As the 2nd South Pacific Cruise Forum welcomed delegates from the cruise industry leaders and stakeholders, Petero Manufolau, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati and Pacific Tourism Organisation Chairman, highlighted the significance of this event.
He recalled how the South Pacific Cruise Alliance (SPCA) had come full circle since hosting its inaugural Forum in 2015, co-hosted by the French Polynesian Government and the member Tahiti Cruise Club.
Mr. Manufolau emphasized the progress made by SPCA during its 13 years of operation in promoting the South Pacific region and its captivating ports of call. He acknowledged that in 2022, SPTO member countries received nearly 140,000 cruise ship passengers. However, this number was considerably lower than the over one million visitors recorded in 2018, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, he pointed out the positive aspect that the 140,000 passengers in 2022 represented a remarkable 140 percent increase from the previous year when there were none. Mr. Manufolau also highlighted the potential of small ships and expedition cruising to facilitate access to remote islands and challenging-to-reach locations, fostering sustainable tourism investment.
“It’s a testament to our resilience and potential for growth. And for the next two days, we will engage in candid discussions about the state of the Pacific cruise market and listen to the insights of key cruise line executives regarding their outlook and requirements to secure more port visits to our islands,” says Mr Manufolau.
In addition, Mr. Manufolau emphasized that, according to the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework of SPTO, the 2030 vision is clearly defined:
“We envision a future where tourism empowers us, fostering resilience, prosperity, and inclusivity. It enhances the well-being of our communities while safeguarding, revitalizing, and celebrating our cultures, islands, and ocean ecosystems,” Mr. Manufolau highlighted.
He further pointed out that the cruise ship industry aligns perfectly with this vision, given its capacity to reach and impact significant tourist hubs and remote, isolated communities, thereby extending economic benefits to grassroots communities. He encouraged collaborative efforts to make sustainable cruising in the Blue Pacific a reality.
Moreover, Mr. Manufolau expressed enthusiasm for the latest environmentally friendly technological advancements in power propulsion and waste management systems.
He noted, “Climate change poses the most significant threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of the people and islands in the Pacific.”
He emphasized that the SPTO Strategic Plan 2020-2024 focuses on cruising and yachting sectors with relevant associations, industry bodies, and companies, fostering collaboration with partners to support members in developing necessary facilities, shore operations, policies, and procedures, and conducting community consultations.
Mr Manufolau mentioned that in the days ahead, the primary emphasis would be on enhancing connections among government, business, and civil society and further amplifying the economic advantages of the cruise industry. The collective goal is to chart a course toward a sustainable and thriving future in the Blue Pacific.
