Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Pacific Tourism Organisation Releases 2024 Tonga Visitor Survey: New Data Highlights Tourism Trends and Economic Impact
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) and in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Tonga Tourism Authority, and Tonga Statistics Department, has released the 2024 International Visitor...

Pacific Tourism Organisation Partners with Solomon Islands Tourism on 2024 Business Confidence Index
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), in collaboration with Tourism Solomons and the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), has released the Solomon Islands Business Confidence Index (BCI) 2024 Report. This comprehensive...

Three Hato Hone St John Tutors Travel To Niue To Teach First Aid And Life-saving...
Waimanu Pulu (Medical Doctor, Department of Health) Sheree King (HHSJ tutor), Oscilyna Kulatea (Paramedic, Department of Health), James Shilton (General Manager of Matavai Scenic Resort) Glen ‘Ping’ Gould (HHSJ tutor) and Margaret Smith (HHSJ...

Visa-Free Travel to New Zealand for Palau and Pacific Visitors
Starting in November 2025, passport holders from Palau and other Pacific Islands Forum countries will be able to travel to New Zealand from Australia without needing a visa. This initiative will be trialed for 12 months. According to an...

Irish passports have major travelling perk that most countries do not but people unaware
The Irish passport has been named the most powerful in the world. The Nomad Passport Index calculated this based on several factors, including the countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, the allowance of dual citizenship and global...

Irish passport holders given incredible travel perk other countries don’t have
The Irish passport has been named the most powerful in the world. The Nomad Passport Index calculated this based on several factors, including the countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, the allowance of dual citizenship and global...

NZ Transnational Crime Unit conduct workshop in Niue
For the first time, a 2 member team from the New Zealand Transnational Crime Unit (NZTCU) were in Niue this week to conduct A Foundational intelligence workshop. The two day workshop focused on developing capacity and up-skilling for the Niue...

Niue Tourism updates their image library
Last year Tourism Niue bought in renowned Australian photographer David Kirkland who was here to refresh and renew their image. During his two weeks stay in Niue, David captured a stunning array of images that showcased Niue’s natural beauty,...

Indian Passport Holders Can Travel Visa-Free To 62 Countries: Check Full List From Nepal, Maldives, Thailand, Iran, And More
Home Destination Indian Passport Holders Can Travel Visa Free To Countries Check Full List From Nepal Maldives Thailand Iran And More Indian passport holders can travel to 62 countries without a Visa such as some Southeast Asian destinations, the...

Federated States of Micronesia Yap State Residents Share Their Vision for Tourism Growth through SPTO’s Community Attitudes Survey
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), has completed the first-ever Community Attitudes Survey (CAS) for the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Yap, providing valuable insights into local...

Rarotonga businesses gain AI edge at Cook Islands Tourism workshop
The Cook Islands Tourism “Future of Tourism Marketing” workshop brought together tourism orientated businesses. MELINA ETCHES/25032712 In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, Cook Islands Tourism is taking proactive steps...

Tourist arrival numbers increase by 28 percent for 2024
2024 saw a significant increase in the number of tourist arrivals to Niue by 28 percent compared to 2023. This was confirmed by Niue Tourism Director-Micah Fuhiniu-Viviani to BCN News. This upward trend highlights the strong recovery and renewed...

SPTO and PNG Tourism Promotion Authority release Key Findings from International Visitor Survey
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) and in collaboration with the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), has published the 2024 Papua New Guinea Annual IVS Report from the...

4 of 5 Tourists Willing to Return to PNG, SPTO Survey Shows
Four out of five tourists who visited Papua New Guinea in 2024 were satisfied and are willing to return to the country and would recommend it to other tourists, according to the annual PNG International Visitor Survey (IVS) Report released this...

‘Niue is your home’
Prime Minister of Niue Dalton Tagelagi visited Aotearoa New Zealand this week to attend the funeral service of former Common Roll Member of Parliament Richard Hipa, whose contributions and lasting impact were commemorated by many. During his...

Transforming Pacific Tourism: PTDI Strengthens Data-Driven Decision-Making
The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) has released key findings from the first-year impact assessment of the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), highlighting its transformative role in strengthening National Tourism Organisations (NTOs)...

Top 3 Hidden Paradise Islands for Solo Travelers in the Pacific
The Pacific offers some of the world’s most peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destinations—ideal for solo travelers. If you’re looking for solitude, adventure, and cultural immersion, these 3 hidden islands are perfect for your next getaway. 1. Niue:...

Visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders ‘not a priority’
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says visa-free travel for Pacific Islanders is not a priority for the Government now. He says the Coalition’s focus is on investor and workforce visas. In response to a petition from the Green Party advocating for...

Niue tackles teacher shortage
Niue is in critical need of teachers for the new school year. According to the Broadcasting Corporation of Niue, there are 15 teacher vacancies; 11 at Niue high school and four at Niue primary school. Niue’s Department of Education and the Niue...

Government plans for Fualahi include new flats for growing expatriate community
In its efforts to address the ongoing challenges of housing expatriate workers, the government has informed the local Niuean tenants at Fualahi that they have up to two years to vacate the properties. The minister of the Public Service Commission...