The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) will hold the Regional Marketing Meeting, SPTO Board and Council of Tourism Ministers meetings from the 1st – 5th of October in Samoa and will focus on the theme of 'Protecting our Blue Pacific, Our Livelihood & Our Home'.

“The Blue Pacific identity sits at the heart of SPTO's upcoming annual regional meetings in Samoa and represents the core driver of collective action for advancing Pacific Leader's vision under the framework for Pacific Regionalism. It focuses on sustainable development which aligns with SPTO's goals to empower Pacific people, working hand in hand and spreading our warm hospitality, protecting our culture, oceans and environment and our aspirations to be the craftspeople of the world's most soulful destination, whilst  bringing Pacific regionalism through sustainable tourism to life” said SPTO CEO, Chris Cocker.

Also happening during the week, the UNSECO Conference will also be held on 1st October, which will present a roundtable on 'Building Sustainable Tourism for Green/Blue Livelihoods in Pacific Island countries and territories'.

The UNESCO Conference will have sessions on 'Pacific Innovation and Inclusion' and 'Sustainable Tourism in the Pacific' (Full program here)

Additionally, the 2nd Pacific Tourism Insights Conference (PTIC) will commence on 3rd of October with a great line up of speakers presenting on subjects from 'Artificial Intelligence and Tourism' to 'Social Media Implications on destination marketing'. (Full program here)

Besides this are SPTO's Regional Marketing Meeting, Board and Council of Tourism Ministers meetings that are closed sessions. The UNESCO and PTIC conferences are open for participation to all industry and associated stakeholders.

“We encourage all stakeholders from the Pacific Tourism industry to attend the UNESCO and PTIC conferences to engage with those that influence change and to share thoughts and ideas on the future of tourism in the Pacific” said Mr Cocker.

SPTO in partnership with our host member, Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) are organising these meetings. Other collaborative partners include United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

ENDS

Registrations are now open to attend:

UNESCO Conference: To register, contact Christina Leala-Gale on cgale@spto.org

PATA Conference:  To register go to website www.pata.org/ptic. Special rates are given to PATA and SPTO members at USD$50 (under a designated promotional code)

About the 'Blue Pacific' Framework and SPTO's shared vision

The Blue Pacific is about Pacific people. Populations across our oceans of islands, who recognise their needs and potential, who plan and own their future and who act collectively for the good of all. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat endorsed this framework for Pacific regionalism in 2014.

The 'Blue Pacific' framework aligns with SPTO's message of 'Protecting our Blue Pacific, Our Livelihood & Our Home'

This is how we advocate for Pacific regionalism through sustainable tourism and our brand 'South Pacific Islands – Ours Is Yours' to life.

Our purpose is to positively empower our Pacific people and places. We work hand in hand, with our regional and global stakeholders to promote the strengths and value our Pacific Islands to visitors across the world;

We are harnessing our shared strengths to address common challenges and ensure our collective engagement brings benefit to our Pacific people – custodians of the world's largest ocean, which is a valued Pacific tourism asset.

Together we are building a strong Pacific: Our people, our islands, and our will. Our culture, our natural resources make our region strong, wealthy and unique Pacific.