Women businesses urged to consider tourism opportunity
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is introducing a dedicated Women in Business (WIB) component at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2026.
This milestone initiative is designed to celebrate, support, and elevate women-led small businesses and associations across the Pacific tourism sector.
SPTE, which is scheduled for March 25-26, will provide a powerful platform for selected women entrepreneurs to showcase their unique, authentic, and culturally distinctive products and experiences to international buyers, tourism operators, and industry stakeholders. The initiative aims to create meaningful economic opportunities while strengthening visibility for women-led enterprises that contribute to the region’s vibrant tourism offering.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Chris Cocker said the Women in Business programme represents an important step toward the empowering of women, celebrating the important role women play in the tourism industry as well as inclusive, sustainable tourism growth across the Pacific.
“The introduction of the Women in Business component at SPTE 2026 aims to create pathways for Pacific women entrepreneurs to share their stories, grow their businesses, and connect with new markets. We warmly encourage our member countries attending SPTE 2026 to support and champion women-led enterprises that reflect the authentic spirit of the Pacific,” said Cocker.
Participating businesses will have the opportunity to display and sell their products during SPTE 2026, engage with international tourism buyers, and strengthen their business networks within the regional tourism industry.
SPTO is working with 15 National Tourism Organisations (NTO) that have confirmed attended at SPTE 2026, which will nominate one (1) women-led small business or women’s association from their country to participate in the inaugural WIB showcase. The nominated business should represent a product or experience that highlights the unique identity, craftsmanship, and storytelling of its destination.
Each nominated business may register up to two representatives, with a participation fee of FJ $800 for one delegate or FJ $1,000 for two delegates. The fee covers participation in the WIB programme, venue facilities, exhibition setup, catering, and access to SPTE networking functions. Participating businesses will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
Through this initiative, SPTO aims to strengthen women empowerment, regional collaboration, celebrate Pacific creativity, promote product differentiation amongst SPTO member countries and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth through tourism.
SPTO encourages NTOs attending SPTE 2026 to actively support nominated businesses by assisting with preparations for SPTE participation and serving as liaison partners between SPTO and the selected enterprises. NTOs may also consider supporting registration or participation costs to help strengthen representation from their destination.
Nominations must be submitted to SPTO no later than Friday, 6 March 2026.
