Tourism Leader CB Ramkumar Joins Vanuatu PM To Promote Agritourism

During the past week, CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), participated in the Pacific Agritourism and Food Tourism Validation Meeting. GSTC Member Regenerative Vanua organised this event in collaboration with the Global Agritourism Network Pacific Committee. Notably, the Prime Minister of Vanuatu graced the occasion, overseeing the formal signing of a Commitment Declaration. This declaration signifies the Prime Minister's endorsement of the expansion of Regenerative Vanua's innovative Regenerative Agritourism program and standards across the Pacific region.

The gathering aimed to advance the trajectory of agritourism within the Pacific sphere. Key objectives encompassed the empowerment of Indigenous communities and fostering global synergies, partnerships, and financial backing for the Pacific's agritourism sector.

Shaping A Better Future

"I extend my congratulations to all for the collective effort shown in aiding Vanuatu. Together, we are forging pathways to delve into the realm of regenerative agritourism. The government stands ready to offer the necessary assistance, recognising its pivotal role in fortifying our economy's resilience. This endeavour aligns with our nation's core values, traditions, and wisdom. Kudos to Regenerative Vanua for devising standards that will enable us to exhibit our local culinary heritage and time-honoured agricultural practices on the global stage...Vanuatu is poised to lead in the domain of regenerative agritourism, not only inspiring our Pacific brethren but also the world at large," expressed Vanuatu's Prime Minister, Mr Ishmael Kalsakau. He also committed to maximising governmental involvement to boost the group's mission to support the country and its people. 

CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair of GSTC, remarked, "Mainstream tourism has, unfortunately, overlooked the potency, significance, and wealth of Indigenous cultures. This paradigm is shifting, thanks to the trailblazing efforts of Regenerative Vanua. Their meticulously crafted approach, backed by thorough research, propels the evolution of Regenerative Indigenous Agritourism. The world has been presented with compelling instances, and their vigour and competence are poised to usher in a transformative paradigm shift in the realm of tourism."

Expressing gratitude, Jerry Spooner, Executive Director of Regenerative Vanua, extended appreciation to the Prime Minister for engaging with both local and international experts. He highlighted that Regenerative Vanua's initiatives and benchmarks had been formulated to adopt an approach that prioritises community resilience over tourism as the sole focus. The crux of Regenerative Agritourism lies in the restoration of traditional Indigenous knowledge systems, thus catalysing the rejuvenation of culture, land, water bodies, and oceans, fostering a deep-rooted sense of pride among Pacific communities.

Vanuatu's Prime Minister and representatives from WINTA, Pacific Island Food Revolution, ACIAR, Vanuatu Standards Bureau, Anna Pollock, and local communities were also present.