Tuesday, 13 December 2022: In the spirit of regional solidarity, Fiji has joined thirteen other Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Council of Tourism Ministers in signing the Statement of Commitment.
The Pacific Leaders Statement of Commitment (SOC) is a pledge made at the Ministerial level to make tourism in the Pacific a force for good by adopting the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework that puts the sector and communities on a path to sustainable recovery by 2030.
It provides an opportunity for member countries of SPTO to elevate sustainable tourism as a regional priority for environmental, socio-cultural and economic development at the national level.
In signing the SOC, Fijian Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Hon. Faiyaz Koya, reaffirmed Fiji’s support to the sustainable advancement of Pacific Tourism.
“As Tourism leaders of the Pacific, Fiji’s signing of the Statement of Commitment is a testament to our collective vision that by 2030, we are empowered by and benefiting from tourism that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive.”
“As a region, we are highly vulnerable. And our vulnerability calls for greater collaboration and commitment that paves the way for transformative change,” said Hon. Koya.
In welcoming Fiji’s signatory, SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Chris Cocker, added that Fiji has an integral role in advancing regional tourism
“As one of the region’s major destinations, Fiji has an important leadership role to play in terms of supporting sustainable tourism initiatives by and for the region. With 13 other SPTO members already on board, we congratulate Fiji and warmly welcome them as the latest signatory of the Pacific Leaders Tourism Statement of Commitment, which seeks to support improved planning, development and management of sustainable tourism, so as to preserve the future of Pacific destinations for future generations of the Blue Pacific,” said Mr Cocker.
Other Pacific Tourism Organisation members that have signed American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Vanuatu.
ENDS