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In a move to transform the Pacific tourism landscape, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NZMFAT) has launched a new and free virtual Pacific Digital Marketing Training Programme as part of the Pacific Digital Tourism Transformation Project.
This PDTTP initiative is aimed to boost digital marketing, sustainable tourism development, and tourism research & statistics, while creating a new benchmark for the region’s approach to tourism in the digital age.
Targeting South Pacific Tourism Organisations (SPTO) government member countries and private sector industry members, it is already gaining traction, with a lead digital specialist, along with three digital champions driving the transformation, conducting in-person training sessions across 21 SPTO member countries.
These sessions, focusing on Social Media, SEO, and GA4, have reached 499 participants from nations including Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and Fiji.
The initiative has also embraced the digital era through the introduction of seven marketing e-modules, accessible via the SPTO Digital Training Portal. This platform, a cornerstone of the project, has already onboarded 700 participants as of February 2024, with its capacity for 1500 users highlighting the project’s ambitious scope.
Feedback from participants highlights the project’s impact. Cook Islands Tourism general marketing manager, Daniel Fisher has praised the workshops for enhancing digital visibility. “The workshops were a great opportunity for tourism stakeholders to learn about the latest digital marketing trends and how they can use these trends to promote their tourism products and services.” “We are confident that the knowledge gained from these workshops will help improve our digital visibility.” he says.
Sophie Bessou director of sales and marketing for Tahiti Tourisme highlighted the relevance of the topics discussed and also provided feedback, that there is a good format that caters to a wide range of delegates. “It would be great to have regular updates because technology changes rapidly.” she says.
The practical skills was also echoed by Christel Bole of Air New Zealand’s Tahiti Office, who appreciated the focus on digital tools tailored for the tourism sector.
“There is good coverage of digital tools applicable for Tahiti and focus on the tourism sector. The 1.5 days are short enough and avoid being away from the office for too long.” says Christel.
The project not only equips participants with the tools to thrive in the digital landscape but also offers a collaborative spirit among Pacific nations, united in their goal to promote sustainable and digitally savvy tourism.
