Penny in association with TRC developed the first sustainable tourism policy framework and action plan for the Pacific in 2021. Penny led this project uniting 20 Pacific leaders, to use tourism to support the wellbeing of Pacific people and their island and ocean resources and ecosystems. The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Framework was developed for the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) on behalf of its members, including the governments of American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna and Rapa Nui and over 200 private sector members from all parts of the tourism industry throughout the Pacific.
The Pacific Minsters Council (20 nations) approved the framework without amendment and 15 nations have now signed the Sustainable Tourism Statement of Commitment to rebuild and transform the tourism sector. This represents a major shift in the approach to destination planning and development for Pacific nations and their development partners. This project was nominated as an Australian Banksia Sustainability Award Finalist in 2023.
