South Pacific Tourism Organsiation outlines strategy for growing cruise

SPTO chief executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi said the strategy ‘will propel the Pacific cruise industry to reach its full potential.’

Linda Kalpoi, gm of the Vanuatu Tourism Office, said the PCTDS will be very useful, especially for the smaller members of SPTO who are finding their way in cruise tourism.

‘This strategy is very good for us in Tonga to help us develop our cruise ship market,’ Owen Pau’u, acting gm of Tonga Tourism Authority, said.

The strategy focusses on creating capability, addressing impediments to effect improvements and promoting the region to the cruise industry, as well as
building awareness of the importance and potential of cruise tourism to the Pacific and enhancing cooperation and collaboration between the region’s cruise tourism stakeholders.

The presentation was made by Ted Blamey, principal of Sydney-based CHART Management at the 25th SPTO's council of tourism ministers meeting, held in Papeete. Delegates registered from the 18 member countries included the President of New Caledonia, Harold Martin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Moana Carasses and the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Henry Pun.

Blamey said the strategy’s vision is ‘a unified Pacific region that sees steady, sustainable growth in cruise tourism, enhancing its global reputation and benefiting its people, the cruise lines and their guests.'