Solomon Islands Assumes Chair of SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers
Solomon Islands has assumed the chairmanship of the South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) Council of Tourism Ministers’ from Tonga, following SPTO meetings in Honiara that concluded on Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The new chair, Minister for Culture and Tourism Hon. James Bonuga, will serve until the next SPTO meeting in Tarawa, Kiribati, in 2028.
In accepting the role, Minister Bonuga, assured his commitment to take on the role with responsibility, humility and a strong sense of duty.
“I assure you of my commitment to serve faithfully in this role, working collaboratively with fellow ministers, SPTO and our partners to advance our shared regional tourism priorities and strengthen cooperation across the Pacific,” he said.
Bonuga also thanked the outgoing chair Hon. Tevita Puloka from the Kingdom of Tonga for his leadership and commitment to Pacific tourism.
The SPTO Chair said Solomon Islands recognised that the chairmanship carried a responsibility beyond leading discussions.
“It is about fostering unity, encouraging action and ensuring that the Pacific’s collective voice remains strong in shaping the future of our tourism sector,” he said.
Minister Bonuga stressed the need to translate regional commitments into tangible outcomes, highlighting tourism’s role in cultural preservation, employment, investment, connectivity and resilience.
He called for stronger partnerships, greater private-sector participation and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
Minister Puloka congratulated the incoming chair and reaffirmed his support for Pacific tourism and shared regional priorities.
Reflecting on 2026, he said the year had brought continued progress while reinforcing the importance of regional cooperation.
“Our greatest strength as a region is our ability to work together, turn our shared priorities into practical programs, partnerships and evidence that strengthen our tourism economies and support our communities,” he said.
During Tonga’s chairmanship, the country supported efforts to strengthen SPTO’s operations and advance the region’s tourism interests at both regional and international levels.
Minister Puloka thanked fellow ministers, governments, the SPTO Board, management and staff, development partners and the wider tourism industry for their commitment and cooperation.
“Our task is not simply to grow tourism, but to ensure that tourism contributes meaningfully to resilient economies, thriving communities and a stronger Blue Pacific,” he said.
Source: Ministry of Culture & Tourism
