kabarsula Pacific tourism is booming, but lack of flights threatens growth bandar SLOT INDONESIA

Almost half of Pacific tourism operators have reported revenue growth over the past year, but limited international flights are holding the industry back, according to a new report.

The Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026 – Tourism Industry Spotlight, released by Pacific Trade Invest Australia (PTI Australia) and the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), found that 47 per cent of tourism operators had increased their revenue over the past 12 months, outperforming the broader Pacific export sector.

However, international air connectivity remains the industry’s biggest headache, with 44 per cent of operators identifying limited flights as a major barrier to growth, ahead of operating costs and access to finance.

Despite the strong performance, confidence in future growth remains below the Pacific average.

Marketing is another major concern, with half of operators seeking more support to promote their businesses, while 44 per cent want better marketing of the Pacific Islands as a destination.

The report also revealed that Pacific tourism operators are embracing digital channels, with 95 per cent generating sales online and social media accounting for the majority of online sales activity.

PTI Australia Trade Commissioner Tim Martin said the findings demonstrated the sector’s potential, while highlighting the challenges holding it back.

“The report shows Pacific tourism operators are among the region’s most internationally connected exporters. They’re reaching customers through digital channels and generating revenue from markets that many other sectors are still working to access,” Martin said.

“However, limited flight connectivity and the need for greater marketing support continue to constrain growth.”

The findings come as PTI Australia and SPTO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the SPTO Board Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, aimed at strengthening cooperation and supporting tourism growth across the region.

SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker said the report would help shape future regional tourism strategies.

“As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, amid changing economic conditions and shifting consumer preferences, access to timely and reliable industry data has never been more important,” Cocker said.

“The report’s insights will inform regional tourism planning, policy discussions, and industry initiatives, including those which SPTO and PTI Australia undertake as part of our new MOU.”

The full tourism spotlight report forms part of the wider Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026 series, which also includes sector-specific and country reports on Fiji and Vanuatu.