The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (S.P.T.O.) have joined forces to promote healthy tourism in the region.

Under the new partnership, the organizations will promote smoke-free public places and increase opportunities for people to eat healthy local foods and get physically active. 

The partnership also aims to support improved accessibility for persons with disabilities in the tourism sector.

 “There’s growing demand for healthy tourism options. This is a great opportunity to not only expand the tourism market, but also promote health. Tourism is a major employer and driver of development in the Pacific, and eliminating employees’ exposure to tobacco smoke will result in a healthier, more productive workforce,” said Dr. Corinne Capuano, W.H.O. Representative for the South Pacific and Director of Pacific Technical Support. 

“Increasing opportunities for people to eat healthily and be physically active while ensuring tourist sites, public transport, hotels and restaurants are accessible to people with disabilities also has huge benefits for both visitors and local communities.”

Christopher Cocker, Chief Executive Officer, South Pacific Tourism Organisation said tourism is a leading industry for development in the Pacific and is expected to continue with a healthy and happy workforce that continues to serve our visitors well.

“When the workforce is productive, they will provide optimum service, whilst visitors to our shores enjoy their holiday and keep returning to our island destinations,” he said. 

“There is still a great need in the Pacific’s tourism industry to educate the workforce on healthy living, particularly in preventing N.C.D’s. We look towards preparing our workforce and upgrading tourism facilities to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. S.P.T.O. welcomes this partnership with W.H.O.”

In the coming year, the Pacific will welcome an estimated 2.1 million visitors who can benefit from this partnership to support Healthy Islands.