Page 27 - IB April 24

Tourism Tourism

on the environment, we need to set higher benchmarks and
explore innovative waste management solutions,” Dr Currie
suggests.
“Reassessing the role of statutory tourism authorities can
enhance regulation and enforcement.”
At the SPTO, Christana Gale states: “There’s a lot of work
being done on oceans and climate change, but tourism seems SPTO CEO, Christopher Cocker receiving the award from the H.E. President of Kenya
to be always the last sector to be considered when it comes
Pacific Tourism Organisation Clinches Top Honour at
to national-level discussions. Commonwealth Innovation Awards 2023 for Pioneering the
“We must bridge the gap between policymakers, industry 2030 Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework
stakeholders, and conservationists to create a unified
front against the threats facing our marine ecosystems, On 29 November 2023, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)
and collaboration is essential to ensuring the long-term clinched the prestigious Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for
Sustainable Development Awards 2023. Emerging victorious in the category
sustainability of our tourism industry.” “Promote PARTNERSHIPS for development in the Commonwealth”.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable
Spoelder highlights the importance of community Development Awards highlights innovative contributions across the
engagement in this work: “Local communities play a pivotal Commonwealth, recognising SPTO’s 2030 Pacific Sustainable Tourism
role in marine conservation efforts. By fostering partnerships Policy Framework (PSTPF), which provides a sustainable tourism roadmap
for the region. Developed with member nations and approved by the Council
between tourism operators, government agencies, and of Tourism Ministers, the 2030 PSTPF addresses the need for sustainable
indigenous communities, we can ensure that tourism benefits development amid climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating
both people and the planet.” for reduced single-use plastics and energy-efficient technologies to rebuild
the tourism sector sustainably, and protect the environment and culture.
Dr Currie agrees: “Communities must shape tourism SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Cocker mentioned that the
development,” she says. award highlights the importance of collective efforts to enhance community
well-being and promote rich cultures and natural ecosystems through
sustainable tourism, acknowledging the commitment of the 20 Pacific
Fiji backs new interventions member countries to sustainable tourism for the region’s betterment.
SPTO proudly acknowledges the leadership of Member Countries,
Tourism Fiji’s Chief Marketing Officer, Shriti Narayan notes industry, and partners in driving sustainable development in the Pacific
the pivotal role of sustainable marine tourism in Fiji’s overall through tourism initiatives.
Vanuatu (Adela I. Aru, CEO, Vanuatu Tourism Office and Acting SPTO
tourism strategy. Chairperson): “Resilience, participation, and nurturing our cultural heritage
“Our marine areas are a major draw for visitors, so we’re and environment is the path to a better Pacific. The 2030 PSTPF provides all
committed to protecting them while ensuring tourism our nations with a common goal and shared vision.”
Fiji (Salaseini Daunabuna, Permanent Secretary for Tourism):
thrives.” “Congratulations to the 2030 PSTPF for its well-earned global recognition
However, challenges abound, she says, including resource and a testament to the passion and hard work of everyone involved.”
American Samoa (Taimalelagi Minnie Tuia, Executive Director, American
limitations and stakeholder coordination. “We’re focusing Samoa Visitors Bureau): “As guardians of the Pacific, we weave our culture
on partnerships, awareness, and community involvement to with the threads of sustainability, and the 2030 PSTPF is a testament to that.”
Nauru (Cramer Cain, Nauru Tourism Attache): “Collaboration is crucial
overcome these challenges.” within the Pacific, fostering communication, cooperation, and mutual
Tourism Fiji has backed initiatives, including mangrove understanding among nations, in achieving the 2030 PSTPF goals.”
New Caledonia (Julie Laronde, Director General, New Caledonia
and coral planting, beach cleanups, and the integration of Tourism): “Given the vast challenges of sustainable tourism, the Pacific
sustainable practices into visitor activities as part of its own requires both collective efforts and individual innovation, making this award
efforts. recognizing exemplary initiatives especially significant.”
Papua New Guinea (Eric M. Uvovo, CEO, PNG Tourism Promotion
Narayan stresses the importance of partnerships with Authority): “The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for
local communities and NGOs like Earthcheck to facilitate Sustainable Development Awards honours Pacific nations’ collaboration,
sustainability accreditation for industry partners and foster and supports PNG tourism development and policy alignment with the 2030
PSTPF.”
knowledge-sharing and capacity-building within the sector. Republic of the Marshall Islands (Francis C. Domnick, CEO, Office of
Tourism Fiji’s future plans include a local clean-up Commerce, Investment & Tourism): “The 2030 PSTPF is the hallmark of
collaboration and consultation that not only has a top-down approach but on
campaign, the launch of a carbon footprint calculator, and an the same token allows grassroots to be the driver of the policy.”
Samoa (Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita, CEO, Samoa Tourism Authority):
industry accreditation program. “This award showcases the 2030 PSTPF’s global impact on sustainable
It has also championed the work of organisations such as tourism, enhancing our national standards and reinforcing our collective
Counting Coral. Founder Jolyon Collier says their efforts are dedication to its implementation.”
Timor Leste (Antonio da Silva, Director General of Tourism): “As one
more than just coral planting. of the SPTO member countries, the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s
“Our approach involves building sculptures as nurseries, Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards is an essential instrument to
engaging tourists, and forming partnerships with resorts like strengthen our cooperation.”
Tonga (Viliami Takau, CEO, Ministry of Tourism): “Unity and stewardship
Blue Lagoon Beach Resort and Vomo Island Resort to share the are two words that resonate through the 2030 PSTPF. We are stewards of the
responsibility and promote awareness.” tourism resources we’ve been given, and through a united effort, it will surely
bear fruit now and into the future.”
He urges others to start similar initiatives. Solomon Islands (Dagnal Dereveke, Acting CEO, Tourism Solomons):
“Start now. Don’t stop. Fiji’s coral reefs are in trouble, with “This award highlights the power of Pacific collaboration in advancing
rising ocean temperatures causing alarming coral die-offs. sustainable tourism, and provides us with a huge opportunity to amplify the
impact of the Framework and drive transformative change for the prosperity
“Long-term sustainability in coral conservation requires of all.”
immediate and sustained efforts.” Sponsored Content

Islands Business, April 2024 27