The CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, and Chairman of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Petero Manufolau participated in the SPTO Regional Consultations on the Research Cooperation Framework, Climate Resilience Needs, Sustainable Tourism Standards, Digital Training for Research and Sustainable Tourism Planning from 13th to 16th June 2023 in Nadi, Fiji.
The workshop provided tourism practitioners and policy makers from the National Tourism Organi-sations, private sector, and development partners the opportunity to contribute to the above-mentioned regional tourism initiatives. Participants exchanged valuable insights, experiences, and best practices to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.
As the CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, Petero Manufolau shared Kiribati’s experiences and initiatives in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the country’s unique natural and cul-tural heritage. He emphasized the importance of responsible tourism practices and highlighted Kiri-bati’s commitment to preserving its pristine environment.
In his role as the Chairman of the Pacific Tourism Organisation, Petero Manufolau also led discus-sions on regional collaboration and cooperation among Pacific Island nations. He stressed the signif-icance of working together to promote tourism as a means of socio-economic development in the re-gion while ensuring the preservation of Pacific cultures and environments.
Petero Manufolau expressed his gratitude to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (NZMFA) for its funding support to the weeklong workshop and the SPTO Secretariat for an engag-ing program, stating, ” that through a strong regional approach, tourism in the Pacific can better serve the needs of the Pacific Islands, visitors, industry, and the environment. Improved coordination at a regional level is fundamental in shaping global actions and change.”
The Tourism Authority of Kiribati extends its appreciation to the organizers and hosts of the workshop for their efforts in facilitating this significant.
