The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has successfully conducted an intensive five-day tourism research and data training program in Kiritimati Islands (February 12-18), aimed at enhancing data collection, analysis, and informed decision-making for sustainable tourism growth. Supported by the New Zealand Government, this initiative aligns with regional strategies to boost tourism resilience and competitiveness in the Pacific.

The training gathered key stakeholders from government ministries, conservation agencies, the National Tourism Office (NTO), and the National Statistics Office (NSO), ensuring a collaborative approach to tourism development. The program focused on strengthening research methodologies and introducing key survey initiatives under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), such as the International Visitor Survey (IVS), Community Attitude Survey (CAS), and Business Confidence Index (BCI).

SPTO’s Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Cocker, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating:
“Data is the backbone of strategic tourism planning. By equipping our stakeholders with research skills, we empower them to make data-driven decisions that contribute to sustainable tourism growth.”

Bridging Tourism Data Gaps

Government officials from the Ministry of Tourism in Kiritimati Islands welcomed the training, recognizing its role in bridging tourism data gaps and fostering public-private partnerships. Discussions focused on data-sharing protocols, best practices in tourism analytics, and strategies to enhance visitor experiences.

One of the most significant outcomes of the training was the identification of key tourism indicators essential for monitoring sustainable tourism development. These indicators include:

• Environmental: Energy efficiency, waste management, conservation efforts.
• Socio-cultural: Local employment, community engagement, heritage preservation.
• Economic: Tourism revenue trends, foreign investments, market demand fluctuations.

Empowering Sustainable Tourism Management

Stakeholders engaged in interactive workshops designed to highlight the importance of accurate and reliable data in shaping tourism policies. The training reinforced the need for evidence-based tourism management, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities while preserving cultural heritage and the natural environment.

Mr. Cocker reiterated the long-term vision:
“Sustainable tourism is not just about increasing visitor numbers. It is about long-term benefits for local communities, economic stability, and environmental conservation. Through this training, we are laying a foundation for stronger tourism governance in Kiritimati Islands.”

Commitment to Data-Driven Growth

Following the program, stakeholders in Kiritimati Islands have committed to:
Integrating data-driven decision-making in tourism planning.
Enhancing inter-agency collaboration for stronger tourism research.
Adopting best practices for data collection and analysis.

This initiative is part of SPTO’s ongoing regional efforts, with backing from the New Zealand Government, to modernize tourism research, strengthen industry data, and create a more resilient Pacific tourism sector.

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