Year for development celebrated

Participants at the 2015 South Pacific Tourism Exchange were hosted to a morning tea to commemorate the European Year of Development in Melbourne, Australia, yesterday (Friday CIT).

The event was organised by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and supported by the European Union through the Pacific Regional Tourism and Capacity Building Programme.

Participating travel agents were briefed on the extensive work being carried out in the tourism sector by the European Union.

As a way to further acknowledge the work of the European Union, SPTO had also invited the travel agents from Europe to participate on stage during the presentation.

Speaking at the event, SPTO Chief Executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi said the EU funded project is a major contributor to training in the region and the SPTE 2015 was a great way to commemorate this relationship:

“As a donor recipient organization we had to think of an exciting way to celebrate EYD and to acknowledge the support of the EU in our activities,” he said.

Vuidreketi also said they were very pleased to be able to involve their European travel agents, who are tax payers themselves and who make this funding possible.

“We are pleased to have been able to play our role in promoting the EU at our international event and this is a show of our commitment and gratitude to the EU for the funding support which makes our major training and capacity building exercises possible in the region.”

2015 is the European Year for Development.

During the year, the European Union will shine the spotlight on their partner countries and highlight work in the field.