Tourism ministers from across the Pacific have endorsed the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), committing their long-term support to rebuild and transform Pacific tourism so that it is resilient, prosperous, and more inclusive.
TRC is extremely proud to have led the development of The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) which sets out the vision, policies and actions needed to transform tourism to make it more sustainable and provide greater benefits to the communities of the Pacific.
The Framework reflects the aspirations of the SPTO and its members, the tourism industry, civil society organisations, regional organisations and global development partners. The shared vision of the PSTPF is that;
By 2030 we are empowered by and benefiting from, tourism that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive. It improves the wellbeing of our communities and protects, restores and promotes our cultures, islands and ecosystems.
Supported by 20 countries in the region, this signals the ambition of Pacific leaders to use tourism to support the wellbeing of Pacific people and their island and ocean resources and ecosystems. This commitment is further bolstered by support from a coalition of tourism leaders including the industry, community, and development partners.
The PSTPF recognises that tourism has the potential to bring about positive change to the lives of Pacific people and the quality of their environment so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come. It acknowledges tourism as an avenue to rebuild economies, provide decent work opportunities, reduce poverty, enhance social inclusion, and protect natural and cultural assets.
In that regard, SPTO CEO, Mr. Christopher Cocker, noted the importance of leaders’ recognition of tourism as a force for positive change.
“We see tourism as a Vaka, the vessel we use to navigate towards greater sustainability and the resilience of our people, our islands, and our ocean,” he said.
“Our shared vision is that by 2030 we are empowered by, and benefitting from tourism that is resilient, prosperous and inclusive and certainly with COP26 currently underway, this commitment couldn’t have come at a better time”.
“Through the PSTPF, SPTO and its membership are showing the world that the Pacific region is standing up and taking action to transform tourism in our region”, said Mr. Cocker.
Whilst discussing the Framework at SPTO’s Council of Tourism Ministers meeting last week, the Council acknowledged that responsibility for implementation of the Framework will be a joint effort, requiring a partnership between governments, industries, civil society organisations, development partners, and the community.
Moreover, it was noted that implementing the policies and actions within this Framework will enable the SPTO and its partners to contribute to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals as well as other global, regional, and national commitments.
The development of the PSTPF was funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide the overarching framework to guide the industry in the Pacific towards a more sustainable future.
