Honiara, Solomon Islands – Pacific tourism operators are outperforming the broader Pacific export sector, with nearly half reporting revenue growth over the past year. However, limited international air connectivity remains the industry’s leading challenge, according to a new joint report released by Pacific Trade Invest Australia and Pacific Tourism Organisation. The findings are being released alongside a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations to strengthen collaboration in support of the tourism sector.
While tourism operators reported stronger revenue growth than the broader Pacific export sector, many remain concerned about future growth prospects. The report identifies limited international air connectivity as the industry’s leading challenge, highlighting the importance of reliable aviation links in supporting tourism-led economic growth across the region.
The Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026 – Tourism Industry Spotlight finds that 47% of Pacific tourism operators have seen revenue increase in the past year. Despite strong recent performance, future sentiment remains cautious, sitting below the Pacific average. Limited international air connectivity is listed as the sector’s leading barrier at 44%, ahead of operating costs and finance. Assistance with marketing their business (50%) and better marketing of the Pacific Islands as a destination (44%) top the list of priorities. The report also highlights the sector’s strong adoption of digital sales channels, with 95% of operators reporting sales through online channels, with social media accounting for most of the online sales activity.
PTI Australia and Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) have signed an MOU at the SPTO Board Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands, formalising the organisations’ commitment to working together to address the opportunities and challenges identified through the report.
PTI Australia Trade Commissioner, Tim Martin said the findings highlight both the strength of the Pacific tourism sector and the areas requiring greater support.
“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.
“However, limited flight connectivity and the need for greater marketing support continue to constrain growth. PTI Australia works to help Pacific businesses connect with international markets and grow export opportunities. Tourism is one of the region’s most valuable export sectors, and these findings will help guide the priorities of PTI Australia and SPTO as we strengthen our collaboration through this new partnership.”
SPTO Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Cocker said tourism remains one of the Pacific’s most important export industries and the report provides valuable insights to support future planning and industry development.
“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.
“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.”
PTI Network’s Pacific Islands Export Survey 2026 report series is currently being released, with the Main Report and Highlights Report now available. The series includes spotlight reports on Tourism, Agriculture and Manufacturing, as well as country-specific reports on Vanuatu and Fiji, providing more targeted market and sector analysis to support investment, policy and business decision-making across the Pacific.