May 26, 2026
Fiji has secured the bid to host the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2027 following a vote in favour by the Pacific Tourism Organisation Board of Directors during its meeting in Nadi last week.
The decision followed deliberations by the Board on expressions of interest submitted by Fiji and Tahiti Tourisme to host the region’s premier tourism trade event. After discussions, the Board approved in principle Fiji as the host venue for SPTE 2027 and directed the SPTO Secretariat to progress engagement with Fiji on confirmed arrangements.
The outcome reinforces Fiji’s position as a key regional tourism hub and reflects confidence in the country’s ability to successfully deliver one of the Pacific’s most important tourism business events.
SPTE serves as the Pacific’s leading tourism marketplace, connecting international buyers with tourism operators and National Tourism Offices from across the region. The annual event plays a critical role in driving visitor demand, strengthening partnerships, and creating business opportunities for Pacific tourism stakeholders.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker shared that the Board’s decision highlights Fiji’s continued leadership and strong contribution to regional tourism development.
“SPTE is one of the Pacific’s most important tourism platforms, and Fiji has consistently demonstrated its capability to host high-quality regional events that deliver real value to the tourism industry,” he said.
“The Board recognised Fiji’s strong commitment to the current SPTE structure and its ongoing support for regional tourism collaboration. Hosting SPTE 2027 will provide another important opportunity to showcase not only Fiji, but the wider Pacific tourism product to international markets.”
The Board also noted Fiji’s feedback expressing satisfaction with the current arrangement of holding Fiji Tourism Exchange (FTE) and SPTE consecutively, recognising the operational and commercial value this brings to industry partners and international buyers.
In discussions, Fiji further proposed that should SPTE be hosted elsewhere in future years, the event would subsequently return to Fiji for the following two consecutive years—a reflection of the country’s long-term commitment to supporting regional tourism growth.
The announcement comes as Pacific tourism continues to strengthen recovery efforts, expand market visibility, and increase regional cooperation. SPTE 2027 is expected to further elevate Pacific tourism offerings while creating direct business and networking opportunities for operators across the Blue Pacific.
Further details on SPTE 2027, including dates and programme arrangements, are expected to be confirmed following consultations between SPTO and Tourism Fiji. For enquiries, please contact Kiniviliame Raicebe at kraicebe@spto.org
