REGIONAL organisations, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community SPC and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation SPTO will sign an agreement next week, which should see them sharing a closer working relationship.
SPTO chief executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi said the agreement to be signed in Noumea NC, will see his organisation utilising the technical expertise of SPC experts.
For example, in the cruise ship industry, the SPC has two capable captains who could offer the technical expertise, which the SPTO lacks.
The SPTO is looking at cruise shipping for the years 2012 to 2014. Most of the SPTO members that have problems of access rely on cruise shipping. In the South Pacific, one of the country that has a well established cruise industry is French Polynesia/ Tahiti Nui.
Meanwhile, the SPTO is awaiting the release of funds from the European Union. The SPTO will receive funding under the 10th European Development for a number of projects including the marketing of its members.
The SPTO Council of Tourism Ministers met in Vanuatu recently where they agreed on a number of issues.
One is for the SPTO management to look for more funding. The council also agreed to discuss the relocation of the SPTO Suva office later.
However, the management has been tasked to boost the online presence of its members.
Magalie TINGAL
October 2011
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