Under the theme Sustainable Economic Development, the Partnership has collaborated through the EU-funded Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Programme (PRTCBP) for tourism development in the Pacific and will seek further opportunities for collaboration in the following areas:(i) Support the development of a sustainable tourism sector and its contribution to social and economic growth(ii) Promoting investment in tourism and its focal sectors, including eco-tourism, cultural tourism and agri-tourism(iii) Strengthen tourism private sector development in areas such as SMEs, cruise shipping, community based tourism, capacity building, research and statisticsThe South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the regional organisation mandated to market and develop the region's tourism industry.

In developing implementation methodologies, the Partnership notes that Tourism is a key economic pillar in many South Pacific nations, and particular consideration of tourism’s needs and opportunities related to sustainable tourism development is critical. The partnership has explored opportunities for further collaboration in the following areas:(i) Support the development of a sustainable tourism sector and its contribution to social and economic growth(ii) Promoting investment in tourism and its focal sectors, including eco-tourism, cultural tourism and agri-tourism(iii) Strengthen tourism private sector development in areas such as SMEs, cruise shipping, community based tourism, capacity building, research and statistics.Project identification and formulation has been conducted through working groups consisting of all 15 Pacific ACP NAOs, ten Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP). Regional Non-state actors (NSAs), and other relevant development partners and technical organisations often attend these group sessions. This consultative process reduces the risk of duplication of activities, at the same time, increases the prospects for building complementary programmes. Implementation of project activities have been undertaken by the SPTO through a dedicated project team employed under the EU-funded Pacific Regional Tourism Capacity Building Programme (PRTCBP). Technical expertise has also been utilised in a number of activities.

Capacity building and knowledge/technology transfer will happen at multiple levels. Most directly, and within the South Pacific, capacity building initiatives in the tourism sector has been led by SPTO through regional forums and selected country workshops. The EU has supported SPTO in these initiatives and will continue to assist in the provision of input and expertise, if required. In addition, the EU will build capacity within the South Pacific by providing knowledge gained from other country projects, e.g. in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean or other comparable destinations.

The partnership has been governed through (i) the Regional Authorising Officer and (ii) a Component Steerig Committee(i) Regional Authorising Officer (RAO) : The Regional Authorising Officer is the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat which undertakes Regional Programming on behalf of the Pacific's 15 National Authorising Officers (NAOs)(ii) Component Steering Committee (SCS): Will consist of representatives from the EU, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and SPTO

South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Delegation of the Eropean Union for the Pacific (EU)