List of South Pacific Tourism Web Site Updates

Updated : 05/04/2012

SPTO PRTCBP Vacancies: SPTO, the implementing agency for the PRTCBP funded under the 10th EDF invite applications for the following Tourism Development Specialists vacancies: 1. Cruise Ship Development Specialist, 2. Aviation Development Specialist and 3. ICT Expert.

Updated : 05/04/2012

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has launched the “Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Programme” (PRTCBP) aiming to strengthen capacity in the tourism industry in the South Pacific. An e-brochure for the PRTCBP is now available online.

Updated : 09/03/2012

To all our dear valued readers and subscribers, as from Friday 16th March 2012, the SPTO newsletter “Pacific Pulse” will be distributed to you from a new email address and no longer from stoogo@spto.org. The new email address is pulse@spto.org. It has been a great privilege communicating and disseminating the Pacific Pulse with huge volumes of tourism related news and information of the region to you and the rest of the world.

Updated : 24/02/2012

The SPTO is implementing the Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Programme (PTRCBP), funded by the EU under the EDF10. Within this 3-year project, SPTO will carry out a number of activities in beneficiary countries across the South Pacific region. The Organisation will require technical assistance and related professional services. To enable the SPTO to build up a register of consulting companies and individuals who wish to be considered for forthcoming invitations to submit proposals for various assignments, we invite expressions of interest for the following broad areas of work.

Updated : 23/12/2011

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is pleased to confirm that the European Union signed the 10th European Development Fund (EDF10) contract between EDF Regional Authorising Officer, the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) as well as with the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Secretariat. Press release has more information.

Updated : 23/12/2011

The European Union is funding the Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Program (PRTCBP) as a key component under the overall Strengthening Pacific Economic Integration through Trade (SPEITT). SPTO is the implementing agency for the PRTCBP and invite applications for Tourism Sector Development Officers.

Updated : 23/12/2011

Updated : 04/11/2011

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing to working together for the benefit of the region’s tourism sector.

Updated : 17/10/2011

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation’s 21st Council of Ministers of Tourism Meeting was held on Friday 13th October 2011 in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The Council note with deepest appreciation the effective coordination and efforts put together by the hosts Vanuatu Government and its working Committee in staging a successful Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting. The Council of Ministers endorsed the Board Resolution as presented and identified key points during the meeting:

Updated : 14/10/2011

Vanuatu’s Finance Minister Moana Carcases Kalosil Opening the 21st SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers and the Board of Directors meeting at the Warwick Le Lagon Hotel in Port Vila this morning, Mr Kalosil said he wanted to emphasise the importance of promoting and facilitating the sustainable development of tourism in member countries. He applauded SPTO for its role in helping develop sustainable tourism in the region.

Updated : 14/10/2011

SPTO wishes to announce the appointment of a new Marketing Manager. Petero Manufolau brings with him vast tourism and sales experience having held senior sales positions until he became Sales and Marketing Manager at the Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa in 2007. He holds a Bachelor in Arts Degree from the University of the South Pacific with majors in Management and Public Administration (Marketing) and Tourism studies.

Updated : 30/08/2011

Visitor arrivals to the South Pacific region increased by 2.5 percent in the 1st quarter of 2011 over the same period the previous year according to statistics from SPTO member countries. There were 281,192 arrivals into the region in the first three months of 2011, an increase of 6,847 arrivals. For more information,

Updated : 12/08/2011

Air Pacific is turning 60 and for a limited time, it is pleased to announce a 60th Anniversary Sale with round trip tickets to Fiji. “This celebration and sale gives us an opportunity to say Vinaka Vakalevu to all of our passengers, stakeholders and industry partners for their fantastic support from our very first flight in 1951. ” said Mr Dave Pflieger, Managing Director and CEO.

Updated : 02/08/2011

SPTO was invited by the coordinator of the Pacific Islands Rountable for Nature Conservation to make a presentation at the 14th Annual Meeting of the Roundtable. The PIRTNC is housed under the IUCN mandate and through the MOU between SPTO and IUCN, the SPTO presentation focused on creating awareness of the tourism industry as a vehicle for conservation amongst the environmental and conservation organizations.

Updated : 01/08/2011

“Tok Tok Vanuatu” tradeshow celebrates its 10th birthday this year - Tok Tok Vanuatu is the premier trade event in Vanuatu bringing together agents, wholesalers and tourism operators to showcase Vanuatu’s tourism industry which represents the major revenue earner for the country. Tok Tok Vanuatu, will take place on 25 and 26 August 2011 at the Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa, Port Vila. For more information contact Sebastien Bador marketing@vanuatu.travel.

Updated : 15/07/2011

Vacancy: The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) seeks to engage a Marketing Manager who is a motivated leader for its Marketing Division based in Suva, Fiji. Please submit your application and CV by August 8th, 2011.

Updated : 08/07/2011

Vacancy: SPTO is the implementing agency of the Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Program (PRTCBP) which is funded by the European Union for the period 2011 – 2014. SPTO seeks to engage a Finance Officer to support the PRTCBP programme implementation. The position is located in Suva, Fiji and will report directly to the Project Manager of the PRTCB and indirectly to the Finance Manager SPTO. Applications should be received by close of business on 1st August 2011.

Updated : 08/07/2011

Vacancy: SPTO is the implementing agency of the Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Program (PRTCBP) which is funded by the European Union for the period 2011 – 2014. The overall objective of the PRTCBP is “to improve PACP economic integration through strengthened national systems and institutional frameworks to develop trade capacity, increase private sector competitiveness and increase international market access in the tourism sector”. SPTO seeks to engage a Project Manager to lead and manage the PRTCBP programme implementation. The position is located in Suva, Fiji and will report directly to the CEO of SPTO who is the Project Supervisor. Applications should be received by close of business on 1st August 2011.

Updated : 27/06/2011

The SPTO and the CDE had their first meeting on the way forward to assisting tourism private sector operators in the Pacific region. CDE provides technical and other support services for the development of private sector enterprises in ACP countries and their target companies include small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SPTO CEO, Ilisoni Vuidreketi, said “We are very pleased to begin dialogue with the CDE office on issues relating to long term technical assistance for the tourism private sector in Pacific islands and our first discussion has been highly encouraging".

Updated : 18/05/2011

Presentations from the SPTO workshop ‘Setting the Way Forward for Tourism through Partnerships’ are now available online. Click on the following links to access the presentations. ‘Crossing the Chasm – Attracting, Engaging and Supporting the Conscious Traveller’ – Anna Pollock. ‘Australian Market Outlook’ – PITI, Sydney. ‘Tourism Conservation Initiative – where Private Sector can Benefit’ – IUCN. ‘SPTO EDF10 PRTCP Plans’ – SPTO.

Updated : 06/05/2011

A partnership between South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) to support SME tourism marketing lead SPTO and Pacific Trade & Invest to collaborate with Lonely Planet on a online marketing campaign. A competition for 6 Pacific adventure experience getaways went live online from launch of the campaign thus, driving traffic to the microsite. The 6 pacific getaway prizes winners drawn on 31st March 2011 are as follows:-

Updated : 26/01/2011

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Pacific Islands Trade & Invest (PITI) Australia, have partnered with Lonely Planet to develop an online marketing campaign to grow tourism travels to Pacific Islands. The three-month campaign focuses on attracting the lucrative 18-35 year-old backpacker and Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) markets from Australia and New Zealand.

Updated : 25/01/2011

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in November to December 2010, completed phase one of three pilot workshops and audit assessments for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Tourism Accommodation providers in Fiji, Tonga and Kiribati.

Updated : 07/12/2010

Ultimate Pacific Destinations are now featured on Lonely Planet online! Visit the Pacific Islands microsite on Lonely Planet and discover Adventures like no place on earth! Hey and you might win yourself an adventure like no place on earth!

Updated : 13/09/2010

Fiji’s national carrier, Air Pacific will add a new Monday service to Hong Kong in December. Starting 13 December they will serve the Asian gateway city three times per week.

Updated : 13/09/2010

On Saturday 11th September, the Pacific Pavilion at Shanghai Expo welcomed the 5th millionth visitor into the Pavilion. The visitor, Ms Wang Qiyue from Shanghai City was pleased to be announced the lucky 5th millionth entrant. She was showered with gifts from all the 15 member countries participating under the Pacific Pavilion.

Updated : 03/09/2010

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Tourism Fiji are collaborating with Air Pacific in commissioning the China Central Television (CCTV) to undertake a TV documentary program on Fiji's tourism attractions for the Chinese and other Asian markets.

Updated : 23/08/2010

A two day seminar on Pacific Tourism Destinations was held in Shanghai, China on the 18th and 19th of August 2010. The seminar, jointly organized by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the Pacific Islands Forum Trade Office in Beijing was well attended by twenty five Chinese wholesalers in total.

Updated : 20/08/2010

International and Chinese visitors to the Pacific Pavilion at the World Shanghai Expo reached 4 million. Ms Fan Tiantian of Wenzhou City was surprised when informed she was the 4th millionth visitor to the Pavilion.

Updated : 21/07/2010

You are cordially invited to attend the Inaugural Pacific Investment Summit which will take place in Sydney, Australia on the 12th & 13th of August 2010. The event, co-hosted by Business Advantage International and Pacific Islands Trade & Invest, will be run by Informa. Contact:rdrekeni@spto.org Ms. Rusila Drekeni, Membership Manager.

Updated : 19/05/2010

The South Pacific Tourism Organisation Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Mr Ilisoni Vuidreketi of Fiji as the new Chief Executive of the Organisation.

Updated : 03/03/2010

The beauty and splendor of the Pacific Islands will be featured on the National Geographic Chanel throughout Asia on 6 TV channels in the month of April. The partnership between the South Pacific Tourism Organisation and the National Geographic Channel will see key attractions of the Pacific being featured. The opportunity will highlight and feature the South Pacific islands to a global audience which will ultimately draw the attention of interested travelers.

Updated : 24/02/2010

Award winning composer Igelese Ete officially signed the contract as the Entertainment Manager for the Pacific Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. Igelese Ete will manage the 15 member country entertainment programme for the Pacific Pavilion and, the Pacific entertainment programme at the Oceania Square at Expo 2010. The press conference can be viewed on Fiji TV Online Segment 1 and Segment 2.

Updated : 11/01/2010

South Pacific Tourism Organisation seeks a motivated leader for its Suva-based operations. You will have a demonstrable track-record in building multi-cultural teams. You will be an engaging communicator and comfortable dealing with media. Ability to think strategically and provide broader industry leadership is essential. You will be intimately familiar with Pacific conditions and tourism marketing. South Pacific Tourism Organisation is a not-for-profit organization charged with marketing and developing tourism in the South Pacific. It has 15 member countries and territories and about 250 private sector members. It has 8 staff based in Suva. Please submit your CV and covering letter by 26 February 2010 to:

Mr Peter Vincent
Chair South Pacific Tourism Organisation Board
C/- PNG Tourism Promotion Authority
Pacific MMI Building
Level 5, Port Moresby
P.O. Box 1291
Port Moresby
National Capital District
Papua New Guinea”

Updated : 02/12/2009

TIDES SAMOA will be held from 17-19 February 2010. To participate register now.

Updated : 03/11/2009

Mr Peter Vincent, Chief Executive of Papua New Guinea Tourism and Ms Sonja Hunter, Chief Executive of Samoa Tourism Authority have been reappointed as Chair & Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for another term. The reappointment of Mr Vincent as Chair and Ms Hunter as Vice-Chair was made at the Board of Directors meeting held recently in Honiara.

Updated : 03/11/2009

The Solomon Islands Government hosted the 19th Council of Tourism Ministers meeting in Honiara on 15th October. Tourism Ministers from around the region experienced firsthand the hospitality and generosity of the people of the Solomon Islands. The Board of Directors meeting was held a day earlier in Honiara, with most Directors of Tourism from around the region in attendance.

Updated : 03/11/2009

south-pacific.travel is seeking applications from suitable individuals from the Pacific region to fill the role of Entertainment Manager – managing the 15 member country entertainment programme for the Pacific Pavilion and, the Pacific entertainment programme at the Oceania Square at Expo 2010, Shanghai, from May 1st to October 31st.

Updated : 05/10/2009

The Pacific Asia Travel Association has launched a disaster relief fund to assist those affected by this week's natural disasters in south east Asia and the south Pacific. Donors may specify a particular disaster area or simply contribute to the general fund.

Updated : 29/07/2009

Tourism Fiji in co-operation with the Fiji Islands Backpackers Association have declared August as Backpackers/Flashpackers Month. This initiative will be supported by extensive advertising and promotion in key markets Australia and New Zealand. Air Pacific will take part with attractive airfares for this growing youth market.

Updated : 05/06/2009

Presentations from south-pacific.travel’s half day seminar on tourism and the economic global situation held in Nadi, Fiji are now available online. Presentations available online include 'The Country in the Centre' by PIFTO Beijing, 'The Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on the Pacific" by Matt Davies and 'The Billion Dollar Backpackers - Recession Resilient' by Dr. Jeff Jarvis.

Updated : 11/05/2009

You are invited to a half day seminar on strategies for South Pacific tourism interests amidst the Global Economic Downturn. Economists will provide latest views on the downturn and its impacts. Expert speakers will give insights on a couple of potentially “recession resilient” tourism market segments.
When: Tuesday June 2, 0900-noon
Where: Novotel Nadi
How: Register with rdrekeni@south-pacific.travel

Updated : 05/05/2009

A year from today will mark the opening of one of the world’s largest events. 200 countries and international organizations are expected to be showcased during the World Expo 2010, Shanghai, China, with 70 million visitors expected to pass through. The duration of the event is from 01st May to 31st October 2010. The Pacific will be featured in this event through the Pacific Pavilion.

Updated : 27/03/2009

south-pacific.travel is seeking suitable candidates for the position of Pacific Pavilion Manager to manage the Pacific’s participation at the World Expo in Shanghai in 2010.

Updated : 10/03/2009

The Business Advantage South Pacific 2009. Your gateway to the South Pacific economy is published this month in partnership with the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission, Sydney. View online for a free publication.

Updated : 25/02/2009

south-pacific.travel is requesting expressions of interest from NTOs and private sector members who would be interested in participating in the PATA Travel Mart 2009 in Hangzhou, China. Please forward your written expressions of interests to Daveina Rigamoto on email drigamoto@south-pacific.travel or contact the our Fiji office on phone: (679) 330 4177 or fax (679) 330 1995. We would appreciate it if interested persons could submit their written expression of interest before Friday 30th March 2009.

Updated : 17/02/2009

The Responsible Tourism Code for the Pacific is now available online.

Updated : 10/02/2009

2009 is shaping up to be a challenging year. To help keep our focus, Tourism Ministers have clarified our vision for tourism in the South Pacific.

Updated : 11/07/2008

The presentation on "Economic Growth - Tourism" is now available online.

Updated : 30/06/2008

The presentations delivered by PATA’s Kate Chang “China Outbound Updates” and John Koldowski “State of the Region” at the PATA/south-pacific.travel Intelligent Tourism Investment Forum are now available online

Updated : 09/06/2008

The presentation on "Oceanic Voyages: Aviation in the Pacific Region" delivered by Bob Cain of Tourism Futures International at the PATA/south-pacific.travel Intelligent Tourism Investment Forum is now available online.

Updated : 09/06/2008

The presentation on "Investment Climate for Tourism" delivered by IFC's John Perrottet at the PATA/south-pacific.travel Intelligent Tourism Investment Forum is now available online.

Updated : 25/05/2008

The presentation on tourism "developments" delivered by south-pacific.travel Chief Executive Tony Everitt at the 48th Association of South Pacific Airlines General Assembly is now available online.

Updated : 12/05/2008

With EU support, Pacific Forum and south-pacific.travel teamed up to run a marketing workshop in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Presentations on web marketing, competitive advantage, cooperation and a case study on New Zealand are now online.

Updated : 14/01/2008

south-pacific.travel with support from ProInvest, has drafted a cruise strategy for the region. The Regional Cruise Strategy presentation is now available online.

Updated : 05/11/2007

'Towards a South Pacific Action Strategy for Green Tourism' presentation (1.88 Mbytes) is now available online.

Updated : 04/11/2007

South Pacific Cruise shipping Development Workshop presentation is now avaliable on line (4 Mbytes)

Updated : 02/11/2007

2007 South Pacific 17th Council of Tourism Ministers Communique is now avaliable online

Updated : 10/10/2007

south-pacific.travel 2006 annual report

Updated : 31/08/2007

south-pacific.travel's South Pacific Cruise Shipping Strategy presentation is now available on line.

Updated : 17/08/2007

south-pacific.travelâ€™s Tony Everitt and Peter Dawkins recently ran a half-day workshop in Honiara on the subjects of New Media and New Markets.

Updated : 27/07/2007

south-pacific.travel Chief Executive Tony Everitt recently briefed delegates at the Fiji Wedding & Honeymoon Policy Conference on trends in key Romance markets.

Updated : 27/07/2007

south-pacific.travel's presentation on Tourism in South Pacific's Economy is now available online

Updated : 10/06/2007

south-pacific.travel has announced the completion of a series of improvements to the web sites of its member countries.

Updated : 08/06/2007

south-pacific.travel participarted in the inaugural convention of Women in Tourism International Alliance (WITIA). The four-day symposium held at the Gold Coast, Australia brought together tourism professionals from across the globe

Updated : 05/06/2007

Presentations by key speakers at the south-pacific.travel Regional Marketing Directors Workshop that was held in Nadi on 15 May are now available online.

Updated : 05/06/2007

south-pacific.travel is seeking a suitable consultant to develop a Regional Action Strategy for â€œGreen Tourismâ€�. Interested applicants must be passport holders of a ACP member nation or of the European Union.

Updated : 23/05/2007

south-pacific.travel recently coordinated a Marketing Director's Workshop with a theme "Tourism Marketing for USD2B by 2010â€�.

Updated : 09/05/2007

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Culture and Tourism is looking for a suitable experienced candidate to undertake a Feasibility Study for the Establishment of an Institute of Tourism Studies

Updated : 27/04/2007

south-pacific.travel is seeking a suitable consultant to develop a Regional Cruise Shipping Development Strategy. Applications close 25th May 2007.

Updated : 12/04/2007

south-pacific.travel has organised it's first 'Japan Starter Pack'

Updated : 05/04/2007

south-pacific.travel is seeking an experienced person with appropriate skills to fill in the vacant role of ICT Coordinator. Applications for this role close Friday 27th April 2007.

Updated : 05/09/2006

Presentations of SPTO's SME Workshop held in Nadi in July 2006 are now available online.

Updated : 20/06/2006

Press
The recently developed Code of Practice for the Tourism Industry was officially launched by SPTO at the Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange (BFTE) in Nadi.

Updated : 03/05/2006

Press
SPTO awards Reserve Group NZ with project to redesign web sites of South Pacific tourism agencies. To be funded by EU.

Updated : 03/05/2006

Press
SPTO have lauched Kiribati's first official tourism website.

Updated : 21/04/2006

Vacancy.
The South Pacific Tourism Organisation is calling for applications to the post of Chief Executive Officer. Vacancy closes May 31st 2006.

Updated : 06/04/2006

Press
SPTO's Internet based toolkit for small and medium sized enterprises is proving to be a success

Updated : 24/03/2006

Press
SPTO wins award for the Pacific Village stand at ITB 2006

Updated : 09/02/2006

Press
Call for expresssions of interest from consultants. Under the EU funded REIP program, SPTO has a variety of openings for short term consultants. Closing March 17th 2005.

Updated : 08/12/2005

Press
Developing South Pacific Tourism Statistical Systems

Updated : 08/12/2005

Press
Pacific Tourism Continues to Grow in the First Six Months of 2005

Updated : 08/12/2005

Press
New web-based toolkit for the Tourism Industry launched by SPTO

Updated : 20/11/2005

Press
South Pacific Commits to Sustainable Tourism Development at Regional Tourism Conference in PNG.

Updated : 07/10/2005

PRESS
SPTO concludes successful workshop in Samoa on regional accommodation standards.

Updated : 17/08/2005

PRESS
New SPTO Research Identifies Chinese Demand For South Pacific Holidays But Many Issues Still To Be Addressed

Updated : 10/08/2005

PRESS
Developing South Pacific Tourism Marketing Skills.

Updated : 15/06/2005

PRESS
Sustaining a Viable Future for Tourism.

Updated : 08/06/2005

PRESS
Fishing Holiday Market under threat.

Updated : 18/05/2005

Press
SPTO Identifies Significant Growth In Tourism From Chinese Arrivals

Updated : 10/05/2005

Press
Solomon Islands Tourism Moving Forward

Updated : 02/05/2005

Press
Tourism in the South Pacific Continue to thrive

Updated : 12/04/2005

PRESS
SPTO Web Site Provides Hotel and Resort Video Previews

Updated : 21/03/2005

PRESS
SPTO supports sustainable tourism development in the Pacific

Updated : 10/03/2005

PRESS
China outbound tourism
growing rapidly

Updated : 28/02/2005

Call for Expressions of Interest
SPTO wishes to engage the services of a graphic design consultancy / agency, for the design and production of Tourism Marketing Brochures.

Updated : 26/01/2005

PRESS
The Internet drives growth in Tourism

Updated : 19/12/2004

PRESS
Tourism investment in the South Pacific on the increase.

Updated : 30/11/2004

PRESS
SPTO says Package Holidays will continue to be hit by Internet.

Updated : 22/10/2004

PRESS
Tourism as an instrument for achieving the Pacific Vision

Updated : 21/10/2004

SPTO Vacancy
We are looking for a Java Web Developer. Applications close Friday 12th Nov 2004.

Updated : 11/10/2004

NOTICE
BFTE 2005 Registration.
To avoid dissapointment, BOOK NOW!

Updated : 06/10/2004

PRESS
Find out whats happening in the Dive market

Updated : 01/10/2004

PRESS
The 2nd Quarter Tourist Arrivals Statistics for 2004 have finally been released.

Updated : 27/09/2004

NOTICE
"PROFIT in the Pacific" partneship meeting.
Please note that the Closing date for receiving the Expression of Interest (EOI) application forms is the 8th October 2004.

Updated : 07/09/2004

PRESS
SPTO takes its new web marketing system 'DiscoverParadise' to Papua New Guinea

Updated : 26/08/2004

SPTO launches its web marketing system, 'DiscoverParadise' to Vanuatu.

Updated : 23/08/2004

SPTO is looking to recruit a Policy and Project Analyst to be responsible for managing regional tourism development projects, as well as preparing specific policy and project proposals for donor funding.

Updated : 07/07/2004

Sea Kayaking a rapidly growing sector in the Pacific tourism market. For more details,

Updated : 27/05/2004

Marketing Workshop aimed at upgrading skills of local operators and TPA staff. For more details,

Updated : 18/05/2004

Donor Forum initiated to highlight the needs of the Tourism Sector. For more details,

Updated : 08/04/2004

Tourism Arrivals in the South Pacific Reach New Peak, an increase of 6.3 percent on 2003. For full Press Release in PDF format,