Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO)

The appointment was confirmed at the Organisation’s Board of Directors Meeting which took place virtually on 27 October.

Faamatuainu thanked his Pacific colleagues for the trust placed in him and acknowledged his predecessor, the late Josefa Tuamoto, CEO of Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau who held the position until his recent sudden passing.

Faamatuainu added that appointment is an honour and a privilege and he looks forward to contributing further to the work of the SPTO and the development of sustainable tourism in the Pacific region. 

Initially scheduled for 21-22 May, the first SPTO Board of Directors meeting for 2020 was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A new date has yet to be set, given the ongoing developments globally.

While confirming the appointment of Halatoa Fua (CEO Cook Islands Tourism Cooperation) as the interim Chairman of the Board, SPTO CEO, Christopher Cocker, explained that the unprecedented resignations of both the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Board had prompted the appointment.