NEW SUSTAINABLE TOURISM STRATEGY TO GUIDE GROWTH AND RESILIENCE IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
- Kimber Rilometo
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
MAJURO, REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS (27 September 2025)—The Marshall Islands (RMI) has launched its new High-Level Sustainable Tourism Policy and Development Strategy 2025-2030, which aims to drive economic growth while protecting the nation’s culture and environment. The strategy was developed by the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism (OCIT) with the support of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI).
The High-Level Sustainable Tourism Policy and Development Strategy, which was revealed at an event hosted by OCIT on World Tourism Day, provides a comprehensive framework to guide the development of a sustainable tourism sector. It includes a high-level action plan with measures to improve infrastructure and services, support tourism businesses, protect cultural and natural assets, and develop high-quality and authentic visitor experiences.
“We are proud to present the RMI Sustainable Tourism Policy and Development Strategy,” said Honorable Anthony Muller, Minister for Natural Resources and Commerce for the RMI, during his keynote speech at the event. “This strategy is more than a plan; it is our legacy. It’s how we will chart a course towards a prosperous, sustainable, and proud future for the Marshall Islands.”
The strategy sets ambitious goals and targets for 2030 that will deliver tangible benefits for the Marshallese. These include increasing the contribution of tourism to gross domestic product by 35%, increasing the proportion of visiting Marshallese citizens and holiday visitors, improving air connectivity between Honolulu and Majuro, and expanding accommodation capacity in Majuro. It also aims to increase tourism employment opportunities for the Marshallese and to grow the number of registered tourism businesses by 20%.
The strategy was developed through collaboration with traditional leaders, local communities, the private sector, regional partners, central and local governments, and the House of Chiefs to create a shared vision for tourism. Their continued involvement is built into the strategy to support its implementation.
“The High-Level Sustainable Tourism Policy and Development Strategy is not just for the OCIT. It is a national document, an essential blueprint for every person and entity in the RMI. The vision of a new era for tourism is a collective responsibility,” said Kimber Rilometo, OCIT Tourism Manager.
“Congratulations to the Office of Commerce, Investment and Tourism, who have led the development of the policy and strategy,” said ADB Principal Country Officer, Ellen Paul. “ADB, through PSDI, is proud to have worked alongside you on this work, which highlights and supports the Marshall Islands’ commitment to developing tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth.”
In his welcoming remarks at the launch, OCIT Board Chairman Randel Sylvester congratulated OCIT on its leadership and thanked PSDI for its support. Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) chief executive officer, Chris Cocker, also delivered special remarks, commending the strategy’s vision and reaffirming SPTO’s readiness to assist in its implementation.
PSDI is an ADB technical assistance program undertaken in partnership with the governments of Australia and New Zealand. It supports ADB’s 14 Pacific DMCs to improve the enabling environment for business and to achieve inclusive, private sector-led economic growth, including through evidence-based tourism planning.
