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The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) in partnership with the Yap Visitors Bureau (YVB) hosted a week-long in-country workshop (June 10-14) focusing on data initiatives and the Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI). This is a key project focused on collecting and analyzing tourism data to make informed decisions for sustainable tourism development. SPTO also conducted marketing training, outlining marketing activities and initiatives, and focusing on marketing metrics.
The PTDI project supports evidence-based planning and decision-making. Components include the creation of the biennial International Visitor Survey (IVS), annual Business Confidence Index (BCI) and annual Community Attitudes Survey (CAS) reports. These reports provide important insights into community perceptions and attitudes towards tourism.
Micronesia-Yap is one of ten countries (Niue, Cook Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea) under the New Zealand Government-funded PTDI project to collect and analyse tourism data. The Digital Measurement and Benchmarking Dashboard programme plays a vital role in the SPTO’s monitoring and evaluation function, which is divided into three parts and sets standards for marketing and sustainable tourism indicators in the Pacific region.
The workshop, held at the Yap Visitors Bureau office, attracted eight participants who will be equipped with the necessary tools to advance insightful research findings for tourism in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia.
SPTO Research and Statistics Manager Prashil Parkas, Marketing Manager Kiniviliame Raicebe and Research Officer Josese Ragigia with workshop participants
Opening the symposium, the YVB General Manager stressed the importance of data and research to make informed decisions and develop public policies that will contribute to the development of sustainable tourism in the region.
Tourism Univis Bay General Manager Susan Gooliyan further reiterated the importance of working with the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) on initiatives such as the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI) project.
“A recent week-long in-country workshop focused on data initiatives, digital measurement and benchmarking dashboards demonstrated the importance of collecting and analysing tourism data for informed decision making.
“In collaboration with the SPTO and other stakeholders, we are committed to using data-driven insights to advance sustainable tourism in Micronesia-Yap and across the Pacific,” said Gooliyan. “Through initiatives such as the PTDI project, we aim to enhance our understanding of visitor behaviors, preferences and trends, ultimately shaping a vibrant future for tourism in our country and the region.”
Pacific Tourism Organisation chief executive Christopher Coker echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the role data plays in shaping a sustainable and vibrant future for Pacific tourism.
Mr. Coker said: “FSM-Yap is very honoured to have the SPTO on an in-country training visit to enhance the skills of its researchers in the use of advanced statistical analysis tools such as SurveyMonkey, SPSS and NVIVO. I would also like to thank the Yap Tourism Board for taking the lead in organizing this workshop and the New Zealand Government for funding this project.”
“The workshop was critical to driving insightful research findings for Yap’s tourism industry. Data collaboration is key to implementing digital measurement and benchmarking dashboards for tourism stakeholders.”
Workshop participant Louisa Wagthuth, an economic development expert from Singapore’s Ministry of Commerce, said the five-day workshop had greatly enhanced her skills in data analytics for the tourism industry, enabling her to use statistical analysis software to understand customer behaviour, preferences and trends.
By hosting workshops and fostering collaboration with local partners, Pacific Tourism Organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, and across the Pacific region.
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