Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga – 22 October 2025
Fiji has concluded its tenure as Chair of the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Council of Tourism Ministers (COTM), through Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, marking a year of significant achievements in advancing regional cooperation, sustainable growth and sectoral transformation across the Blue Pacific Continent.
The Hon. Gavoka while delivering his final address as Chair at the 2025 COTM Meeting in Vava’u, Tonga, reflected on the collective milestones attained under Fiji’s leadership, which positioned the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) as a dynamic and inclusive platform driving responsible tourism and regional prosperity.
Key achievements during Fiji’s chairmanship include:
a) Endorsement of the SPTO Strategic Plan 2025–2029: A landmark roadmap to guide the next phase of Pacific tourism development, strengthening collaboration, innovation, and resilience across member countries and the private sector.
b) Advocacy for SPTO’s autonomy under the Pacific Regional Architecture Review: Ensuring that the Pacific’s only dedicated tourism body retains its independence and continues to play a central role in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
c) Development of a Pacific Tourism and Aviation Strategy: Supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Partnership for Aviation initiative, this strategy reinforces the interdependence of tourism and air connectivity as drivers of regional prosperity.
d) Progress in digital transformation and community empowerment with the establishment of the Pacific Tourism Research Institute in partnership with the University of the South Pacific (USP) and the launch of the Pasifika Cultural Tourism Training Programme.
e) Strengthening of sustainability initiatives: Including the launch of the Toolkit for Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics in the Pacific Tourism Industry and the promotion of Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism, highlighting the Pacific’s rich culinary heritage and commitment to regenerative practices.
f) Enhanced market development and global engagement: Through the successful hosting of the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2025 in Fiji, renewed partnerships with global organisations such as the Adventure Travel Trade Association and the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company.
The Deputy Prime Minister in acknowledging the collective effort of the Council, commended the dedication of the Regional Tourism Ministers, the SPTO Board and Secretariat, and development partners for their unwavering support and shared commitment to advancing the Pacific’s tourism agenda.
“It has been an honour to serve as Chair during a period of profound progress and renewed unity,” DPM Gavoka stated.
“Through collaboration, innovation, and cultural pride, we have reaffirmed tourism’s role as a cornerstone of Pacific identity, resilience, and sustainable development. The SPTO stands as a guardian of our Region’s shared future, and I am deeply proud of the strides we have made together”, Hon. Gavoka added.
Governments of Australia, New Zealand, China, European Union, regional CROP agencies and key partners were also acknowledged by the Deputy Prime Minister for their continued support and contributions towards advancing tourism development in the Region.
Fiji’s tenure as Chair has reaffirmed the importance of Pacific-led solutions, inclusive governance, and the safeguarding of SPTO’s independence as the regional tourism agency dedicated to the collective advancement of the Blue Pacific Continent.