Press Releases
Looking for more press releases? Explore our full press release archive by date to access past announcements, news updates, and media releases published on Cook Islands Travel Daily.

SPREP and SPTO Unite for Sustainable Pacific Tourism
11 November 2023, Rarotonga, Cook Islands – The pursuit of sustainable tourism development in the Pacific region, where people and the environment take center stage, has received a tremendous boost with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding...

Pacific Tourism Organisation Attends China International Travel Mart (CITM) 2023
To enhance regional collaboration and tap into the booming Chinese tourism market, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) will lead and coordinate the Pacific’s presence at the 24th China International Travel Mart (CITM) in Kunming, Yunnan...

Pacific Tourism Organisation’s Participation in UNESCO Regional Workshop Strengthens World Heritage Site Initiatives in the Pacific
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) recently participated in a UNESCO Regional Workshop held from November 1st to 3rd at the Tanoa International Hotel, Nadi. This workshop brought together Culture and UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) focal...

2023 Pacific Sustainable Tourism Summit delegates deliberate on Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standard
The recent Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit held in Tahiti, French Polynesia from 16 – 17 October saw delegates deliberating on the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standard during a side event on 16 October. Facilitated by the Pacific...

The Imperative for Tourism Academic Development in the Pacific Region
Tourism is a cornerstone of the Pacific region’s economy, contributing significantly to national development. However, there is a glaring gap in the availability of skilled labour, particularly in higher positions within the tourism sector. This...

Pacific Tourism Organisation (Spto) Announces Successful Conclusion Of 32nd Council Of Ministers Of Tourism Meeting
The Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) successfully concluded its 32nd Council of Ministers of Tourism meeting at the Presidency in Pape’ete, French Polynesia. In chairing the council meeting, French Polynesian President His Excellency Hon....

Pacific Tourism Organisation Launch of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standard (PSTS)
The 2nd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit witnessed a historic moment with the official launch of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standard (PSTS), setting a new benchmark in sustainable tourism practices. The Pacific Tourism...

New Caledonian Contingent Confirmed for Tourism Meetings in Tahiti
The Pacific Tourism Organisation(SPTO) welcomes confirmation that Honourable Mickael Forrest, Minister of International Tourism Development of New Caledonia, will lead New Caledonia’s contingent to the upcoming Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)...

French Polynesia President to Spearhead Pacific Region’s Tourism Renaissance at SPTO Meetings
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is delighted to announce that His Excellency the President Moetai Brotherson, and Minister responsible for Tourism, French Polynesia, will lead a prominent home delegation from French Polynesia at the...

Pacific Tourism Organisation: Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting Gets a Revitalising Makeover
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) proudly announces a transformative shift in its annual Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting (COTMM) format. The highlight of this year’s COTMM will be the introduction of an open session featuring dynamic...

Việt Nam, Cook Islands set up diplomatic ties
VIETNAM, April 26 - Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyễn Văn Trung, and Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, signed the joint communique announcing the establishment of diplomatic relations between Việt...

SPREP and SPTO place sustainable tourism development on centre stage with MOU
11 November 2023, Rarotonga, Cook Islands - The pursuit of sustainable tourism development in the Pacific region, where people and the environment take center stage, has received a tremendous boost with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding...

Tourism Panel For Climate Change Announces Inclusion Of Important Pacific Voice
The Pacific Tourism Organisation congratulated Massey University and SPTO Pacific Islands Tourism Research Symposium (PITRS) chair Dr. Apisalome Movono on his appointment as a Lead Expert on the Tourism Panel for Climate Change (TPCC), launched on...

Pacific Resort Hotel Group Celebrates Triple Win at the World Travel Awards 2023
Pacific Resort Hotel Group celebrates remarkable success at the World Travel Awards 2023, with three prestigious awards honouring their properties. Pacific Resort Aitutaki crowned Oceania’s Leading Resort 2023 for the second consecutive year....

Pacific Tourism Organisation and Auckland University of Technology complete Data Transfer Agreement.
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) have completed the required Data Transfer Agreement under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI). Taking effect from October 1st, 2023, the PTDI will be...

Your Guide to Planning the Perfect 2023 Pacific Summer Vacation
Summer 2023 is just around the corner, fellow wanderlusters! Are you ready for the ultimate adventure this season? Look no further than the breathtaking Pacific Islands! This sun-soaked paradise is beckoning you, and we promise you’ll have the...

Tonga Tourism Industry Embraces Digital Transformation with Pacific Digital Champions Training
Tongan tourism industry leaders and key stakeholders solidified their dedication to embracing digital transformation. This commitment took shape during their participation in the Pacific Digital Champions training program from 15th-16th August,...

Pacific Island Tourism is on the Surge Again, But its Character is Changing
Pacific Islands have been likened to paradise by early European travellers. The climate, the nature, and the hospitality of local people make Pacific Islands seemingly perfect tourist destinations. Yet, the development and the impact of tourism...

Papua New Guinea becomes the 19th signatory of the Pacific Leader’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has welcomed Papua New Guinea as the most recent signatory of the Pacific Leader’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment (SOC), which consolidates support for collective action on the implementation of the Pacific...

Pacific Tourism Data Initiative is transitioning to a new home with the Pacific Tourism Organisation
The Pacific Tourism Organisation is pleased to announce the transition of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) from its current home at the New Zealand Tourism Research Institute (NZTRI) based at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT)...