Registrations are officially open for the 9th South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE), set to take place from May 9 to 10, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa, located in the vibrant tourist hub of Nadi, Fiji. This event is heralded as the largest and most thrilling tourism gathering in the Pacific, welcoming all tourism operators and stakeholders to participate.
Under the theme “Unity in Diversity: Exploring the Pacific’s Hidden Gems,” the SPTE 2025 is expected to attract over 150 international visitors, making it an unparalleled gathering for tourism professionals.
Organized by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA), the exchange provides a valuable platform for sellers from across the Pacific to present their unique offerings to global buyers.
The event will feature a diverse array of participants including national tourism offices, inbound tour operators, airlines, hoteliers, resort owners, transport operators, and those providing activities and shore excursions from SPTO’s 20 member countries across the Pacific Islands.
Attendees can look forward to networking with representatives from renowned destinations like American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Niue, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Rapanui Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis & Futuna.
Moreover, international buyers, including travel wholesalers, agencies, planners, and online travel agencies from over 25 significant global markets such as Australia, New Zealand, North America, the UK, Europe, China, and Asia, are expected to converge on Fiji to establish partnerships with Pacific tourism providers.
Christopher Cocker, CEO of SPTO, expressed enthusiasm for the support from sponsors Fiji Airways and Rosie Holidays, stating that their involvement reflects a commitment to rejuvenating tourism in the Pacific region.
Cocker emphasized that SPTE offers sellers a unique opportunity to connect with international buyers, promoting the authentic experiences that the Pacific is celebrated for. He described the event as a comprehensive venue for buyers to uncover new and exciting opportunities to enhance their travel offerings.
“Join us in May 2025 and be part of the future of Pacific tourism. This will be a dynamic showcase of the region, offering a vibrant journey filled with diverse cultures and tourism experiences,” Cocker said.
As registration opens on October 18, 2024, Cocker expressed confidence that SPTE 2025 will significantly enhance global visibility for the Pacific’s tourism sector while creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth.
SPTE 2025 promises to be more than just a business event; it aims to foster enduring relationships, cultural exchange, and the advancement of sustainable tourism throughout the Pacific. With sustainability as a core focus, the event will underscore the significance of preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage that define the Pacific.