Fiji Strengthens Regional Tourism Cooperation at the SPTO Board and Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting in Honiara

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚, 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 | 𝟐𝟑 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 – The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable tourism development through its participation in the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers (COTM) meetings held in Honiara, Solomon Islands from 19 to 21 October 2026.

The meetings brought together Pacific tourism leaders, government representatives, industry stakeholders and development partners to discuss regional priorities and strengthen collaboration towards a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry.

Key discussions focused on regional tourism marketing and promotion, climate resilience, gender equality and inclusion, tourism research, strategic partnerships, air connectivity, investment and skills development. These priorities reflect the region’s shared commitment to ensuring tourism delivers meaningful economic, social and environmental benefits for Pacific communities.

The programme also included the SPTO Board of Directors Workshop on the Pacific Tourism Climate Change Action Plan and the Development Partners

Dialogue focusing on strengthening regional partnerships, support and advancing sustainable and climate-resilient tourism across the Pacific.

An important highlight of the COTM meeting was the handover of the Chairmanship from Tonga to the Solomon Islands marking a leadership transition and reinforcing the importance of collective action among Pacific governments in advancing shared tourism priorities.

For Fiji, participation in these regional forums provides an important platform to contribute to strategic discussions, share national priorities and strengthen partnerships with SPTO member countries and development partners.

The Ministry remains committed to working with SPTO and regional partners to translate shared priorities into practical outcomes that strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Pacific tourism while ensuring communities benefit from sustainable tourism development.

ENDS