The Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), through its Pacific Tourism Data Initiative (PTDI), has released the findings from its 2023 International Visitor Survey (IVS) for the Kingdom of Tonga. This comprehensive survey, conducted throughout 2023, provides valuable insights into the demographics and behaviors of visitors to Tonga, shedding light on their origins, age, gender, and motivations for travel.
The survey, which gathered responses from over 1,000 participants representing a significant portion of Tonga’s visitors, reveals key factors that influenced traveler decisions. The warmth and hospitality of the Tongan people consistently emerged as a major draw, alongside the diverse range of activities and attractions available, and the overall cleanliness of the environment. These factors combined to create a positive and memorable travel experience for visitors.
The data highlights the significant economic impact of tourism on Tonga. In 2023, the island nation welcomed approximately 55,749 international visitors arriving by air, generating an estimated $69 million for the local economy. These figures underscore the vital role tourism plays in supporting the livelihoods of many Tongans.
Christopher Cocker, CEO of SPTO, emphasized the crucial role of the PTDI in providing actionable insights that shape tourism strategies in Tonga and the wider Pacific region. “By leveraging data-driven insights, this initiative helps policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders understand tourism dynamics in Tonga and other Pacific Island countries. The IVS report is just one example of how SPTO is committed to delivering timely and relevant information to support sustainable tourism development,” said Mr. Cocker.
The PTDI is a key component of the SPTO Phase 2 project on Pacific Digital Tourism Transformation. Funded by the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), this initiative is dedicated to enabling evidence-based decision-making within the tourism sector. The PTDI annually publishes three essential reports: the bi-annual International Visitor Survey (IVS), the annual Business Confidence Index (BCI), and the annual Community Attitude Survey (CAS), covering ten Pacific Island nations, including Tonga, Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Timor Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia.
The release of the 2023 Tonga IVS provides valuable information that will help to guide the future development of tourism in Tonga. The findings offer a roadmap for sustainable growth, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive while preserving the unique cultural heritage and natural beauty of this island nation.
