Tourism plays a crucial role in Tonga's economy, contributing over TOP18 million to the GDP in 2022 and is projected to increase to TOP88 million by 2033. However, the industry has encountered significant challenges, initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently because of the volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022.
The nation is committed to rejuvenating its tourism sector, as outlined in the new Tonga Tourism Roadmap for 2025-2030, reports the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU).
Tonga's Tourism Roadmap is designed to guide the revitalisation of the nation's tourism sector and unlock its potential for sustainable growth. A key component of the Roadmap is climate change adaptation, ensuring that tourism development remains resilient and sustainable while safeguarding Tonga's natural assets and communities against environmental challenges. Additionally, the Roadmap emphasises the importance of e-commerce and investment as pivotal factors in advancing tourism development over the next five years.
The development of the Roadmap commenced with the National Tourism Forum organised by the Ministry of Tourism in Nuku’alofa on 13-14 March 2025 with participation by national tourism public and private sector representatives as well as regional and international tourism experts. Princess Salote Mafile'o Pilolevu Tuita, Patron of the Tonga Tourist Association, delivered the keynote address.
Viliami Takau, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism, emphasized that tourism is vital for Tonga’s economy. The National Tourism Forum will help ensure the Roadmap aligns with stakeholder priorities and offers a strategy for sustainable development over the next five years.
Siosaia Moehau, President of the Tonga Tourism Association, highlighted the importance of the Roadmap. He stated that while tourism has potential for private sector growth in Tonga, climate change and natural disasters have hindered progress. Mr. Moehau expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, stakeholders, and ITC to develop and implement the Roadmap.
The Roadmap is an initiative by the Government of Tonga, supported under the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme. It is funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and managed by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit. The Roadmap has been developed with the technical assistance of the International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization dedicated to enhancing trade competitiveness and economic transformation of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries. ITC’s collaboration with PACER Plus and Tonga is a crucial aspect of its efforts to assist Pacific nations in diversifying their economies, strengthening MSMEs, increasing international competitiveness, promoting digitalisation, and improving climate resilience.
Sylvie Bétemps Cochin, Chief of the Office for Asia and the Pacific of ITC, praised the collaboration. She highlighted its value to Tonga’s tourism and local communities, and spoke positively about partnering with PACER Plus.
The Roadmap will be finalized by October 2025, through consultations and workshops with public and private sector partners.
