- Airlines are the lifeblood of the global economy and a fundamental driver of tourism
[Abu Dhabi – 2 October 2025] – Knighthood Global Chairman, James Hogan AO, has been invited by the Pacific Tourism Organization (SPTO) to speak at the upcoming Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting, taking place in Vava’u, Tonga, as part of the annual Pacific Islands Tourism Ministers’ Forum from 20 to 22 October 2025.
A distinguished veteran of the airline industry, Mr. Hogan brings four decades of leadership experience across start-ups and large-scale transformation projects in global aviation.
In an initiative facilitated by UNSW Sydney, School of Aviation, he will deliver a keynote address centered on the theme ‘Connecting Tourism and Aviation’. In his remarks, Mr. Hogan will underscore the critical role aviation plays as an economic enabler and a foundational element in national strategic planning. Drawing on real-world case studies and successful airline models, he will illustrate how building a fit-for-purpose network, underpinned by the right fleet can unlock economic potential through increased foreign investment, business growth, job creation, and inbound tourism, all of which are vital to the prosperity of Pacific Island nations.
He will also explore strategies for network expansion, including the use of codeshares and strategic partnerships, showing how underserved markets can be transformed through improved connectivity. These sustainable approaches offer long-term solutions to enhance access to and from the island nations that make up the region.
Following his address, James will join an open panel discussion alongside regional tourism ministers and aviation experts to further examine the opportunities and challenges facing the Blue Pacific Continent.
The keynote appearance of James Hogan at the SPTO Tourism Ministers’ Forum is part of a partnership between SPTO and UNSW Sydney, School of Aviation to address aviation challenges in the region by facilitating a collaborative approach, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss solutions for a safe, accessible and sustainable aviation industry in the Pacific, ultimately improving connectivity and tourism in the region and progress for all.
SPTO Chief Executive Officer Christopher Cocker “Strengthening this partnership is essential if we are to unlock the full potential of Pacific Island nations and ensure our people continue to thrive. We look forward to hearing valuable insights from Mr. Hogan. Tourism and aviation are inseparable in the Pacific. Without reliable air connectivity, our islands remain isolated — but with it, we open pathways to opportunity, investment, and shared prosperity.”
Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) serves as the region’s mandated agency for tourism marketing and development. SPTO promotes responsible and resilient tourism strategies to ensure long-term sustainable growth and shared prosperity across the Pacific. In addition to government members, SPTO also enlists a private sector membership base.
About Knighthood Global
Founded by principals James Hogan and James Rigney, Knighthood Global is a specialist aviation, travel, and tourism advisory firm headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. The company offers deep sector expertise and a proven track record in delivering turnkey strategic planning and operational solutions to governments, airlines, and tourism organizations worldwide.
About UNSW Aviation
UNSW Sydney is the highest ranked university in the world (GS World Ranking #20) with a standalone School of Aviation offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in aviation management, flying and drones, and conducts research. UNSW Aviation provides the golden mean in tertiary education for safe, sustainable and accessible aviation.
For further information, please contact: contact@knighthoodglobal.com
Source: Knighthood Global