Adela Issachar Aru, the newly appointed Chairperson of the South Pacific Tourism Organisation, has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure connectivity to bolster tourism market access across the Pacific region. 

Aru highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in facilitating seamless travel experiences for tourists.

She emphasized the significance of platforms like the South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2024 in advocating for accessible tourism destinations, aiming to address the connectivity gap hindering the growth of the tourism sector in the Pacific.

Akuila Batiweti, Chief Marketing and Customer Officer for Fiji Airways, echoed Aru’s sentiments, revealing the airline’s proactive steps in response to the connectivity challenge. 

Batiweti disclosed that Fiji Airways has ramped up its flight schedules, particularly focusing on countries like Samoa and Tonga. 

Additionally, the airline has expanded flight frequencies and operating hours across various Pacific destinations to meet the evolving demands of travelers.

“We connect better with Australia and New Zealand and when our morning wave come from Canada or US or parts of Asia, it connects seamlessly to our transit straight to the Pacific islands”, Batiweti said.

“At the same time, when Pacific Islands come to Fiji, they connect straight away to our North bound flights”, he added.

The SPTO has put together an Aviation Steering Committee to better facilitate the accessibility of the tourism markets in the region.

The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or DFAt is supporting the SPTO on this to link the aviation and tourism sector.

SPTO CEO Chris Cocker says they are working closely with the donor to give tourists the best experience in the region.

“The tourist cycle is getting on a plane here, and returning back on a plane. It is the first and last impression of our region”, Cocker said.

“This is very vital to the experience of tourists in our region”, he added.