News

Palau’s Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development has launched the new Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2025-2028, developed with support from PSDI.

Through a strategic framework of guiding principles, goals, objectives, priorities, and activities, the strategy establishes a clear national direction for building a tourism sector that protects Palau’s unique environment, strengthens communities, and delivers long-term economic value.

Writing in the strategy’s foreword, Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, stated that the “strategy is the result of deep collaboration — with national and state governments, NGOs, the private sector, and communities. It reflects a shared vision: to build a tourism industry that fosters pride among our people, earns respect from our visitors, and inspires our neighbors to do the same.”

“What helps make this strategy unique is its blend of tradition and innovation to promote sustainable tourism.”

The strategy focuses on attracting high-spend, low-impact visitors, growing the tourism sector’s economic contribution, and increasing local employment opportunities. It also includes measures to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises access the tools and financing needed to launch and grow resilient tourism businesses.

The strategy emphasizes:

• a whole-of-country destination management partnership model;
• strong alignment with national and state development and planning frameworks and the global tourism context; and
• a set of clear priorities and actions for the first year of the strategy’s implementation to support locally owned businesses, improve infrastructure, and strengthen tourism monitoring and governance.

PSDI supported the development of the strategy throughout 2024 and 2025. This included support for the drafting and finalization of the document, and supporting the Ministry to undertake extensive consultation and collaboration with state and national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and communities to ensure a shared vision for the tourism sector. 

“This document represents a culmination of over a year of dedication, collaboration, and meticulous planning, marking a new chapter in Palau’s journey toward sustainable tourism development,” said Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development, Republic of Palau.

PSDI is proud to have supported Palau in this milestone achievement and looks forward to continuing to work with the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development to support the strategy’s implementation.

Summary of the Palau Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2025-2028