Honiara will host Pacific tourism leaders to discuss regional cooperation, sustainable tourism, marketing and investment priorities.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with Tourism Solomons in collaboration with the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), will host the SPTO Board of Directors and Council of Tourism Ministers’ Meeting, from 20th– 22nd October in Honiara.
The three days meeting will bring together tourism Ministers and representatives from 15 Pacific Island SPTO member countries including Solomon Islands, to discuss, guide and make important decisions on the development of tourism across the Pacific region.
As SPTO’s highest decision-making body, the council meets annually to provide strategic direction for the organisation and its regional tourism priorities.
The key purpose of the meeting include;
- Provide strategic leadership and direction — Review and guide regional tourism policies, strategies and priorities to ensure tourism contributes to the Pacific’s economic and social development.
- Review and approve work plan and budgets — Consider SPTO’s annual program, activities and budgets to ensure resources are directed towards agreed regional tourism priorities.
- Promote sustainable tourism development — Encourage tourism that protects the Pacific’s natural environment, marine resources, cultural heritage and traditional values, while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
- Strengthen regional cooperation — Provide a platform for Ministers to share experiences, discuss common challenges, exchange best practices and coordinate tourism initiatives across member countries.
- Strengthen tourism marketing and promotion — Support joint efforts to promote Pacific as a tourism destination in international markets and increase the region’s visibility and competitiveness.
- Address common tourism challenges — Discuss issues such as air connectivity, climate change, disaster resilience, tourism investment, skills development and the participation of local businesses in the tourism industry.
- Monitor SPTO’s performance and accountability — Review progress on policies, strategies, programs, budgets and provide guidance to ensure SPTO delivers on its regional mandate.
The meeting will provide an important platform for Pacific Island governments to share experiences, address common challenges and strengthen their collective voice in advancing tourism as a driver of economic growth and social development across the region.
For Solomon Islands, hosting the meeting presents an opportunity to advance national tourism priorities at the regional level, strengthen regional and international tourism promotion and encourage investment, improved air connectivity and tourism infrastructure.
It will also enable the country to share tourism experiences and learn from other Pacific destinations and build partnerships with regional governments, development partners and tourism industry stakeholders.
These priorities aligned with SPTO’s regional mandate to support tourism marketing, sustainable development and cooperation across the Pacific.
Preparations are well underway, with meeting venues, accommodations and logistic are being set. The program will begin on Tuesday 20 October, with the SPTO Board of Directors’ Meeting during the day, followed by welcome reception in the evening. Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale is expected to be the guest of honour.
On Wednesday 21st October 2026, the actual Council of Tourism Ministers meeting will be in the morning and the donor partners dialogue meeting in the afternoon.
A day tour excursion for delegates is scheduled for Thursday 22nd October 2026 to Tulagi, Central Islands province, and return to Honiara for the farewell reception in the evening.
Delegations from SPTO member countries are arriving in the country over the weekend and some are expected today, ahead of the meeting tomorrow.
SOURCE// TOURISM SOLOMON PRESS RELEASE
