The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) was honored to participate in the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit, hosted by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in Vava’u, Tonga. The event brought together representatives from 19 Pacific Island countries to reaffirm, realign, and recommit to a shared vision for sustainable tourism across the region.
The Summit was opened under the gracious patronage of Her Royal Highness, the Princess of the Kingdom of Tonga, who reminded participants that “tourism should be the vessel for diplomacy.” Her words captured the essence of the Summit’s spirit - a call for collaboration, connection, and mutual respect across the islands. As echoed throughout the event, the Tongan proverb “‘Ikai ha to‘a ‘e tu‘u tokotaha” (No warrior stands alone) beautifully expressed the collective determination of Pacific nations to work together for a resilient and inclusive tourism future.
The gathering served as a mid-term reflection on the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework, which guides the region through four core goals:
- Prosperous Economies
- Thriving and Inclusive Communities
- Visible and Valued Cultures
- Healthy Islands and Oceans
As part of the panel discussion on “Enabling Economic Opportunities for Tourism,” ATTA’s Oceania Regional Manager, Lea Faccarello, shared how adventure tourism can strengthen Pacific Island economies and community resilience. She highlighted that the rich and authentic storytelling of Pacific Island nations is one of their greatest assets for sustainable tourism, offering travelers experiences rooted in identity, connection, and purpose.
Also joining the panel was Karla Eggelton, Chief Executive Officer of ATTA member Cook Islands Tourism, who presented how the Cook Islands Government is taking a bold step toward a sustainable and inclusive future with the establishment of the Destination Stewardship Advisory Group (DSAG) - a model that embodies community-driven tourism leadership.
Through its participation, ATTA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pacific destinations in harnessing the power of adventure tourism as a catalyst for economic opportunity, cultural pride, and environmental stewardship, ensuring the region’s tourism future remains both sustainable and deeply rooted in the spirit of the Pacific.