The Pacific Tourism Organisation has intensified engagement in regional institutional reform discussions, with its board emphasising the importance of maintaining a dedicated regional mechanism for tourism governance in the Pacific.
During a board meeting held last week in Nadi, Fiji, directors received an update on the ongoing Review of the Regional Architecture process from Esala Nayasi, deputy secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
The review is examining institutional arrangements across the Pacific region and includes consultations with governments, stakeholders and industry groups.
Board members also reviewed findings from the organisation’s industry survey and stakeholder engagement process, which highlighted strong support for retaining a stand-alone regional tourism mechanism to coordinate advocacy, policy engagement and sector development across Pacific economies.
The board approved the release of a new industry advocacy video and survey findings to stakeholders as part of SPTO’s contribution to broader regional discussions on the future governance structure for tourism.
According to SPTO, the campaign underscores tourism’s importance as one of the Pacific’s major economic sectors and argues for continued specialised regional coordination and technical support.
The organisation noted that tourism across the Pacific is heavily driven by the private sector, with industry representation embedded within SPTO’s governance structure through its Council of Tourism Membership and Board of Directors.
SPTO also highlighted tourism’s economic significance alongside sectors such as fisheries, which already benefit from dedicated regional institutional arrangements.
The board said specialised mechanisms are needed to effectively address the priorities and economic contributions of both sectors.
Tourism remains a major contributor to Pacific economies, supporting employment, business activity, government revenue and community development throughout the region.
SPTO said regional coordination remains particularly important in areas including sustainability, climate resilience, connectivity, investment and post-pandemic tourism recovery.
