The World Health Organization (WHO) and South Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) has signed a memorandum of understanding to promote healthy work places and accessible facilities in the South Pacific region’s tourism industry.
This is aimed at benefitting both the visitors and the hotel workers where possible and appropriate.
WHO representative for the South Pacific Corinne Capuano says that through this initiative, they planned to instil healthier and a more inclusive tourism sector in the pacific.
“In the Pacific, the tourism sector is a big employer. Eliminating smoke in public places results in a healthier and therefore more productive workforce.”
She added the MOU will also provide an opportunity for collaboration across the region between WHO and SPTO.
SPTO Chief Executive Christopher Roy Cocker welcomed the partnership.
This is the first time WHO and SPTO has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create a healthier tourism sector in the Pacific Region.
This partnership is also aimed to meet international obligations such as international treaties on WHO convention on tobacco control and global non- communicable diseases targets.
