Solomon Islands Hosts Landmark Sustainable Tourism Workshop

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Tourism Solomons, in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO), has brought together key stakeholders from across the region for a landmark workshop aimed at reshaping the future of Pacific tourism through sustainability.

Delegates attending the Sustainable Tourism Workshop in Honiara.

 

The multi-day Sustainable Tourism Workshop, held in Munda and Honiara, marked an important step in the collective effort to safeguard the Pacific environment, reduce ecological footprints, and ensure tourism benefits flow meaningfully to local communities.

Tackling Single-Use Plastics

At the heart of the discussions was the urgent need to phase out Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in the tourism sector. Participants were introduced to the new Standards and Certification Programme and Implementation Toolkit, designed to help operators, communities, and governments work together towards this goal.

Stakeholders also received updates on SPREP’s Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), which is driving regional efforts to reduce plastic waste and strengthen sustainable waste management practices.

Regional Tourism Priorities

The workshop highlighted broader regional initiatives, including:

  • The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) and Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standards (PSTS).
  • A strategic partnership between SPTO and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) to support plastic reduction.

Spotlight on Gastronomy Tourism

Beyond waste management, the workshop explored the growing potential of Gastronomy Tourism as part of the Sustainable Gastronomy Tourism Initiative. This initiative links farmers with tourism operators to create authentic food-based experiences that promote local cuisine, support farmers, and boost sustainable livelihoods.

Tools for Action

Participants worked to identify tools, resources, and gaps that will empower decision-makers—particularly in Munda and Honiara—to accelerate sustainable practices. The outcomes are expected to strengthen efforts across the Pacific to embed sustainability in the tourism industry.

A Regional Commitment

The initiative falls under the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), a regional body established by Pacific governments to protect and manage the environment.

The workshop is seen as a milestone in uniting regional tourism and environmental stakeholders, ensuring that sustainability is not only a guiding principle but also a practical pathway for Pacific tourism’s future.

Media Release | Tourism Solomon


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