said.
“The Board recognised Fiji’s strong commitment to the current SPTE structure and its ongoing support for regional tourism collaboration. Hosting SPTE 2027 will provide another important opportunity to showcase not only Fiji, but the wider Pacific tourism product to international markets,” he added.
The board also acknowledged Fiji’s support for the current arrangement of holding the Fiji Tourism Exchange, or FTE, alongside SPTE, noting the operational and commercial benefits the format provides to tourism operators and international buyers.
During discussions, Fiji also proposed that if SPTE is hosted elsewhere in future years, the event should subsequently return to Fiji for the following two consecutive years, reflecting the country’s long-term commitment to regional tourism growth.
The announcement comes as Pacific tourism operators continue efforts to strengthen post-pandemic recovery, improve market visibility and deepen regional cooperation.
Further details on SPTE 2027, including dates and programme arrangements, are expected to be confirmed following consultations between SPTO and Tourism Fiji.
