Members of the SPTO delegates posed for a photo.
SPTO BOD and CTMM 2026 successfully concludes in Honiara
The South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Board of Directors (BOD) and Council of Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (CTMM) successfully concluded in Honiara, Solomon Islands, following discussions on key priorities for tourism development across the Pacific.
The meetings brought together Tourism Ministers and representatives from SPTO 15 member countries to strengthen regional cooperation and advance a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable tourism sector.
Speaking at the farewell reception at Heritage Park Hotel, Chair of the SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga, thanked SPTO, member countries, development partners and stakeholders for contributing to the meetings’ success.
He said the discussions reaffirmed the region’s shared commitment to sustainable tourism, with a focus on research, climate action, business resilience, market development and regional cooperation.
“While our countries may be diverse, our tourism aspirations remain aligned: to create opportunities for our people, strengthen our economies and protect the natural and cultural assets that define our Pacific identity,” Minister Bonuga said.
He stressed that the meetings’ success would ultimately depend on implementing agreed priorities and securing the necessary support and funding from development partners.
Chair of the SPTO Board of Directors, Mrs. Adela Issachar Aru, thanked the Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Tourism Solomons for hosting the meetings.
She highlighted the need for collective solutions and financial support to address regional tourism challenges, reaffirming the importance of stronger tourism data systems, climate resilience, inclusive tourism, research capacity and strategic partnerships.
The Pacific Tourism Organisation will continue working with member countries and development partners to advance these commitments, strengthen regional collaboration and ensure tourism remains a driver of economic resilience and sustainable development across the Blue Pacific.
“Together, we can build a tourism sector that is stronger, more resilient and more competitive than ever before,” Mrs. Aru said.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Tourism of the Government of Kiribati, Hon. Tangariki Reete, who left prior to the farewell reception, Ms. Reeti Onorio, acknowledged the government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with the Tourism Solomons and SPTO for hosting the Meeting.
She conveyed the sincere appreciation of the government of Kiribati for allowing them opportunity to host the next SPTIO Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting in 2028.
“It will be the first time ever to host the SPTO and we look forward to welcome you all to Kiribati in 2028.
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Delegates arriving for the farewell reception at Heritage Park Hotel.
SPTO delegates enjoying the farewell reception held at Heritage Park Hotel.
Chair of the SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting (CTMM) and Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga (middle) presents a gift to the Vanuatu delegation, led by SPTO Board of Directors chairlady, Ms Adela Issachar Aru (right).
Chair of SPTO CTMM, Hon. James Bonuga presents a gift to representative of Kiribati, Ms. Reeti Onorio. Kiribati will be the next host of SPTO Meeting in 2028.