Pacific’s tourism assets are its people, environment and culture - Cocker

National and regional pageants give recognition to young Pacific Island women and their contributions to regional affairs across diverse fields.

This was highlighted by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation that welcomed and hosted Miss Pacific Islands 2016 Anne Christine Dunn to a luncheon at their office in Suva today.

South Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive Officer Chris Cocker  says Dunn, who is also Miss Fiji 2016 was recently crowned the overall winner at the 30th Miss Pacific Islands pageant last week in Apia, Samoa.

Eight Pacific Island beauties from American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Samoa competed in this year’s event.

Cocker says that the Pacific’s tourism assets are its people, environment and culture; and pageants serve as a unique platform to celebrate these assets.

He adds that SPTO, as the leading regional body for tourism promotion, will continue to support national and regional pageants that celebrate cultural diversity, promote our idyllic Pacific destinations, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings of the host country.

Miss Pacific Islands 2016 Anne Dunn is championing awareness on climate change and tourism in the Pacific, with a special focus on young women and youths.