The Ministry of Tourism’s announced its Tourism Roadmap for 2025-2030 aiming to rejuvenate the tourism sector after recent setbacks. The industry, which contributed over TOP18 million to the GDP in 2022, is projected to grow to TOP88 million by 2033.
The 2-day National Tourism Forum held in Nuku’alofa, marked the beginning of this initiative. The event gathered representatives from both public and private sectors, along with regional and international experts.
Her Royal Highness Princess Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita, Patron of the Tonga Tourist Association, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to tourism development.
Viliami Takau, CEO of Tonga’s Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the sector’s significance, saying, “Tourism is a critical sector for Tonga’s economy, and the Roadmap will be instrumental in guiding the Ministry as well as key stakeholders on how best we can tap into potential of tourism to drive sustainable development for Tonga.”
Siosaia Moehau, President of the Tonga Tourism Association, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to work alongside the Ministry of Tourism and other key stakeholders, with the technical support of ITC, to develop this Roadmap and ensure its implementation.”
Supported by the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Development and Economic Cooperation Work Programme, and funded by the governments of Australia and New Zealand, the Roadmap is being developed with technical assistance from the International Trade Centre (ITC).
Sylvie Bétemps Cochin, Chief of the Office for Asia and the Pacific of ITC, remarked, “We are thrilled about this project and the significant value it brings to Tonga’s tourism industry and local communities.”
The Roadmap emphasizes climate change adaptation, e-commerce, and investment as key drivers for sustainable growth. It is expected to be finalized by October following a series of consultations and workshops with stakeholders across various sectors.
