NADI, Fiji, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Tourism leaders are urging a more unified and strategic approach to safeguard the future of the Pacific's vital tourism industry, as global competition intensifies and destinations work to recover and rebuild in a post-pandemic environment.
Speaking at the opening of the South Pacific Tourism Exchange in Nadi, Fiji's third largest city, on Wednesday, Peter Semone, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, underscored the importance of tourism as a cornerstone of economic stability across the region.
He noted that for nearly two-thirds of Pacific Small Island Developing States, tourism contributes more than 20 percent of Gross Domestic Product, making it one of the most critical sectors for employment, foreign exchange earnings, and national development.
Semone emphasized that while many global destinations compete on the traditional appeal of "sun, sea, and sand," the Pacific offers something deeper: authentic cultural experiences and strong community connections.
Echoing these sentiments, Chris Cocker, CEO of the Pacific Tourism Organization, encouraged stakeholders to turn dialogue into concrete action.
He highlighted that long-term success will depend on strengthening partnerships, improving regional connectivity, and safeguarding the Pacific's distinct identity in the global tourism landscape.
Cocker also pointed to strong international interest in the region, with more than 2,600 pre-scheduled business meetings taking place during the exchange.
This year's event has drawn 157 organizations, including 82 sellers and 60 buyers, from 30 countries, representing 17 Pacific nations and 16 key tourism markets.
Speaking to tourism leaders and industry partners, Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka described the annual exchange as a vital platform that connects the Pacific to global markets while strengthening partnerships within the region's tourism community.
He noted projections from the World Travel and Tourism Council showing that Oceania's tourism sector could add 112 billion U.S. dollars to the regional economy and create 1.1 million jobs by 2034.
Achieving this growth will require coordinated policies, strategic investments, and stronger collaboration among Pacific nations, he said.
"The Pacific is not a collection of small, isolated markets, but a region of collective strength, diversity, and opportunity," Gavoka said. ■
