New standard for Pacific tourism sustainability

November 2, 2023

The launch of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standard (PSTS) is aiming to set a new milestone in sustainable tourism practices.

Providing guidance towards improved sustainability in tourism as required by the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF), the PSTS highlights the importance of shifting towards sustainable destination planning and management and tourism business practices that support prosperous and resilient economies.

It aims to deliver the following for destinations and the industry:

Direction and guidance to develop and implement national sustainability standards for SPTO member countries. This will act as a benchmark for each destination and the tourism industry to assess current performance, and to progressively build upon in areas requiring further development over time.
Support member countries and their tourism sector in becoming more sustainable through public and private sector partnerships and action.
Create awareness and encourage visitors to travel responsibly.

Advising that the launch of the Standard represented a significant step towards more responsible and sustainable tourism practices in the Pacific region, Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive, Christopher Cocker stated “the importance of collective action and that the standards provide another pathway for effecting transformative change in tourism by turning policy into action.

“We have heard in the last two days that the journey towards sustainable tourism cannot be embarked upon in isolation. We all need to work together – or nothing will move forward.

“As we look ahead, the next phase of implementation for the PSTS will involve raising awareness and implementing training programs, ensuring that the standards are effectively integrated into the operations of NTOs across the Pacific.”

The development of the PSTS was made possible through funding by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tourism Specialist Paul Davis noted “this has been actively worked on with the expert guidance of TRC Tourism and is now embraced by all your organisations.”

In April, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pacific Tourism Organisation to promote and strengthen shared interests between the two organisations in the areas of market access, innovative events, membership and communications.

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