The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) received the Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday 27 November, for its  project, the "Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) 2030."

Christopher Cocker, SPTO Chief Executive Officer, attended the award ceremony in Nairobi. He said the award was a significant achievement in SPTO's journey, “reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the Blue Pacific Continent for the benefit of communities, visitors, and future generations.”

SPTO's 20 Pacific Island member countries are committed to to sustainable tourism, he said.

SPTO took the top honour for "Promote PARTNERSHIPS for development in the Commonwealth" category.

He said the "Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework (PSTPF) 2030" initiative has set a new standard for sustainable development in the Pacific region, emphasizing policy guidance and integration.

He accepted the award on behalf of the SPTO member countries, the SPTO Division of Sustainable Tourism, the team at TRC Tourism, the Government of New Zealand, the United Nations Development Programme, and all contributors to this transformative framework.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Innovation for Sustainable Development Awards serves as a global platform recognizing the efforts of innovators in the public, private, and voluntary sectors across the Commonwealth, who are playing a crucial role in advancing progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).