SPTE Adelaide exchange

SUSTAINABLE tourism continues to be a strong focus for the travel industry, with the South Pacific Tourism 2018 Exchange driving home the message at its Adelaide event last week.

Buyers and sellers from Australia, Fiji, France, Italy, Netherlands, UK, USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea were in attendance, and were updated on the Organisation’s plans to maintain sustainable tourism in the region.

South Pacific Tourism Organisation ceo Christopher Cocker said “Our greatest assets are our people, environment & culture and we must protect and promote them through sustainable development.

“Hence this year, we are spreading the message that while we are proud to share our culture with the world, and welcome tourists and travellers to discover and experience our destinations, that they also respect our assets.”

The organisation also welcomed its first Pacific Ambassador, Miss Pacific Islands, Matauaina Gwendolyn To’omalata to the event, who spoke about the impact of climate change and how the region must work together to keep it safe.

“We are the custodians of our islands and we must make an effort to advocate for our tourism industry to go green,” she said.

Delegates at the Adelaide event are pictured.

For more information on the event, CLICK HERE.