Thirty-six participants from 10 Pacific Island Countries have completed the Pacific Tourism Organisation’s (SPTO) Tourism SME Recovery training of trainers programme.

Participants included representatives from National Tourism Organisations, local training providers and private sector representatives from tourism private sector associations and tourism SME owners. The 4-week training was facilitated by Maleta Tokwakwasi and her Assistant Trainer Christine Peipul of VilLink Ltd in Papua New Guinea.

Launched in 2021 through a collaboration between the SPTO, the Embassy of the United States of America and the Travel Foundation, the online training is based on seven chapters of the SPTO SME Recovery Toolkit; from understanding evolving market trends, to how to design and adapt products and health, safety, and security considerations. Moreover, the programme also addressed pricing techniques, market access, customer service and online sales and marketing.

In congratulating the trainees for completing the programme, SPTO Chairman Petero Manufolau commended the participants for their commitment and perseverance as it was not easy finding time from their busy schedules to attend the virtual sessions and complete assignments.

He added that this was a critical time for the tourism industry as it progresses towards the reopening of borders to international travel and tourism.  Mr. Manufolau also acknowledged that future successes would require a shift in mindset and commitment in order to ensure that tourism was environmentally responsible, socially acceptable and economically viable for SMEs in the region.

“I trust that what you have learnt through this programme will contribute to business success and improved quality of services provided to visitors in your respective countries. The challenge in moving forward will be the application of the skills you have attained from this experience and the ways in which you can share your knowledge and contribute towards making tourism a vehicle for positive change,” Mr Manufolau said.

Further to the above, Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) Programme Adviser Rose Kitua acknowledged the commitment of the participants, who completed the training in a very short period of time. She also noted the important collaboration between PIFS and SPTO that facilitated the successful delivery of the training, which contributes towards the overall implementation of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework and collective efforts towards achieving the aspirations of the 2050 Blue Pacific Strategy and national sustainable development priorities of Pacific Island Countries.

Speaking on behalf of the training beneficiaries, Matelita Katamotu of Fiji thanked the SPTO and PIFS for providing the training as a platform to support SMEs like her small tour operating business.  In thanking the trainers, she added that she takes away so much from the training and looks forward to presenting improved products and experiences as the Pacific welcomes back international guests.

SPTO acknowledges with deep appreciation, funding support for the training which was provided under the Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building Facility (TECCBUF), funded by the European Union through the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS).