Solomon Islands reaffirms commitment to lead Pacific tourism, as it assumes chair of SPTO CTM
Honiara – 29/10/2026: Solomon Islands reaffirms commitment to regional tourism cooperation and sustainable development, as it assumes chairmanship of the Council of Tourism Ministers (CTM) of the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO).
Speaking at the SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers’ meeting held from 20th-23rd October 2026, in Honiara, SPTO CTM Chair and Minister, Hon. James Bonuga said the chairmanship provides an opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships and grow tourism industry across the Blue Pacific.
Minister Bonuga said for 2027, SPTO aimed to strengthen tourism business opportunities, regional competitiveness and market access. These include the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2027 in Fiji and SPTO’s participation at Expo Belgrade 2027.
He also commended SPTO and the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) for launching the Pacific Gender and Inclusive Tourism Action Plan (GITAP), which advances gender equality and inclusion across the region’s tourism sector.
Strengthening research and data remains another priority, with the proposed Pacific Tourism Research Institute (PTRI), in partnership with the University of the South Pacific, which expect to support tourism research, innovation and evidence-based policymaking.
The extension of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) to September 2027 will further strengthen regional tourism data systems and capacity.
Climate resilience is equally important. Alongside its Climate Action Plan, SPTO is developing the Pacific Regional Tourism and Climate Change Action Plan (PRTCCAP), scheduled for launch in May 2027.
The plan will coordinate regional action to strengthen tourism resilience in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
SPTO is also proposing a regional parametric insurance framework, with support from the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC), to improve disaster preparedness and financial resilience for tourism small and medium-sized enterprises.
Meanwhile, a strategic partnership with PTI Australia has formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to expand market opportunities, strengthen regional competitiveness and support sustainable economic growth through investment, market intelligence and capacity development.
Minister Bonuga also highlighted SPTO’s forthcoming 2026 Development Partners Dialogue as an important opportunity to align regional tourism priorities with development assistance.
He called for stronger partnerships and a shared commitment to building a tourism industry that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient.
“Let us move forward with a shared purpose, stronger partnerships and renewed commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and resilient Pacific tourism industry—one shaped by our people, guided by our values and strengthened through regional solidarity,” he said.
ENDS//
Current chair of SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers and Solomon Islands Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. James Bonuga.