Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Reaffirms Independent Role in Regional Architecture
Suva, Fiji, September 26, 2025 – The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has reaffirmed its commitment to remain a standalone regional agency, following comprehensive consultations with the tourism industry and strong endorsements from its Council of Tourism Ministers, Board, member countries, private sector stakeholders, and partners.
The decision comes as the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA ) progresses, a process to ensure the Pacific’s regional governance and institutions are “fit-for-purpose” to collectively advance the region’s priorities, particularly the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. SPTO and its stakeholder’s stress that any changes must strengthen, not weaken, tourism’s vital role as a critical driver of Pacific development.
Established in 1983 by visionary Pacific leaders, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (formerly TCSP) was created as an independent, industry-led body to advocate for tourism, empower the private sector, and address regional challenges beyond national scope. Like the Caribbean and Indian Ocean regions, the Pacific recognized the strategic value of a standalone tourism institution. Today, SPTO is globally recognized by UN Tourism and regionally respected as a leader in sustainable tourism. Stakeholders affirm that SPTO is effectively fulfilling its mandate, with its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan fully aligned to the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, UN frameworks, and member priorities.
Tourism is a core economic engine for the Pacific—generating NZ$500M for the Cook Islands (73% of GDP), FJD$2.5B for Fiji (40% of GDP), and US$2.9B regionally in 2024. Though arrivals reached 1.9M, still below 2019’s 2.2M, the sector’s ROI outpaces agriculture and fisheries by up to 70-fold.
This isn’t a peripheral activity—it’s essential to livelihoods, resilience, and future prosperity. The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) continues to lead sectoral recovery, yet only six Pacific Island member countries out of 20 have fully rebounded post-COVID. Any disruption now risks stalling hard-won momentum.
Tourism is not a peripheral activity—it is the lifeblood of our region. It fuels economies, sustains livelihoods, preserves our cultural heritage, and strengthens our resilience to global shocks,” said Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Chair of the Council of Tourism Ministers and Fiji’s Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation.
“The Pacific Tourism Organisation is not just another regional body—it is the only CROP agency solely dedicated to tourism, and its independence is essential. SPTO’s strategic mandate ensures that tourism remains visible, prioritized, and empowered to deliver real impact for our people. Diluting its role would be a disservice to the sector and to the communities who depend on it.”
SPTO stands as the region’s only dedicated, independent tourism agency—anchored in a hybrid public–private governance model that ensures inclusive decision-making and sectoral agility. As a globally recognized leader in sustainable tourism, SPTO safeguards the visibility, resilience, and strategic value of one of the Pacific’s most vital industries. In a time of regional reform, SPTO’s autonomy is not optional—it is essential. Any structural change must be Pacific-led, culturally grounded, and respectful of sovereignty, ensuring tourism retains its rightful seat at the table as a driver of development, identity, and future prosperity.
SPTO is fit-for-purpose and indispensable. Reform must protect what works, refine what must improve, and ensure the 2050 Strategy delivers tangible, inclusive benefits—across every sector—for the betterment of our Pacific peoples.
SPTO calls on Pacific Leaders to safeguard SPTO as a standalone and independent CROP agency as they deliberate on regional reforms in the coming weeks.
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About SPTO:
Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. Its 21 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna, and the People’s Republic of China. In addition to government members, the SPTO has a broad private-sector membership base. You can learn more about SPTO here.
Queries may be directed to aniumataiwalu@spto.org