In March this year, Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia hosted a series of workshops to build digital capacity among tourism operators in some of the Pacific’s remote tourism destinations. Onorina Fugawai, PTI Australia Tourism Manager, travelled to Nauru, Kiribati, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to deliver sessions to over 50 tourism operators on digital payment processing and how to increase direct bookings using Google’s “Digital Marketing Playbook”.
Fugawai said the trip was a two-way learning process, offering deep insights into the unique tourism industries of these stunning destinations, and offering further understanding of their individual strengths, specialities and ingenuities.
“PTI’s recent workshops in the Small Island States were flush with experience from all sides of the tourism industry, hosting people from accommodation, transport, food and beverage, entertainment, tour and activity, and public sectors. The rooms were abuzz with knowledge exchange and enriched learnings. It was a great reminder of the Pacific’s inherent aptitude when it comes to all things travel.”
“I went to the North Pacific thinking we were going to support tourism operators to attract more tourists; however, I quickly learned that many operators don’t need or want more tourists; they are after the right kind of tourist. Moreover, they have a firm idea of who that tourist is. Our role is to listen and provide efficient tools to connect them with their target audience.”
From street barbeques to karaoke halls, along with picturesque camping, fishing and diving, the North Pacific offers unparalleled experiences to those who visit their shores. Fugawai notes that certain niche markets may be well placed to consider the Small Island States as their holiday destination of choice.
“Diaspora tourism is a growing market, as second-generation Pacific Australians explore the expanse of their region. With the North Pacific offering enriched cultural and community-based activities, a deepened relationship with the diaspora tourist market could prove to be fruitful. Further, university- and sports-based group travel offers an opportunity for sustainable growth and reciprocal relationship building,” said Fugawai.
PTI Australia is committed to supporting tourism operators in the Small Island States with the most efficient tools to connect with their customers and potential customers, in order to boost the region’s economic growth and create opportunities for sustainable employment.
PTI Australia’s Advanced Digital Tourism Workshops are part of the Digital Tourism Program and were delivered in partnership with Nauru Tourism, Tourism Authority Kiribati, and the RMI Office of Commerce.
Founded in 1979, PTI Australia is an agency of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Funded by the Australian Government, it facilitates trade and investment in the Pacific Islands.
