Tongan Chris Cocker will head the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), replacing Fiji’s Ilisoni Vuidreketi.
The appointment was confirmed by SPTO Chair, Sonja Hunter, after a board meeting on the Gold Coast Monday.
Hunter said the board accepted the recommendations of a sub-committee tasked to hire a chief executive for the region’s leading tourism organisation.
Cocker is expected to join SPTO shortly after leaving the Secretariat of the Pacific Community
The Tongan edged out Vuidreketi – who had served two terms as CEO – in the recruitment process.
Hunter said Cocker would lead the SPTO’s efforts to help grow tourism opportunities in the Pacific.
-Iskand Business / PACNEWS
