Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) Secretary, Mr. Ruui Tabutoa and Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) CEO, Petero Manufolau joined industry experts, scholars, partners, and friends in Papeete, French Polynesia on 16 & 17 October 2023 for the 2nd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit.
The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit 2023 brought together changemakers, sustainable tourism leaders, and advocates for community, cultural, and environmental well-being. Participants at the summit engaged in discussions and collaborations aimed at putting sustainability into action.
French Polynesia President and Minister responsible for tourism, His Excellency Moetai Brotherson in his official address highlighted that tourism was a crucial driver of economic growth and job creation in the Pacific nations. He added that “to ensure its effectiveness, sustainability is paramount, especially in the face of pandemics, global shocks and climate change.”
In officiating the event, TAK CEO and Pacific Tourism Organisation Chairman Petero Manufolau stated that the summit theme of “Co-creating Resilient Destinations,” represented a resounding call to action, signifying an unwavering commitment to strengthening the approach to sustainable tourism in the Pacific region.
He stated that the SPTO, along with contributions from Pacific nations and various stakeholders, had set the wheels in motion with the development of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework.
18 Pacific Island nations have publicly declared their commitment to sustainable tourism at the national level, demonstrating unity and foresight in pursuing a shared vision for sustainable tourism. Manufolau said that “this collective achievement recognizes the individual commitments made by all participants towards this vital cause.”
The 2-day event concluded with the launch of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standards (PTSS). These standards will lead the way for innovative national sustainability standards, setting the bar for the tourism industry. It will provide guidance to destinations like Kiribati to work towards improved sustainability in their tourism sector.
