The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has won the ‘Promote Partnerships for Development in the Commonwealth’ award category at the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards 2023 held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The awards ceremony – that brought together individuals and groups worldwide – recognised SPTO for its contributions to communities, countries and regions within the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards serves as a global platform to honour and celebrate the remarkable efforts of innovators in the public, private, and voluntary sectors across the Commonwealth.
These individuals and organisations, including SPTO, are pivotal in advancing progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In receiving the award in Nairobi, SPTO chief executive Christopher Cocker said the award reminded the organisation of its duty to serve and inspire its member countries and wider tourism stakeholders.
He said the achievement marked a significant milestone in SPTO’s journey, reaffirming its dedication to safeguarding the Blue Pacific Continent for the benefit of communities, visitors, and future generations.
“Winning the Commonwealth Innovation Award is a significant acknowledgment of our 20 SPTO Pacific Island member countries’ commitment to sustainable tourism,” Mr Cocker said in a statement.
“The PSTPF 2030 embodies our vision of a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive tourism sector. This award underscores our efforts to improve the well-being of our communities and protect and promote our rich cultures, islands, and ocean ecosystems through sustainable tourism.
“It aligns perfectly with our vision of empowering the Pacific Islands through sustainable tourism and our mission of driving sustainable tourism development through innovative partnerships.
“This recognition from such a prestigious platform not only honours and recognises our current efforts but also strengthens our resolve to continue our mission to better the Pacific region.”
Mr Cocker acknowledged the Commonwealth Secretariat for enabling SPTO to physically attend the awards ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya.
