Fiji Airways and the South Pacific Cruise Alliance (SPCA) have been appointed to the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Board of Directors.

In addition, existing Private Sector Board Directors terms were renewed for three years “in light of complexities presented by CoViD-19”, the organisation stated.

The two new Board members will sit alongside lifelong member Robert Skews (Turama Pacific) and renewed members Brian Kirsch (Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association) and Ali Serhan (Warwick Le Lagoon Resort and Spa), as private sector representatives.

Fiji Airways has replaced Air Niugini as the Board’s airline representative, while SPCA have replaced Tahiti Nui Travel as a niche specialist operator.

SPTO CEO, Christopher Cocker welcomed both Fiji Airways and SPCA to the Board.

“Representing regional airlines and cruising industries, they will no doubt provide an important perspective that is critical to the Pacific Tourism Industry, particularly as we prepare for reactivation post pandemic”.

“The private sector plays an extremely important role in the tourism industry and their inclusion on our Board of Directors is indicative of the value we place on their contributions to the Pacific tourism industry”.

SPCA Chairman Bud Gilroy said SPCA was honoured to be sitting on the board of SPTO, representing the cruising industry in the Pacific.

“We strongly believe that our close collaboration with SPTO will grow this industry for the region and help the recovery of tourism post pandemic."

The SPTO Board of Directors comprises of 20 Pacific Island government members and China, as well as four private sector representatives.

The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region.